Skoda Kushaq 2025: Skoda Auto India has unveiled the significantly updated 2025 Kushaq, marking the most substantial revision of its compact SUV since its introduction as the brand’s first product under the India 2.0 strategy. The refreshed Kushaq introduces meaningful enhancements across design, technology, powertrains, and features while reinforcing the European engineering and safety credentials that have established it as a formidable player in India’s competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Design Evolution: Sharper and More Distinctive
The 2025 Kushaq features a carefully executed design update that builds on the original’s clean, understated aesthetic while introducing more distinctive elements that strengthen its visual identity. The front fascia receives the most significant revisions, with a wider, hexagonal grille featuring vertical slats in a piano black finish, flanked by redesigned headlamps with crystalline LED elements and a new daytime running light signature that creates a distinctive four-point pattern.
“We’ve evolved the Kushaq’s design to be more assertive while maintaining the timeless, sophisticated approach that Skoda is known for,” explained Skoda’s Head of Design during the unveiling ceremony in Mumbai. “The enhancements create a stronger visual presence without resorting to unnecessary embellishments or short-lived trends.”
The front bumper has been completely redesigned with more angular fog lamp housings, a wider air intake, and a silver skid plate element that emphasizes the SUV’s capability. The hood features more pronounced character lines that flow into the A-pillars, creating a more dynamic front-end appearance.
The side profile retains the clean lines of the original but introduces new 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with a multi-spoke turbine-inspired design on higher variants, while the roof rails now feature a silver finish with “Kushaq” branding. The rear receives subtle updates including redesigned LED tail lamps with a crystalline structure that mirrors the front headlamps, a new bumper with integrated reflectors, and a silver diffuser element that complements the front skid plate.
Available in seven exterior colors, including two new options—Candy White with black roof and the striking Phoenix Orange—the 2025 Kushaq presents a more sophisticated aesthetic while maintaining the distinctive European design philosophy that sets it apart in a segment often characterized by more aggressive or flamboyant styling.
Interior: Enhanced Premium Feel with Advanced Technology
Inside, the 2025 Kushaq receives meaningful updates that address customer feedback while introducing new technology features that keep it competitive in an increasingly sophisticated market. The dashboard layout remains largely familiar but now features improved materials, including soft-touch panels with contrast stitching on higher variants and a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel with new multifunction controls.
The most visible change is the new 10.1-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment system (up from 10-inch) that offers sharper graphics, faster processing, and wireless smartphone integration. This is complemented by a new 8-inch digital instrument cluster on mid and higher variants, replacing the previous analog gauges with a customizable display that can show navigation directions, driving data, and media information.
Material quality sees a noticeable improvement throughout the cabin, with new fabric upholstery on base variants and improved leatherette with perforations and contrast stitching on higher trims. The door panels incorporate larger padded sections, while the center console features a redesigned storage area with wireless charging and improved cupholders.
Seating comfort has been enhanced through revised cushioning and bolstering, with the front seats now offering 6-way power adjustment on top variants. The rear bench maintains its generous legroom and supportive cushioning, with a center armrest incorporating cupholders and storage. Boot capacity remains unchanged at 385 liters, expanding to 1,405 liters with the rear seats folded.
Practical features include multiple USB-C ports, a cooled glovebox, and thoughtfully positioned storage compartments throughout the cabin. Ambient lighting has been expanded to include the dashboard and door panels with eight customizable colors, adding a premium touch to nighttime driving.
Powertrains: Refined Performance with New Options
The 2025 Kushaq continues to offer the two proven TSI petrol engines that have been a cornerstone of its appeal, both receiving calibration refinements for improved efficiency and response. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged unit produces 115 horsepower and 178 Nm of torque, while the more powerful 1.5-liter four-cylinder delivers 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque with cylinder deactivation technology that enhances fuel efficiency during light-load conditions.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual for both engines, a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0 TSI, and a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic for the 1.5 TSI. All powertrains now meet stricter BS6 Phase 2 emission norms through optimized engine management and improved catalytic converters.
The significant addition to the lineup is the new Kushaq CNG, available with the 1.0 TSI engine paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. This factory-fitted CNG system produces 92 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque when running on compressed natural gas, offering a more economical alternative for cost-conscious buyers while maintaining the refined driving dynamics that distinguish the Kushaq from many competitors.
All variants feature drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) that adjust throttle response and transmission shift patterns to suit different driving conditions and preferences. The steering has been recalibrated for improved feel and feedback, addressing one of the few criticisms of the original model.
