Skoda Auto India has officially introduced the refreshed Skoda Kushaq facelift to the Indian automotive market, marking its first significant update since the model's initial debut in 2021. This launch brings a host of cosmetic enhancements on the exterior, a revamped interior with added features, and expanded variant options to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Launch Details and Availability
The new Skoda Kushaq facelift is set to make its way to customers starting March 2026, with pre-bookings commencing immediately. Prospective buyers can secure their vehicle through online platforms or by visiting authorized dealerships across the country. While the official pricing is anticipated to be disclosed in February, the early booking initiative allows enthusiasts to get ahead in the queue for this much-anticipated SUV.
Variant Lineup and Engine Options
Skoda offers the Kushaq facelift in five distinct variants: Classic Plus, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, and Monte Carlo. The powertrain options are strategically distributed across these models. All five variants are equipped with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, delivering 115 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque. For those seeking more power, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, is exclusively available with the top-tier Prestige and Monte Carlo variants.
Monte Carlo vs Prestige: Exterior Design Differences
The Monte Carlo and Prestige trims stand out with unique visual identities. At the front, the Monte Carlo features a gloss-black butterfly grille adorned with red accents, evoking a motorsport-inspired theme, complemented by an all-black bumper and skid plate. In contrast, the Prestige variant sports a chrome-accented grille with a silver skid plate and honeycomb pattern, offering a more refined appearance.
Both variants share LED headlamps, fog lamps, and a connected LED DRL strip across the grille, a design cue borrowed from the larger Kodiaq. On the sides, the Monte Carlo boasts dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers, black roof rails, and black ORVMs, along with Monte Carlo badging. The Prestige, however, opts for silver roof rails, body-coloured ORVMs, and a cleaner alloy wheel design, emphasizing understated elegance.
At the rear, both models feature connected LED tail lamps with pixel-style lighting integrated into the 'SKODA' lettering. The Monte Carlo adds a black rear bumper, blacked-out badging, and a race flag-themed logo, while the Prestige maintains a simpler finish. Colour options further differentiate the two: the Monte Carlo offers seven shades, including dual-tone combinations with a black roof, such as Cherry Red and Shimla Green, whereas the Prestige is available in all eight colours without dual-tone options.
Interior and Feature Comparison
Inside, the Prestige variant presents a black-and-beige cabin layout, aimed at creating a lighter, family-friendly ambiance. The Monte Carlo, on the other hand, features an all-black interior with red accents, including red inserts on the dashboard and aluminium pedals, enhancing its sporty appeal. Both trims share the same dashboard layout, steering wheel, and digital displays.
Seat upholstery varies significantly: the Monte Carlo comes with black leatherette seats featuring red stitching, firmer bolstering for lateral support, and Monte Carlo branding on the headrests. The Prestige uses lighter-coloured upholstery focused on comfort and a sense of spaciousness. Despite these differences, both variants are equipped with a comprehensive set of features, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch fully digital cluster, a six-speaker Skoda sound system with subwoofer and amplifier, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, an AI companion powered by Google, a segment-first rear massager, and more.
Safety and Powertrain Specifications
Safety remains a priority, with both variants offering six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse parking camera, hill-hold assist, TPMS, and hill-descent control. Mechanically, the powertrain options are identical across the Monte Carlo and Prestige. The 1.0-litre engine is paired with a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while the 1.5-litre engine is exclusively mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Choosing Between Monte Carlo and Prestige
The Monte Carlo trim is tailored for buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic, with its darker exterior accents, exclusive badging, dual-tone paint options, and red interior highlights. Its firmer, more supportive seats cater to drivers who desire a more engaging driving experience. In comparison, the Prestige variant appeals to those prioritizing comfort and a traditional premium feel, with its cleaner exterior detailing, lighter interior colour scheme, and comfort-focused seating, making it ideal for daily family use.
In essence, the Skoda Kushaq facelift offers a compelling choice between the visually striking and sport-oriented Monte Carlo and the comfort-centric, understated Prestige, ensuring there is a variant to suit every lifestyle and preference in the competitive SUV segment.
