Skoda has released the first teaser of the upcoming Kushaq facelift ahead of its expected launch this month. The short teaser doesn’t reveal much beyond a veiled view of the SUV’s front end, but it confirms that the midsize SUV is set for a proper mid-lifecycle refresh.
First launched in 2021, the Kushaq rivals models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate and Tata Sierra. The facelift is expected to bring a mix of design tweaks and feature additions.
- Kushaq facelift likely to get minor exterior changes on front and rear
- Expected feature additions include Level 2 ADAS and panoramic sunroof
- Kushaq 1.0 TSI could get an 8AT unit sometime later next year
Skoda Kushaq facelift exterior design
Redesigned headlights and connected tail-lamps likely
Spy shots of the Kushaq facelift test mules suggest that the exterior updates will be focused mainly on the front and rear ends. The facelift is expected to get revised headlamps and changes to the front bumper. The moustache-like grille at the front appears to have grown larger with slimmer LED daytime running lamps (DRLs).
The rear part of the test mules shows slimmer tail-lamps that appear to be connected by a protruding section on the tailgate. The SUV has also been seen with a new set of matte-black-painted alloy wheels, likely 17-inchers.
Skoda Kushaq facelift interior and features
Panoramic sunroof and rear-seat massage function expected
While the cabin has not been fully revealed yet, the Kushaq facelift is expected to receive a longer equipment list to stay competitive. Spy images indicate that it will get a panoramic sunroof on higher trims.
The Kushaq facelift is also likely to get a segment-first massage function for the rear seats, new graphics for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, and rear disc brakes for 1.5 TSI variants. Even the air-conditioning system is expected to receive updates to improve it over the current model.
Skoda Kushaq facelift ADAS and safety upgrades
Level 2 ADAS confirmed for MQB-A0-IN facelifts
Skoda has already indicated that Level 2 ADAS will be introduced step-by-step with facelifts across its models based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. For reference, most segment competitors already offer an ADAS suite; some of them are the new Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate and MG Astor.
A 360-degree camera is also expected to be added, as per earlier reports.
Skoda Kushaq facelift engines and gearbox options
Same engine and gearbox options, new 8-speed automatic likely to follow later
The facelifted Kushaq is expected to continue with the current engine options: the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (115hp, 178Nm) and the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (150hp, 250Nm). The existing gearbox options are also likely to remain at launch: 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0-litre unit and 7-speed DSG for the larger mill.
However, Skoda is also expected to introduce a new localised 8-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0-litre engine at a later stage, which could eventually replace the current 6-speed unit. The 8-speed transmission should boost fuel efficiency by providing closer-ratio steps between gears, resulting in smoother transitions and less fuel wastage during both acceleration and deceleration. It will also help Skoda meet the stricter upcoming CAFE 3 norms.