Technology Package: Connected and Comprehensive
The technology suite in the 2025 Kushaq centers around the new generation of Skoda’s infotainment system, which introduces wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, and enhanced voice control that better understands Indian accents and contexts.
This system interfaces with the MySkoda Connect platform, which has been expanded with additional features including remote vehicle monitoring, geofencing, driving behavior analysis, and service scheduling through a smartphone application. A new SOS function automatically contacts emergency services in the event of airbag deployment, with manual activation also available via a dedicated button.
Other notable tech additions include:
- Ventilated front seats (a segment-first feature on launch)
- Electric sunroof with anti-pinch function
- Wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling function
- 8-speaker sound system with dedicated amplifier
- Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers
- Air purifier with AQI display integrated into the rear AC vent
- Type-C USB ports for front and rear passengers
- 360-degree camera system with high-resolution display
Safety: Building on Established Strength
Safety has been a key differentiator for the Kushaq since its launch, with the model achieving a 5-star rating in Global NCAP tests. The 2025 update builds on this foundation with additional features while maintaining the robust construction that has earned customer confidence.
Standard safety equipment across all variants now includes six airbags, electronic stability control, multi-collision braking, and rear parking sensors. Higher variants add a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-hold control, and the aforementioned 360-degree camera.
New to the 2025 model are several advanced driver assistance systems on top variants, including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver attention monitoring—features rarely found in this segment. The electronic stability control system has been enhanced with rollover prevention and additional sensors that improve its effectiveness in varied driving conditions.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
With prices ranging from ₹11.59 lakh for the base 1.0 TSI manual variant to ₹19.69 lakh for the fully-loaded 1.5 TSI DSG Style edition (ex-showroom), the 2025 Kushaq maintains competitive positioning against key rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and the recently updated Volkswagen Taigun.
The new CNG variant, priced between ₹12.89 lakh and ₹15.29 lakh, creates a unique selling proposition in a segment where factory-fitted CNG options are still uncommon, potentially attracting buyers seeking lower running costs without compromising on quality or features.
Skoda expects the mid-range Ambition variant to constitute approximately 50% of sales, with the 1.0 TSI engine remaining the volume driver while the 1.5 TSI caters to enthusiasts seeking more dynamic performance. The CNG variant is anticipated to account for 15-20% of overall Kushaq sales, particularly in regions with well-developed CNG infrastructure.
Target Audience: Discerning and Quality-Focused
The Kushaq has carved a niche among buyers who prioritize European engineering, build quality, and safety over feature lists or aggressive styling. The 2025 model continues this focus while broadening its appeal to include:
- Young urban professionals seeking a premium, European-designed SUV
- Safety-conscious family buyers who prioritize crash protection and structural integrity
- Driving enthusiasts attracted by the responsive TSI engines and well-tuned chassis
- Value-oriented customers drawn to the new CNG variant’s lower running costs
- Previous European brand owners looking for a similar experience with better after-sales support
“The Kushaq customer has always been discerning and well-informed,” explained Skoda’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “They appreciate the substantive qualities that might not always make headlines—the solid thunk of the doors, the precise feel of the controls, the stability at highway speeds. The 2025 model builds on these core strengths while addressing specific areas where customers requested improvements.”
Production and Availability
The 2025 Kushaq will continue to be manufactured at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s facility in Pune, with over 95% localization that helps control costs while maintaining quality standards. Production capacity has been increased to accommodate growing demand, with the company targeting monthly sales of 3,500-4,000 units for the updated model.
Dealership deliveries are scheduled to commence next week, with Skoda’s expanded network of 250 sales touchpoints across 160 cities prepared to showcase the new model. The company has also enhanced its service network to 300 facilities nationwide, addressing previous concerns about after-sales support that had limited the brand’s appeal in smaller cities.
Conclusion: Refining a Winning Formula
The 2025 Skoda Kushaq represents a thoughtful evolution that builds on the original’s established strengths while addressing specific areas for improvement identified through customer feedback and market analysis. By enhancing design, technology, and features without compromising the European engineering and safety credentials that form its core identity, Skoda has ensured that the Kushaq remains a compelling option in a segment crowded with worthy competitors.
As India’s SUV market continues to evolve with increasingly sophisticated offerings, the updated Kushaq exemplifies Skoda’s approach of delivering substantive quality and thoughtful engineering rather than headline-grabbing specifications or promotional gimmicks—a strategy that has gradually built the brand a loyal following among discerning Indian consumers who value these European virtues.