Skoda Auto India has officially released a fresh teaser of the upcoming 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift, offering the clearest look yet at the SUV’s new front and rear LED DRL design. Scheduled for its official debut on January 20, 2026, the facelift is being introduced with a strong emotional and Bollywood-inspired narrative rather than a routine design update.
DDLJ-Themed Teaser Adds Emotional Connect
What sets this teaser apart is its cinematic storytelling. The video draws clear inspiration from the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
Set in a mustard field backdrop—instantly reminiscent of the film’s most memorable scenes—the Kushaq is shown covered in flowing green fabric. The caption “Get ready to fall in love” reinforces Skoda’s intent to emotionally reconnect with Indian buyers, positioning the facelift as a fresh romance rather than just a cosmetic refresh.
New Front LED DRL Design: Wider and Sharper Look
As the cover lifts slightly in the teaser, the front lighting signature becomes visible. The 2026 Kushaq facelift appears to feature:
- A full-width LED DRL strip
- Sharper, more angular LED elements on either side
- A glimpse of a revised grille design
This new setup gives the SUV a noticeably wider and more modern face, aligning it with Skoda’s latest global design language.
Rear Connected LED Light Bar With Illuminated SKODA Branding
At the rear, the teaser reveals one of the most significant upgrades yet:
- Connected LED tail-lamp light bar
- Prominent illuminated SKODA lettering
- Wider visual stance and premium appeal
This update brings the Kushaq in line with newer international Skoda models and marks a big step up from the current version’s conventional rear design.
Familiar Silhouette, Stronger Road Presence
Despite the visual upgrades, the overall body shape is expected to remain unchanged. Skoda appears to be focusing on:
- Redesigned bumpers
- Updated lighting elements
- Sharper detailing
This approach maintains brand continuity while ensuring the Kushaq stays competitive in a segment witnessing frequent and aggressive updates.
Major Feature Upgrade Likely
With competition heating up, the 2026 Kushaq facelift is expected to receive a substantial feature boost. Based on reports and test-mule sightings, expected additions include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera
- Rear disc brakes
- Improved air-conditioning performance
- Updated infotainment system and digital instrument cluster
- Level-2 ADAS (increasingly essential in this segment)
There is also strong speculation about a rear-seat massage function, which could become a segment-first feature if introduced.
Engine Options to Remain Unchanged
Under the hood, the facelift is expected to continue with the existing turbo-petrol lineup:
- 1.0-litre TSI petrol
- Manual gearbox
- The new 8-speed automatic is likely to replace the current torque converter
- 1.5-litre TSI petrol
- Manual
- 7-speed DSG automatic (expected to continue)
No diesel engine is expected, in line with Skoda’s current India strategy.
Launch Date & Expectations
With its DDLJ-inspired teaser, romantic positioning, and clearly visible design upgrades, Skoda is signalling that the 2026 Kushaq facelift is a major mid-cycle refresh, not a minor update.
The final reveal on January 20, 2026, will confirm whether the SUV’s new design, features and emotional branding are enough to make buyers, as Skoda promises, “fall in love” all over again.