Skoda Auto India has released another teaser of the upcoming 2026 Kushaq facelift, offering clearer glimpses of the SUV’s new front and rear lighting elements ahead of its January 20, 2026 launch. What makes this teaser stand out, however, is not just the design reveal—but its strong Bollywood-inspired narrative.
DDLJ-Inspired Teaser Sets the Mood
The latest teaser carries a distinct visual and emotional cue inspired by the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Set against a scenic mustard field backdrop reminiscent of the movie’s legendary sequences, the SUV is draped in a flowing green cover, with the caption “Get ready to fall in love” displayed prominently. The romantic setting and tagline suggest that Skoda is positioning the Kushaq facelift as more than just a product update—hinting at an emotional reconnect with buyers.
New LED DRL Signature Revealed
As the fabric lifts slightly in the teaser, the new LED DRL setup becomes visible at both ends. Up front, the facelifted Kushaq appears to feature a full-width LED DRL strip, flanked by sharper LED elements, along with a glimpse of a revised grille design. This gives the SUV a much stronger and more contemporary face compared to the current model.
At the rear, the teaser clearly shows illuminated SKODA lettering paired with a connected LED light bar, marking a major visual upgrade. This design change aligns the Kushaq with Skoda’s newer global models and adds a premium, wider stance.
Same Shape, Sharper Presence
While the lighting and fascia updates look substantial, the overall silhouette is expected to remain familiar. Skoda is likely to retain the existing body structure, focusing instead on redesigned bumpers, lighting elements and finer detailing. This ensures continuity while keeping the Kushaq visually competitive in a segment that has recently seen big-ticket launches.
Feature-Heavy Update Expected
The timing of this facelift is crucial. With the segment heating up following the arrival of Tata Sierra and the new Kia Seltos, Skoda is expected to significantly upgrade the Kushaq’s feature list. Reports and spy shots point towards additions such as a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, rear disc brakes, improved air-conditioning performance and refreshed infotainment and instrument cluster graphics. There is also strong speculation around the inclusion of Level-2 ADAS, now a must-have in this category. Another rumoured highlight is a rear-seat massaging function, a segment-first if introduced.
Engines to Carry Forward
Under the hood, the 2026 Kushaq facelift is expected to retain its existing 1.0L and 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol engines. The 1.5L unit should continue with 7-speed DSG, while the 1.0L engine may get a new 8-speed automatic gearbox alongside the manual.
With its Bollywood-inspired teaser, romantic tagline and visible design upgrades, Skoda is clearly building anticipation for what appears to be a major mid-cycle refresh rather than a mild update. As the brand puts it—“Get ready to fall in love”—the final reveal on January 20 will show whether the 2026 Kushaq facelift lives up to the promise.
