We drove the all-new Skoda Kushaq in Jaipur, sampling both ends of the lineup, the 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo with the 7-speed DSG and, more importantly, the 1.0 TSI Prestige with the new 8-speed torque converter automatic.
At first glance, this isn’t a generational overhaul. Instead, Skoda has taken a product that was already strong dynamically and tried to smooth out some of its rough unattractive edges, quite literally in the case of the new gearbox.
Exterior: Subtle Tweaks, Still Clean & Understated
The Kushaq was never a loud design, and that hasn’t changed.
Up front, you now get a revised grille with an illuminated light band, paired with LED headlamps that look sharper than before. The Monte Carlo trim continues to add a sportier edge with red accents and blacked-out elements, which still works well without going overboard.
From the side, proportions remain unchanged, and that’s not a bad thing. The stance is upright, the glasshouse is generous, and the 17-inch alloys on higher variants fill the arches well. At the rear, the connected LED tail lamps with illuminated Skoda lettering bring it up to date visually.
It’s a design that doesn’t chase trends aggressively, which is a good thing, no tubelight treatment anywhere. In a segment full of over-styled compact SUVs, that restraint actually stands out.
Interior
Inside, the Kushaq feels familiar, but there are some notable upgrades.
You now get a larger 25.6 cm touchscreen with an AI assistant and a fully digital 26.03 cm instrument cluster on higher variants. The Monte Carlo continues with its sporty black-and-red theme, while other trims offer a more neutral dual-tone cabin.
On the feature front, Škoda has clearly tried to push things forward:
- Ventilated front seats
- Electric seat adjustment
- Rear seat massager
- Panoramic sunroof
However, this is also where some of the shortcomings become evident
The climate control system relies heavily on touch capacitive inputs, which look clean but aren’t the easiest to use on the move. There’s no proper tactile feedback, and you do end up taking your eyes off the road more than you’d like.
Then there’s the lack of some now-expected features. There’s no 360-degree camera and no ADAS suite, both of which are increasingly common in this segment. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does make the Kushaq feel a step behind on the tech front.
Seat comfort is generally good, but under-thigh support at the rear could have been better, especially for taller passengers on longer drives.
Engine & Gearbox
Mechanically, the Kushaq retains its familiar engine lineup:
- 1.0 TSI – 115 HP, 178 NM
- 1.5 TSI – 150 HP, 250 NM
The 1.5 TSI DSG continues to be the enthusiast’s choice. It feels quick, responsive and still one of the more engaging setups in the segment.
But the real update is the new 8-speed torque converter paired with the 1.0 TSI, replacing the older 6-speed automatic. And this change makes a noticeable difference. Where the older unit felt slightly jerky at low speeds, the new gearbox is smoother, more progressive and better suited to city driving. Creep is more natural, and shifts feel less abrupt in traffic. It doesn’t turn the 1.0 TSI into a performance setup, but it makes it a much better everyday companion.
One thing to note though, the 1.5 TSI no longer gets a manual gearbox, which was previously available. For buyers who enjoy a more involved driving experience, that’s a bit of a miss.
Driving Impressions
Out on the roads around Jaipur, the Kushaq continues to impress where it always has. The 1.5 TSI DSG feels strong and eager, especially in the mid-range. It’s quick enough to feel genuinely engaging without being overwhelming. The 1.0 TSI, meanwhile, feels more relaxed. It’s peppy for daily use, and with the new gearbox, it finally matches the refinement expected in this segment.
Ride and handling remain a key strength.
- The suspension is firm but composed
- High-speed stability is good
- Body roll is well controlled
It doesn’t feel soft or floaty like some rivals, and that gives it a more planted, confidence-inspiring character. If anything, that slight firmness is what gives the Kushaq its identity.
Safety
You get:
- 6 airbags as standard
- ESC, traction control, hill hold
- Multi-collision braking and roll-over protection
Verdict
The update to the Skoda Kushaq is more about refinement than reinvention.
The new 8-speed automatic is the standout change, making the 1.0 TSI far more usable in everyday driving. At the same time, the fundamentals remain intact, it still drives good with strong engines and excellent stability. That said, it’s not without its gaps. The absence of ADAS, a 360 camera, and physical controls for key functions does make it feel slightly behind the curve.
But then again, the Kushaq has never been about chasing spec sheets.
It continues to prioritise how a car feels from behind the wheel, so if you look solely from that perspective, it still gets a lot right.
