Škoda Auto India has launched the updated Kushaq, further strengthening its position in the highly competitive Indian SUV market. The refreshed model introduces several segment-first features, including a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and a rear seat massage function, along with added features and enhanced standard equipment. Staying aligned with Škoda Auto India’s philosophy of bringing European engineering closer to Indian customers, the updated Kushaq delivers improved comfort, technology, and safety tailored for local road conditions.
Building on the strong success of its predecessor, the Kushaq has already crossed sales of 94,900 units and is exported to key growth markets such as Vietnam, the Middle East, and Africa. The latest update is expected to further reinforce India’s role as Škoda Auto’s second most important market outside Europe and support the brand’s international growth ambitions.
Commenting on the development, Škoda Auto highlighted that the updated Kushaq underlines India’s strategic importance as a springboard for expanding the brand’s international footprint. The enhancements bring in Modern Solid design elements, upgraded infotainment systems, and advanced driver assistance features, offering higher levels of comfort and safety. Along with the Kodiaq and Kylaq, the updated Kushaq completes Škoda Auto’s strong SUV lineup in India, addressing a wide range of customer segments and price points while creating new opportunities for demand growth in the brand’s most significant market beyond Europe.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said, “At Škoda, our focus is on democratising European technology and making it more accessible to customers across India. The new Kushaq reflects these ambitions by addressing evolving customer expectations while strengthening our legacy of delivering SUVs equipped with essential safety, comfort, design, and convenience features as standard. Backed by our proven European engineering, the new Kushaq is the result of continuous customer feedback and represents another step in keeping our portfolio contemporary and relevant for our growing Škoda family in India.”
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, added, “True to our ‘Made in India, for India’ philosophy, the Kushaq, launched in 2021 and named after the Sanskrit word for ‘emperor’, was Škoda Auto’s first model based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. Developed collaboratively by teams in India and the Czech Republic, the SUV struck a strong chord with Indian customers, achieving cumulative sales of over 94,900 units. Škoda further expanded the model’s footprint by exporting the Kushaq to the Middle East and supplying it to Vietnam in CKD form. The refreshed Kushaq builds on this success with the introduction of multiple segment-first features, while continuing to offer the practical and customer-favourite equipment of its predecessor, including ventilated electric front seats, cruise control, a rear-view camera with sensors, and wireless charging, among others.”
Modern Solid design elements, Monte Carlo variant available at launch
The Kushaq now incorporates elements of the Modern Solid design language and features an all-new front grille with chrome ribs and an Illuminated Light Band. The front also includes new LED headlights, front parking sensors, and LED fog lamps. At the rear, new connected taillights with sequential indicators are complemented by illuminated ‘Škoda’ lettering spanning the taillights. The profile presents clean, robust lines with cladding around the wheel arches and sills. Alloy wheels are standard across all variants. The SUV will be available in eight colours, including three new options: Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red. For the first time, the Monte Carlo trim will be offered from launch.
Wide range of powerful turbocharged engines and automatic transmission
Retaining its driving characteristics and a maximum ground clearance of 188 mm, the updated Kushaq is ready to tackle rough roads. It introduces a segment-first, all-new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, paired with the efficient and proven 1.0 TSI engine producing 85 kW and 178 Nm of torque. This engine is also available with a six-speed manual. The 1.5 TSI engine delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. This four-cylinder turbocharged unit with Active Cylinder Technology is paired exclusively with a quick-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission. On the 1.5 TSI, the Kushaq also features disc brakes on all four wheels.
Spacious interior and numerous features for a high level of comfort, even on long journeys
A new panoramic sunroof is complemented by dual-colour ambient lighting. Six-way electric seats with ventilation for the driver and front passenger further enhance comfort. The boot offers 491 litres of space, expandable to 1,405 litres, supporting everyday practicality. Climatronic is now standard, as are an electric sunroof and more than 25 safety features.
AI Companion powered by Google
The new Kushaq features a 10.1-inch (25.6 cm) infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, tailored to the needs and expectations of Indian customers. At its core is an advanced voice assistant powered by Google Automotive AI Agent, bringing Gemini into the vehicle. It provides intelligent, context-aware assistance and real-time information, and enables hands-free control of music, calls, climate settings, and more. Developed with a deep understanding of local needs, the system recognises Indian English accents to ensure inclusive, intuitive voice interactions. This combines global technology with local relevance and sets new benchmarks for smarter driving in India.
Best-possible active and passive safety
The updated Kushaq upholds five-star Global NCAP standards. It offers more than 25 active and passive safety features as standard across all variants, including six airbags, with higher variants providing over 40 safety features. Škoda Auto India has also enhanced all-weather visibility and safety by including key features such as a rear wiper, rear defogger and automatic rain-sensing wipers across variants, supporting active, passive and preventive safety in all conditions.
Škoda Auto on the Indian market
Škoda Auto has been active in India since 2000, when it became the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence there. Since then, this dynamic growth market has become a second pillar outside Europe and a cornerstone of Škoda’s internationalisation strategy. After assuming responsibility for the Volkswagen Group’s activities in India in 2018, Škoda launched a “made in India, for India” model campaign: first the Kushaq SUV, then the Slavia sedan, and at the beginning of last year, the Kylaq SUV. With strong demand in the popular sub-4-metre segment, the Kylaq contributed significantly to Škoda almost doubling its deliveries in 2025 versus the previous year. With its current model range and geographic position, India also serves as a strategic hub for the wider ASEAN region, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
