After Kushaq Facelift, What Next For Skoda India This Year?
Skoda launched the facelifted Kushaq SUV in India on March 21, 2026. It is part of a larger product roadmap. Skoda has been doing well in sales in recent times, and the proposed lineup aims to increase volumes further. It is reportedly targeting 1 lakh units annual milestone. At least four more launches are expected from the company this year. These will include new products and updates to existing ones.
Let’s first talk about the Kushaq facelift. It is available in five trims and is priced from Rs 10.69 lakh, ex-showroom. It looks better than before and comes with a better, technology-rich cabin.
The overall design has been made sharper and more attractive. The SUV now gets a new, larger grille with illuminated light band, LED lighting package, sequential turn indicators, 17-inch wheels on higher trims (16-inch units on lower ones), and connected LED tail lamps with illuminated Skoda lettering. The updated Kushaq comes in eight colour options. The facelift is 4mm longer than the model it replaces. This has translated to a larger boot capacity- 490L.
Inside, the trims and upholstery have improved on the facelift. Features like a panoramic sunroof, a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a massage function for the rear seats, and more have been added to the product.
Features like the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, ambient lighting, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered and ventilated front seats, wireless charger, cruise control, wireless charger, connected car features and auto-dimming IRVM have been retained. Voice-based functions are now powered by a Google Automotive AI Agent. The safety suite consists of 40+ active and passive safety features.
The facelifted Kushaq is underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform. It continues to offer two engine options- 1.0-litre TSI engine that makes 113hp and 178Nm and 1.5-litre TSI unit that produces 148 hp and 250 Nm. In addition to the 6-speed manual transmission, the smaller engine is also offered with the choice of a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The 1.5 TSI engine is only available with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Image source: Rushlane
After the updated Kushaq, Skoda is also working on a facelift to the Slavia sedan. Expected to launch in the second half of this year, it is also based on the MQB A0 IN platform and competes with the Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus and Hyundai Verna here. The facelift has already been spotted testing- images and videos of which suggest a comprehensive design update.
The facelift is likely to stand close to the Octavia with its design. It will get redesigned headlamps, restyled grille section, new bumpers, new wheels, and refreshed tail lamps. The cabin experience will also improve on the new model. It is likely to see the addition of a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and massage function for the rear seats. Features like the 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless charger and more will be retained.
Like the new Kushaq, the facelifted Slavia will also retain its predecessor’s engine options- 113hp 1.0L TSI and 148hp 1.5L TSI. Even on this model, the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission on the smaller engine will be replaced with an 8-speed automatic unit. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine will continue with the 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Image for representation only
Another expected launch is the new range-topping Sportline variant of the Kylaq- the hottest-selling Skoda in India. It will target buyers looking for a more aggressive visual appeal with its design and will sit above the Signature trim when launched. It will have more Blacked-out elements in its exterior design. This strategy has worked well for Skoda globally, and is now being brought to India.
Mechanically, the Sportline trim will be the same as others. It will be powered by the same 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI engine that makes 113hp and 178Nm. Skoda may replace the 6-speed automatic transmission with the new 8-speed unit on this trim.
The carmaker is also known to be evaluating the return of diesel engines in India. If this goes through, we will see the diesel versions of Kodiaq and Superb being introduced here. These are likely to be brought in as completely built units (CBUs) in limited numbers, and will thus have premium pricing. Doing duty on these will be the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine producing around 200hp and 400nm, and mated to a 7-speed DSG. All Wheel Drive (AWD) will likely be offered on both the sedan and the SUV.
And finally, we expect Skoda to launch the next batch of the Octavia RS, sometime this year. Powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine (making 265hp and 370Nm), this sedan will have a strong focus on performance. The first batch witnessed stellar acceptance here, and the same is expected from the upcoming one.