Skoda Kushaq Facelift popular compact SUV, the Kushaq, has been spotted testing once again in India with fresh camouflage at both ends — a clear sign that a mid-cycle refresh is almost ready.
The newest spy sightings point to redesigned bumpers, a tweaked grille, full-LED lighting, and connected taillamps. Multiple outlets also hint at cabin upgrades (including a panoramic sunroof on higher variants) and a longer features list to take on feature-rich rivals.
What the Latest Spy Shots Reveal
- Lighting & styling: Expect a sharper face with revised headlamp internals, possible new DRL signatures, and a reprofiled lower bumper. At the back, the facelift mule shows a fresh bumper and what looks like a connected tail-lamp element stretching across the tailgate.
- Panoramic sunroof: Recent spy pictures have effectively confirmed a panoramic sunroof on top trims — a first for the Kushaq — aligning it with segment rivals.
- Fine-tuning up front: Earlier exclusive shots suggested slightly revised headlights, lower-set (possibly larger) fog lamps, a grille with slimmer vertical slats, and a squarer lower air-dam.
Powertrains (likely unchanged)
Under the hood, the facelift is widely expected to carry forward the current 1.0-litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrols with manual and automatic options. No diesel is planned, and there’s no credible indication of hybrid or AWD for India at this mid-cycle point.
Interior & Tech Upgrades To Watch For
While full-interior images are still scarce, multiple reports suggest a cleaner dashboard finish, updated materials, and an expanded feature list. Crucially, ADAS (at least a basic suite) has been rumoured for months; some coverage even speculates an 8-speed automatic on specific variants, though that latter bit remains unconfirmed. Take ADAS as likely, and the 8-speed talk as speculative until official.
Launch Window — when is it coming?
Timelines differ across outlets, but the consensus sits between late 2025 and 2026 for the India launch. Some publications say end-2025 is plausible, others flag 2026. In short, it’s close enough to keep an eye on if you’re shopping soon, but there’s no fixed date published by Skoda yet.
The Thar Angle: What Should Mahindra Thar (Roxx) Shoppers Know?
Skoda Kushaq and Mahindra Thar don’t compete head—to—head—they cater to very different use cases. Still, the Indian buyer often cross-shops on price and presence, so here’s how things stack up:
- Thar Roxx is already here: Mahindra’s 5-door Thar Roxx is on sale, priced ₹12.99–23.39 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on variant. It offers petrol (2.0 TGDi) and diesel (2.2 mHawk) options with manual/automatic gearboxes, RWD and 4×4 configurations, and a long list of higher trims (panoramic “Skyroof,” ADAS Level 2, big wheels, premium audio, etc.).
- Thar Roxx in the real world: Independent reviews and updates since launch have highlighted feature additions for MY2025 and robust engine outputs (approx. 174 hp petrol / 172 hp diesel, depending on tune).
- 3-door Thar facelift: Separately from the 5-door Roxx, the 3-door Thar itself is due a facelift; sightings and reports suggest late-2025 into 2026 as a working window. If you’re eyeing the smaller, classic 3-door, that refresh is worth watching.
Kushaq vs Thar Roxx: Quick Buyer’s Guide
- Platform & ride: Kushaq is a monocoque, front-drive urban family SUV; it rides and handles like a car and shines in city comfort and efficiency. Thar Roxx is a ladder-frame lifestyle SUV, available with 4×4, meant for rough roads and adventure; it’s bigger, heavier, and more rugged. (Official Thar Roxx model pages and pricing confirm the credentials and spread.)
- Where they excel:
- Kushaq: everyday comfort, turbo-petrol drivability, tech convenience, and (with the facelift) a likely step-up in perceived quality and features.
- Thar Roxx: presence, space, go-anywhere hardware, and long-distance touring with the security of proper 4×4 on select variants.
- What to wait for: If your shortlist includes the Kushaq, the facelift’s panoramic sunroof, updated lighting, and possible ADAS may be worth the wait. If you’re set on a lifestyle 4×4, Thar Roxx is already on shelves in many cities.
FAQs
1) When will the Skoda Kushaq facelift launch in India?
Reports suggest a launch in late 2025 to 2026. No official date yet from Skoda.
2) What are the biggest exterior changes?
Reworked bumpers, a tweaked grille, new LED headlamps/DRLs, and a connected tail-lamp design have all been spotted under camo.
3) Will the Kushaq get a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, top variants are expected to offer a panoramic sunroof — recent spy shots show it clearly.
4) Is ADAS coming to the Kushaq?
Multiple reports point to ADAS being likely (features like AEB, lane-keep, adaptive cruise on higher trims), but specs remain unconfirmed until the unveil.
5) Any engine or gearbox changes?
Likely no major mechanical overhaul: the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI should continue with manual and automatic choices.
6) Will pricing change?
Facelifts with added features typically carry a small premium. Expect prices to inch up versus the current car once announced, especially on fully loaded variants (timing suggests end-2025/2026 positioning).
7) How does the Kushaq facelift compare to the Mahindra Thar/Thar Roxx?
They serve different missions. Kushaq is a city-friendly compact SUV (monocoque, FWD), while Thar Roxx is a larger, ladder-frame lifestyle SUV with RWD/4×4 and serious off-road intent. Price overlaps exist, but the experiences are distinct.
8) Is the Thar Roxx already available? What’s the price?
Yes. Thar Roxx is on sale at ₹12.99–23.39 lakh (ex-showroom) across many cities, with multiple variants and powertrains.
9) I want a highway tourer with occasional trails — wait for Kushaq or buy Thar Roxx?
If you’ll spend 90% in the city/highway and value a car-like ride plus new-age features, waiting for the Kushaq facelift makes sense. If you truly need rough-road ability/4×4, the Thar Roxx is the pick today. (Feature lists and pricing confirm their distinct roles.)
10) What about the 3-door Thar facelift?
Separate from Roxx (5-door), the 3-door Thar is expected to receive its facelift around late-2025/2026. If your heart is set on the 3-door, it could be worth watching.
Summary
The Skoda Kushaq facelift looks set to deliver meaningful upgrades — full-LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, possible ADAS, and a refreshed cabin — while retaining the punchy TSI powertrains. If your upgrade horizon is a few months away, it’s worth the wait. By contrast, Mahindra’s Thar Roxx already offers a compelling lifestyle 5-door package with real off-road hardware and segment-stretching features at a wide price band. Cross-shop by use case first, and you won’t go wrong.