Skoda Kushaq : Slipping behind the wheel of a Skoda Kushaq feels like grabbing a European thoroughbred tuned for Indian roads—crisp handling, solid build, and enough punch to make highway runs addictive.
Launched in 2021 as Skoda’s India-made compact SUV on the MQB-A0-IN platform, this five-seater has carved a loyal following by 2026, priced from ₹10.66 lakh to ₹18.49 lakh ex-showroom.
I’ve watched friends graduate from hatches to Kushaqs, loving how it hauls families through Sonipat’s pothole symphony while sipping fuel efficiently at 18-19 kmpl.
Whispers of a 2026 facelift tease sleeker LEDs and ADAS upgrades, keeping it fresh against Hyundai Creta and VW Taigun siblings, but the current lineup’s five-star Global NCAP safety and premium cabin already punch above weight.
Skoda’s service push and buyback schemes fuel steady sales, blending Czech engineering with local toughness for buyers craving substance over style overload.
Kushaq’s secret sauce? MQB bones deliver planted dynamics in a segment chasing soft-road comfort.
Aggressive Lines Pack Refined Muscle
Stretching 4225mm long, 1760mm wide, 1612mm tall on a 2651mm wheelbase, Kushaq commands presence with 188mm clearance scoffing urban ruts.
Split-LED headlamps sandwich vertical DRL fangs, spiderweb grille snarls bold, flared arches hint rally roots. 16-17 inch alloys (Monte Carlo red calipers) grip 205/55 or 215/60 rubber planted, L-shaped taillamps connect sleek, dual exhausts growl authority.
Cabin welcomes with soft-touch dash, dual 10-inch screens—floating infotainment beams wireless Android Auto crisp, virtual cockpit customizes views.
Ventilated fronts cool Haryana summers, leatherette (top trims) hugs supportive, ambient LEDs mood-shift nights. Rear folds 60:40 for 385L boot expanding 1400L, fast USBs everywhere, sunroof floods light generous.
2026 facelift rumors: slimmer lights, flush handles boost aero. Colors like Candy White, Lava Red pop; Monte Carlo dual-tones flex sport.
Twin TSI Hearts Deliver Thrill
1.0L three-pot TSI turbo petrol (999cc) pumps 114 bhp at 5000-5500rpm, 178 Nm from 1750rpm—6MT or 6AT mates smooth, 19.76 kmpl MT ARAI (18 real mixed). Punchy mid-range overtakes trucks easy, 170kmph top tickles fun.
1.5L TSI four-cylinder (1498cc) cranks 148 bhp at 5000-6000rpm, 250 Nm 1600-3500rpm—7DSG auto shifts lightning, 18.86 kmpl claimed. 0-100 blinks 8.6 seconds planted, DSG paddles spice manuals.
ESC standard grips corners, multi-collision brake halts chains, drive modes (Normal/Sport/Individual) tune vibes. Ride’s sharp—MacPherson front, twist-beam rear irons potholes firm, steering weighs perfect. Ventilated discs bite progressive.
Kit That Spoils Without Bloat
13.2-inch infotainment (MySkoda Connect) pings remote AC, live traffic. Six airbags base, 360-cam cleans reverses, TPMS nags, wireless charger pings. Canton sound thumps, powered seats (1.5 Prestige), ventilated rears pamper.
Level 2 ADAS whispers (lane keep, adaptive cruise on facelift hopes). Variants ladder: Classic basics, Onyx/Signature mid, Sportline/Monte Carlo bling, Prestige loaded.
Ownership Solid as Czech Engineering
Skoda’s net grows—₹8k services yearly, resale 75% post-two years strong. Spares pinch vs Maruti, but last. CNG whispers? Not yet, turbo efficiency rules.
Niggles? Rear tight six-footers, boot shallow lip—but space beats Seltos. Mods: Kammback spoilers, alloys grippier.
Tested NH-44 slogs—DSG whipped traffic, mileage 17kmpl loaded.
Beats Creta on dynamics, Taigun twin edges service.
Buzz Builds for Facelift Fever
January discounts nibble ₹40k, festive piles tempt. 2026 spy shots tease new nose, ventilated seats standard, 1.5 mild-hybrid rumors boost 22kmpl. Forums rave chassis, clock 50k km drama-free.
Rivals sweat: facelift eyes X-Line style, ADAS parity.
Also read this : Maruti Suzuki WagonR launched with all updated features, price is under ₹3 Lakh only
Skoda Kushaq Drive Reigns Supreme
Skoda Kushaq cruises 2026 confidently—planted poise, turbo thrill, premium polish for India’s spirited drives. Facelift teases sharpen edge, but current formula conquers corners and commutes alike.
Families to fun-seekers, it rewards enthusiasts sans excess. Showrooms call; one blast hooks—this Czech cub roars loudest, kilometer after grin-inducing kilometer.