Kushaq receives facelift with digital cockpit, rear seat massage, and more comfort

Kushaq gains new features: refreshed look, sunroof, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, rear massage, and powertrains with fast shifting. Find out what has changed.

Refreshed Exterior with a Premium Touch

The mid-cycle update maintains the body base but elevates the presence with LED lighting in the front that runs across the grille, in addition to a redesigned bumper. The grille varies between chrome finish in the Prestige version and black finish with red stripes in the Monte Carlo, reinforcing the character of each variant.

17-inch wheels appear in two distinct styles: Radim in the Prestige and Vega Dual Tone in the Monte Carlo 1.0. At the rear, two LED taillights gain a continuous light bar that connects the clusters, with the illuminated Skoda logo in the center. The assembly gains a subtle diffuser and a more modern look without radical changes.

Interior Full of Technology and Comfort

All versions now come with a sunroof. While entry-level options feature a simple glass roof, top-of-the-line versions boast a two-piece panoramic roof. The infotainment system has evolved to a 10.1-inch screen with an AI assistant powered by Google Cloud; the instrument cluster is now a 10.25-inch digital display with turn-by-turn navigation. There is still no 360-degree camera, an item that some competitors already offer.

The Climatronic works well to keep the environment stable, and there is wireless charging, a 12V socket, and two USB ports available. Six-way electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats promise comfort for long journeys. The ambiance is enhanced by two-tone interior lighting and beige synthetic leather; in the Monte Carlo version, the black interior with red stitching is complemented by Nashik Red decor and aluminum pedals.

Unique Comfort: Rear Seat Massage

An unprecedented touch in the segment is the massage function in the rear seatback, activated by buttons below the central air vents. The effect is subtle, and the feature appears as one of the most talked-about novelties of the upgrade, favoring longer trips.

Space, Practicality, and Performance

Even among the shortest in the segment, the Kushaq offers 491 liters of boot capacity, which can increase to 1,405 liters with the 60:40 split-folding rear seat down. The panoramic sunroof is only present in the upper versions; the others receive a single panel.

On the mechanical side, there are two engine options. The 1.5 TSI with 110 kW works with a 7-speed DSG transmission, offering 250 Nm of torque and smooth response for highways. The 1.0 TSI with 85 kW receives an 8-speed automatic transmission, with quick shifts to maintain the vehicle's pace.

In terms of handling, the suspension and wheelbase provide a stable ride, with 155 mm of ground clearance, enough to handle rougher stretches without compromising comfort.

Safety and Practical Features

All units come with convenience items such as rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper, rear defroster, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Although the segment has expectations for driver assistance packages, the Kushaq does not feature a specific ADAS suite for driving conditions in India, which may be seen as a disadvantage compared to some competitors.

Conclusion

With this update, the Kushaq consolidates a proposal of sophistication without ostentation: a well-equipped interior, modern powertrains, and a set of conveniences that favor those who drive or travel frequently. Compared to rivals, it remains competitive in terms of space, finish, and technology, but the ADAS point might influence the decision of certain buyers.

Invitation to Discussion

Would you invest in this Kushaq facelift for the combination of rear massage, digital cockpit, and the balance between comfort and dynamism? Leave your comment with your opinion and questions about the presented novelties.