2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Powertrain Options EXPLAINED; Two Turbo-petrols And A New 8-speed AT!

Now that Skoda has taken the wraps off the Kushaq facelift, we have more details on how the variants stack up! But before you go ahead and take the plunge, here is what powertrains are being offered, and what the changes are compared to the outgoing car:

2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift: 1-litre Turbo-petrol TSI

A staple of Skoda’s mass-market product lineup, the facelift continues to be offered with the high-tech 1-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol as its base engine option. While in displacement, it may be a small motor, but it does have output figures that match, and sometimes even surpass those of the 1.5-litre NA Petrols from competitors like the Creta, Sierra, and Grand Vitara. 

However, the biggest change that we get to see under the hood comes in the form of an all-new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox from Aisin, which replaces the 6-speed unit on the pre-facelift car. That said, it will still be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as well for buyers looking for affordability and an analogue feel. 

Here are the specifications of this powertrain:

Engine	1-litre turbo-petrol TSI
Transmission	6-speed manual/8-speed automatic(NEW)
Power (PS)	115 PS
Torque (Nm)	178 Nm

2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift: 1.5-litre Turbo-petrol TSI

For the more enthusiastic crowd, Skoda also offers a more powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as well, just like the pre-facelift. Along with more power and torque, it offers a refined feel and a more engaging driving experience. 

However, this engine can now be had with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission only, and Skoda has discontinued the 6-speed manual gearbox, which was offered in the pre-facelift due to low demand for the particular combo.

Here are the detailed specifications:

*DSG- Dual Clutch Transmission

Also noteworthy is the fact that this engine comes equipped with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which shuts down two of the four cylinders when not required, in order to improve the fuel efficiency figures.

About The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift

The Kushaq, being one of the first cars from Skoda’s India 2.0 strategy, has turned out to be a stellar performer for the brand, consistently becoming one of its bestselling cars. However, with the 5-year mark approaching, Skoda decided to give it a facelift with a comprehensive styling makeover, new features and updated styling, besides the new gearbox to make it more competitive against newer rivals.

Alongside the updated powertrains, we also get to see new features such as a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, rear massaging seats and an updated 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an AI assistant. 

Safety-wise it carries on Skoda’s legacy with a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, alongside features such as 6 airbags, electronic stability control, all-wheel disc brakes (1.5-litre only), hill hold assist, traction control, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The new Kushaq rivals other SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Curvv, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Citroen Aircross and the upcoming Renault Duster.

ZigSays…

Skoda has always made some really well-driving cars, and both the turbo-petrol motors offer a great driving experience, as seen in other Skoda cars. However, enthusiasts will be disappointed with the non-availability of a manual with the more powerful engine option. We also feel that Skoda should have taken this opportunity to introduce more fuel options, given that just having petrol in this segment is a hindrance to its appeal. That said, we wait to drive the new Kushaq soon, and find out more in detail about how it feels behind the wheel.

Would you choose the new 8-speed AT in the Kushaq facelift? Comment down below!