Sales of the Skoda Kushaq have dipped drastically over the past 6 months. This primary has to do with the launch of Kylaq which has effectively cannibalised on the sales of the Kushaq. While Kylaq does an average monthly business of 4,000 to 5,000 units, the Kushaq is struggling to breach the four-figure mark.
Launched in 2021, a mid-cycle update for the Kushaq is due big time now. A spy image of two facelifted Kushaq units has been spotted testing for the first time. The test mules are seen wrapped completely underneath a camouflage although we are still able to figure out that the exterior of the Kushaq facelift is most likely to remain identical to the current model.
Skoda Kushaq facelift: Expected changes
Exterior highlights such as boomerang-shaped LED taillamps, roof rails, the split headlamp setup at the front, and the signature Skoda butterfly grille have been carried over from the existing model. The LED taillamps are now expected to be connected through a thin DRL stripe. Up front, the bumper has been tweaked slightly to incorporate a larger and a more squared-off air dam with an all-black honeycomb mesh grille.
On the side, the Kushaq facelift remains largely unchanged, except for a new set of blacked-out alloy wheels. Skoda may also tweak the rear bumper of the Kushaq in order to match it with the repofiled front bumper. Rest of the design details are expected to remain unchanged.
Skoda is unlikely to tinker with the cabin layout of Kushaq but can expect a few more features added to the equipment. These include a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance system (ADAS), ambient lighting and a 360-degree camera.
Skoda Kushaq: Powertrain options
Mechanically, the Kushaq facelift is likely to remain unchanged but there’s a big catch. It will continue to draw power from two turbocharged petrol engine options: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI unit and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TSI EVO unit. The former kicks out 116 bhp and 175 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with the 1.0-litre unit.
The new AISIN-sourced transmission is expected to enhance fuel efficiency, aiding Skoda in meeting the upcoming CAFE III regulations. However, the 8-speed automatic won’t be offered with the Kushaq facelift at launch and is scheduled to arrive later in 2026. On the other hand , the 1.5-litre unit is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic.
Source: Autocar India
