by The Škoda company has introduced the updated compact crossover Kushaq for the Indian market. This facelift, which occurred almost five years after the debut of the original model, turned out to be quite substantial. Among the key innovations:
Premium Features in an Affordable Segment
Škoda has significantly updated its compact SUV Kushaq for the Indian market. One of the most unexpected new features became the massage option for the rear seats. Such a function is traditionally associated with premium sedans, not with affordable crossovers. Although it will most likely be available only in top trim levels, this indicates the growing demand of Indian buyers for luxury options even in budget segments.
Furthermore, the Kushaq received a larger panoramic sunroof, which is an important argument for many clients. The interior remained recognizable, however, higher versions are now equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster instead of the previous 8-inch one. It works in tandem with a 10.1-inch multimedia system, which integrates Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence.
Updated Exterior Design
The exterior of the Kushaq was mildly modernized. The front received LED optics with updated graphics, narrower lower units, and more stylish side inserts in the bumper. The radiator grille was redesigned and received illumination, and the central air intake became larger, framed by a skid plate similar to the one installed on the Jeep Avenger.
The side silhouette remained unchanged, if not counting the new alloy wheels. The rear now features full-width LED tail lights with an illuminated Škoda logo, adding a more expensive look. The bumper was also updated. Also, a sporty Monte Carlo version appeared in the lineup, repeating the concept of the European Kamiq.
Familiar Engines and a New Gearbox
The basis of the Kushaq, as before, is the MQB-A0-IN platform, developed specifically for India. The powertrain lineup remained unchanged: two gasoline TSI turbo engines with a displacement of 1.0 liters (113 hp) and 1.5 liters (148 hp). The drive, as before, is only front-wheel.
The main change in the transmission was the replacement of the six-speed automatic transmission with a new eight-speed one for the version with the 1.0 TSI engine. The model with the 1.5 TSI engine continues to be equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox, but now it has received disc brakes on all wheels.
Price and Competitors in the Market
Official prices for the updated Kushaq have not been announced yet. They are expected to be slightly higher than those of the previous model, which cost from 10.66 to 18.49 lakh rupees. In the Indian market, the crossover competes with models such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Tata Curvv, and the upcoming Renault Duster.
At the same time, the Kushaq is not the most affordable Škoda SUV in India. That place is occupied by the smaller Kylaq model, which starts from 7.59 lakh rupees. The base Kylaq also received an update, including new trim levels, an electric sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and 16-inch wheels.
Models like the Kushaq and Kylaq are not planned for sale in Europe or the USA, but they clearly demonstrate a trend in developing markets. Here, even budget cars are beginning to offer features and a level of comfort that are often lacking in much more expensive models in other regions of the world. This indicates that manufacturers are increasingly adapting to the specific demands of local buyers who want to get the maximum technology for accessible money, shaping new standards for the entire car market.
