Skoda Auto India has officially kickstarted the final countdown for the highly anticipated 2026 Kushaq Facelift. At a media drive event held in Jaipur today, March 16, 2026, the Czech automaker showcased a strategic new addition to its lineup: the Classic+ Automatic.
Historically, automatic transmissions in the mid-size SUV segment have been reserved for mid-to-high-spec trims, often pushing the price out of reach for budget-conscious buyers. With the Classic+ Automatic, Skoda is disrupting this trend, offering its most affordable automatic entry point to date with an estimated price of ₹11.69 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Big Mechanical Shift: New 8-Speed Gearbox
The headline update for the 1.0-litre TSI engine is the replacement of the aging 6-speed automatic with a sophisticated new 8-speed torque converter transmission. During the Jaipur media drive, engineers highlighted that this new unit is designed specifically to handle stop-and-go Indian traffic more efficiently.
The 8-speed gearbox promises smoother transitions and improved fuel economy, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 18.09 kmpl. The underlying 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine remains a punchy performer, delivering 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque.
“Classic+” by Name, Premium by Nature
While the Classic+ sits at the base of the automatic range, Skoda has abandoned the “bare-bones” approach typical of entry-level variants. Following the new “Modern Solid” design philosophy, the Kushaq Facelift gains several high-end features as standard:
- Exterior: 16-inch Grus alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps, and a single-pane electric sunroof are now included right from the base trim.
- Safety: Skoda continues its 5-star safety legacy with 6 airbags, ESC, and Hill Hold Assist as standard across all variants.
- Convenience: The Classic+ includes a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, and rain-sensing wipers—features usually found two tiers higher in rival SUVs.
A Fresh Face for 2026
Visually, the 2026 Kushaq adopts the sleeker family face seen on the new Kodiaq and Kylaq. The front features a wider butterfly grille with a segmented illuminated light bar, while the rear gets a distinctive full-width LED light bar and illuminated “SKODA” lettering. To keep things fresh, Skoda has introduced three new colors: Shimla Green, Cherry Red, and Steel Grey.
The Road Ahead
With production already underway at the Chakan plant and pre-bookings open for a token amount of ₹15,000, the official price announcement is expected on March 20, 2026. By aggressively positioning the Classic+ Automatic, Skoda is aiming directly at the high-volume variants of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, proving that European engineering no longer has to come with a prohibitive price tag.
