The German TankisGettingaMakeover, Skoda Kushaq Facelift Coming in Jan 2026
If you have been planning to put your money down for a Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or a Grand Vitara this week, juststop. Hold your horses for a few more days.
Why? Because Skoda is up to something big.
We have received confirmed reports that Skoda India has blocked dates for a major media event on January 19 and 20, 2026. While they are being secretive about the name, the industry buzz is loud and clear: The New Skoda Kushaq Facelift is finally here.
The Kushaq has always been a driver’s delight, but let’s be honest, it was lacking some fancy features that Indian buyers love. Well, that is about to change.
Here is everything we know about the upcoming launch.
1. The Launch Date: Mark Your Calendars
Skoda has sent out Block Your Date invites for Jan 19-20. Since the Kylaq was just revealed and the new Kodiaq is a slightly more premium product expected later, this slot is almost certainly for the Kushaq Facelift.
- Launch Event: Jan 19-20, 2026
- Deliveries: Expected to start by early February.
2. Exterior: Sharp Just Got Sharper
The current Kushaq already looks handsome, but the facelift will make it look meaner. We have seen the test mules camouflaged cars running on Indian roads, and here is what’s changing:
- New Face: Expect a redesigned front grille, slightly bolder and connected LED headlamps.
- Bumper Tweak: The front and rear bumpers will get a sporty touch-up.
- Connected Tail Lamps: Just like the new Verna and Seltos, the Kushaq is expected to get a connected light bar at the back. It’s a trend, and Skoda won’t stay behind.
3. Features: Fixing the Missing Stuff
This is where the real game changes. The biggest complaint with the old Kushaq was that it felt a bit empty compared to a loaded Seltos. Skoda is fixing that.
The Big Additions:
- ADAS Level 2: Finally, the Kushaq will get safety tech like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Essential for highway runs.
- 360-Degree Camera: A massive relief for parking in tight Indian streets.
- Rear Seat Massage Rumored: Hold on, what? Yes, reports from MotorOctane suggest that the top model might get a rear seat massage function. If this happens, it’s a segment-first feature.
- Better AC: Early Kushaq owners complained about the AC tripping. We expect a beefed-up compressor in the 2026 model to handle Indian summers better.
4. Engine & Gearbox: A Big Surprise?
Mechanically, the Kushaq is already a beast. It will continue with the two turbo-petrol engines we love:
- 1.0L TSI: The pocket rocket.
- 1.5L TSI: The enthusiast’s choice 150 BHP.
But here is the twist: Rumors are flying that Skoda might ditch the old 6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter on the 1.0L engine and replace it with a new 8-Speed Automatic Gearbox.
- Why does this matter? More gears mean smoother shifts and better mileage on the highway. It makes the small engine feel much more premium.
5. Interior Quality
Expect soft-touch materials on the dashboard and maybe a new color theme. The old plastic-heavy feel of the door pads is likely getting an upgrade to justify the price tag.
6. Should You Wait? Final Verdict
Look, the current Kushaq is great, but the 2026 Facelift is going to be a complete package.
If you care about:
- Safety ADAS
- Better Features 360 Cam, Ventilated seats
- Resale Value: A New shape always fetches more
Then waiting until January 19 is a no-brainer. The prices might go up by ₹50,000 to ₹80,000, but for the extra kit you are getting, it sounds like a paisa-vasool deal.
What do you think? Will the new features be enough to beat the Creta? Or is Skoda too late to the party? Let me know in the comments below.
A Quick Note: We work hard to bring you the most accurate info through showroom visits and official updates. However, car prices and features can change without notice. We strongly recommend checking with your nearest dealer to get the latest figures before booking your car.
