Skoda India has officially confirmed that both the Kushaq SUV and the Slavia sedan will receive their first major facelifts, with launches expected in 2026. This announcement comes as the Kushaq completes nearly five years in the market, while the Slavia approaches its four-year mark. Both models have played a key role in establishing Skoda’s MQB-A0-IN platform in India, and the updates aim to keep them competitive in their respective segments.
Exterior and Design Updates
The upcoming facelifts are expected to bring significant design enhancements to both models. Skoda is likely to adopt elements from its new “Modern Solid” design philosophy, first seen on the Skoda Kylaq. Buyers can expect redesigned front and rear profiles, updated LED lighting, fresh alloy wheel designs, and possibly new exterior colours tailored for Indian preferences.
Interior Overhaul
The cabins of both vehicles are also set to undergo a refresh. Skoda may introduce an all-new dashboard design and updated colour schemes to give the interiors a more premium and modern feel. These changes aim to improve cabin aesthetics and passenger comfort, especially as customer expectations in this segment continue to evolve.
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Features
Feature updates will form a major part of the facelift package. Some of the enhancements expected include:
- A larger 10.25-inch digital driver display (replacing the current 8-inch unit)
- A 360-degree camera system
- Updated branded sound system
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold
- Introduction of an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite
These additions would bring the Kushaq and Slavia in line with segment trends and create clearer distinctions between Skoda’s various offerings, especially with models like the Kylaq now offering a similar feature set.
Powertrain
Despite the cosmetic and feature updates, the engine options are expected to remain unchanged. Both cars will continue to offer the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and the more powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L Turbo | 115 PS | 178 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT |
| 1.5L Turbo | 150 PS | 250 Nm | 6-speed MT / 7-speed DCT |
There are also rumours that Skoda may eventually replace the current 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with an 8-speed unit for the 1.0L engine, though this is yet to be confirmed.
Expected Timeline
Skoda has already outlined its product roadmap for 2025, which only includes the launch of the Octavia RS. This means that both the Kushaq and Slavia facelifts are expected to debut sometime in 2026. The Kushaq facelift is likely to arrive first, followed shortly by the updated Slavia.
Current Price and Competitors
As of now, the Slavia starts at ₹10.94 lakh and the Kushaq at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). With the facelifts, a price revision is expected.
- Slavia rivals: Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, Hyundai Verna
- Kushaq rivals: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate
Wrap Up
The Skoda Kushaq and Slavia have been instrumental in strengthening Skoda’s position in India. These upcoming facelifts aim to refresh their appeal with updated styling, new features, and improved cabin experiences. While the mechanicals are expected to remain familiar, the overall upgrades should help Skoda stay competitive in a market that continues to evolve rapidly.
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