2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift: The King Returns with an 8-Speed Crown and Gemini AI Brain

The Essentials

• The Transmission Shift: The 1.0L TSI engine finally ditches the 6-speed AT for a sophisticated 8-speed Torque Converter, promising smoother urban crawls and better highway efficiency.
• AI-First Cabin: This is the first car in its segment to feature a Google Gemini-powered voice assistant, capable of natural, context-aware conversations for in-car controls and real-time info.
• Chauffeur Comfort: Skoda is swinging for the fences with a segment-first rear-seat massage function and an increased boot capacity of 491 Liters, making it as practical as it is premium.

The Pulse

The 2026 Kushaq Facelift is a statement that “European precision” still matters. Visually, the new “Modern Solid” design language is hard to miss. A segmented LED light bar now slices through the wider grille, paired with connected LED taillights at the rear that feature illuminated “SKODA” lettering.

Inside, the driver is greeted by a crisp 10.25-inch digital cockpit, but the real star is the 10.1-inch infotainment system. It’s not just a screen anymore; with Google Gemini AI integration, you can ask the car for complex tasks like “Find a cafe on my route that serves vegan options and check the weather there,” all without taking your eyes off the road. Mechanically, the 1.0L TSI (115 PS) feels reborn with the new 8-speed automatic. It solves the low-end “gap” often felt in the old 6-speed, providing a more linear power delivery. Meanwhile, the 1.5L TSI (150 PS) continues to be the enthusiast’s choice with the 7-speed DSG, now bolstered by disc brakes on all four wheels as standard for this engine.

Technical Specifications

Official Price List (Ex-Showroom India)

The Big Picture

While rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have long relied on a sheer volume of features to lead the charts, Skoda’s pivot toward Gemini AI and mechanical refinement signals a global shift. We are moving from the era of “screens for the sake of screens” to “intelligence for the sake of the driver.” By offering a panoramic sunroof and a massage function alongside its legendary 5-star Global NCAP safety pedigree, Skoda is proving that you don’t have to choose between luxury and life-saving engineering.

The Inside Intel

The name ‘Kushaq’ comes from the Sanskrit word for Emperor, and Skoda has been living up to the title by maintaining a 5-star safety rating even as testing protocols became more stringent. The new Shimla Green color was specifically developed after consumer clinics in North India showed a massive surge in demand for “Earth-toned” premium finishes.

The UDHQ Take

At Unbox Daily HQ, we’ve always said the Kushaq was the driver’s SUV, but it lacked the “pizzazz” to win over the backseat crowd. Not anymore. The inclusion of the rear-seat massage function is a total power move, it’s the kind of feature you expect in a Superb, not a mid-size SUV. But the real MVP is that 8-speed automatic. It transforms the 1.0L engine from a “good city car” into a “great all-rounder.” Is it the most affordable? No. But with the Skoda Super Care package (4 years standard warranty) and the most advanced AI in its class, it’s arguably the most “Simply Clever” investment on four wheels today. Source:

Skoda Auto India