2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift: 360-Degree Camera, Level 2 ADAS, Bigger Screens, And A Cleaner Design

Skoda is lining up a thorough mid cycle refresh for the Kushaq in early 2026. The brief is clear. Close the feature gaps, sharpen the styling, and add driver assistance that buyers in this segment now expect. The big addition is a factory 360 degree camera that makes tight parking and narrow lanes far easier. Alongside it comes an expanded tech stack that includes a fresh infotainment interface, a panoramic sunroof option, a revised digital instrument display, and an upgraded audio system. The result is a compact SUV that keeps the Kushaq driving character intact while speaking more directly to tech first shoppers.

Big Safety And Feature Jump

Skoda will pair the surround view camera with a wider set of convenience upgrades. Expect a larger, crisper central touchscreen with faster response, a cleaner menu structure, and wireless smartphone integration. The panoramic sunroof joins the options list to match rivals that already offer a wide glass roof. A revised digital driver display will present navigation prompts, ADAS status, and trip data with clearer graphics. The audio package steps up a notch for richer low end punch and better cabin coverage.

These updates are strategic. Skoda now sells the smaller Kylaq with an equipment list that overlaps the current Kushaq. The facelift re asserts the Kushaq’s placement above its sibling through more kit and a stronger visual identity.

Quick Summary

Level 2 ADAS Arrives

The headline tech addition besides the 360 degree camera is a Level 2 ADAS suite on higher trims. Expect adaptive cruise control for steady highway pace, lane keeping assist for gentle steering support, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking for sudden stops, and blind spot monitoring to ease multi lane traffic. This moves the Kushaq into the same conversation as the Creta, Seltos, Astor, Elevate, and the incoming Curvv, all of which tout driver assistance as a decision maker.

Proven Crash Safety, Now With More Assistance

The Kushaq already owns a strong foundation. It was the first India model to bag a five star Global NCAP rating under the newer protocol. Six airbags are standard along with ESC, hill hold, and a tyre pressure monitor. The facelift builds on this with active safety that can prevent incidents rather than only protect after the fact. Families who prioritize safety tech will find the new bundle compelling.

Exterior Design: Familiar Stance, Cleaner Details

Spy shots and test mules point to a tidy refresh rather than wholesale change. Up front, the grille evolves toward Skoda’s Modern Solid design language with a tighter mesh and a more horizontal emphasis. Headlamps and DRLs adopt sharper internal graphics, while the bumper receives crisper creases. At the rear, the tailgate gets a mild reprofile and the lamp signatures are updated for a more contemporary night view. Alloy wheels move to a five spoke theme with aero friendly surfacing. Test cars show blacked out rims, though production finishes will likely include dual tone machine cut options.

Cabin Tech And Comfort

Inside, the facelift focuses on screen experience and day to day touch points. The new infotainment unit pairs a larger panel with lower input lag and clearer iconography. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay carry forward, and Skoda’s connected suite will expand with more remote functions. The revised digital driver display uses legible fonts and smart layout to keep ADAS status, speed, and navigation in view simultaneously. Vent design and materials will see subtle improvements. Seat cushioning remains a Kushaq strength, and upper trims add the panoramic sunroof for an airier cabin feel.

Engines And Transmissions At Launch

Skoda keeps the heart of the package unchanged at launch. The 1.0 litre three cylinder TSI continues at about 115 hp and 178 Nm with two choices. A six speed manual for drivers who want control and a six speed torque converter automatic for easy city use. The 1.5 litre four cylinder TSI remains the performance pick at about 150 hp and 250 Nm with a seven speed dual clutch automatic. Cylinder deactivation on the 1.5 TSI helps its real world efficiency during light load cruising.

Eight Speed Automatic Planned For Later

A notable transmission change sits on the roadmap. Skoda plans to migrate the 1.0 TSI automatic from the current six speed torque converter to a new eight speed Aisin unit later in 2026. The aim is smoother low speed behavior, tighter ratio spacing, and improved economy to align with CAFE III requirements. This update will not ship with the first wave of facelift cars, so early buyers will see the familiar six speed automatic on the 1.0 TSI.

Ride, Handling, And Everyday Ease

The MQB A0 IN platform remains the constant that gives the Kushaq its balanced feel. Steering is light yet precise in the city and stable at highway speeds. Suspension tuning targets comfortable compliance over broken patches without losing body control when loaded with passengers and luggage. The new 360 degree camera and improved parking sensors will make daily slots and mall ramps far less stressful, especially for first time SUV owners stepping up from hatchbacks or compact sedans.

Pricing, Rivals, And Timing

The 2026 Kushaq facelift is slated for an early 2026 arrival. Indicative pricing should begin near ₹11 lakh ex showroom and extend to around ₹19 lakh for top trims, broadly mirroring today’s spread with room for feature led increments. Direct rivals include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, and the incoming Tata Curvv. Expect the Taigun to mirror most updates since both share the MQB A0 IN base under the Volkswagen Group India 2.0 strategy.

Why It Matters

Kushaq’s fundamentals have always been strong. Stout structure, tidy dynamics, and efficient turbo petrol engines set a solid baseline. The facelift adds the missing convenience and assistance features that tend to swing buyer choices in this price band. With a surround view camera, Level 2 ADAS, a larger and faster head unit, and a cleaner design, the Kushaq becomes a more rounded proposition for families that split time between city errands and weekend highways.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are the two biggest new features on the 2026 Kushaq

The 360 degree surround view camera and the Level 2 ADAS suite on higher trims.

2) Will the engines change with the facelift

No immediate changes. The 1.0 TSI continues with 6 MT or 6 AT, and the 1.5 TSI continues with 7 DSG.

3) When will the new 8 speed automatic arrive for the 1.0 TSI

Skoda targets a later 2026 rollout. The facelift launch batch retains the six speed automatic on the 1.0 TSI.

4) What safety equipment is standard

Six airbags, ESC, hill hold, tyre pressure monitoring, and a strong body that has already achieved a five star Global NCAP rating under the newer protocol on the pre facelift model.

5) Which SUVs does the Kushaq facelift compete with

Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, and Tata Curvv when it arrives.

6) Will pricing increase compared to the current car

A moderate step up is likely due to added equipment. Indicative spread is about ₹11 lakh to ₹19 lakh ex showroom, final prices will be confirmed at launch.

Official Website
https://www.skoda-auto.co.in

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