If there is one thing we love here at Paisley Autocare, it’s seeing a manufacturer take a solid, reliable car and absolutely glow it up. It’s like watching your sensible friend suddenly show up to the pub in a tailored suit—you know it’s still them, but wow, do they look good.
Recently, Skoda Auto pulled the covers off the updated Kushaq in India, and frankly, it has us peering over the fence with a bit of envy. While the Kushaq is a model specifically designed for the Indian market (and exported to places like Vietnam and the Middle East), the updates speak volumes about where Škoda is heading globally. It’s bolder, smarter, and apparently, it now offers massages. Yes, you read that right.
So, grab a cuppa (or an Irn-Bru), and let’s dive into what Škoda has unleashed, why it matters, and how we keep the Škodas of Scotland purring just as smoothly as their exotic cousins.
The "Modern Solid" Look: A Fresh Face
The first thing you notice about the updated Kushaq is the design. Skoda is calling this their "Modern Solid" design language. It’s not just a bumper tweak; it’s a statement.
The front grille now features chrome ribs and—get this—an Illuminated Light Band. It seems the era of glowing cars is truly upon us. It gives the front end a futuristic, commanding presence that says, "I have arrived," rather than just, "I am here to drop the kids off at school." Flanking this light show are new LED headlights that look sharper than a Glasgow winter morning.
Around the back, they’ve installed connected taillights with sequential indicators (the ones that sweep across like a Cylon from Battlestar Galactica). To top it off, illuminated ‘ŠKODA’ lettering spans the rear, ensuring that everyone stuck in traffic behind you knows exactly what excellent taste in automobiles you have.
The profile remains robust, with chunky cladding around the wheel arches that suggests this car is ready for rough roads—or the average pothole on the M8.
Under the Bonnet: Power and Precision
Skoda knows that looking good is only half the battle; you have to have the muscle to back it up. The updated Kushaq sticks to the brand's winning formula of turbocharged petrol engines, but with a few spicy twists.
The entry-level option is the 1.0 TSI engine, producing 85 kW (about 114 bhp) and 178 Nm of torque. But here is the big news: it’s now paired with a segment-first eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. For the non-petrolheads, a torque converter is the smooth operator of the gearbox world. It glides through gears like butter on hot toast. Of course, for the purists, a six-speed manual is still available.
Then there is the big brother: the 1.5 TSI engine. This four-cylinder beast churns out 110 kW (approx 148 bhp) and 250 Nm of torque. It comes exclusively with the quick-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission. This engine also features Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts off two cylinders when you’re cruising to save fuel. It’s like the engine is taking a mini-nap while you drive, but wakes up instantly when you put your foot down.
Tech That Talks Back (Intelligently)
This is where things get properly sci-fi. The new Kushaq features a 10.1-inch infotainment system that is "powered by Google." Specifically, it uses the Google Automotive AI Agent, bringing Gemini (yes, the AI) right into the dashboard.
This isn’t just about asking for directions to the nearest curry house. It allows for natural, context-aware conversations. You can control music, climate settings, and navigation hands-free. Skoda says it has been tuned to recognize Indian English accents specifically, which is a brilliant touch of localization. We’re just hoping if this tech comes to the UK, they include a "Glaswegian Mode" update. We’d love to see an AI try to decipher "Gonnae no dae that" when we accidentally hit the wrong button.
The Feature We All Want: Massage Seats
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the masseuse in the seat. The updated Kushaq features a Rear Seat Massage function.
Let that sink in. While we are sitting in traffic on the Kingston Bridge in the rain, Kushaq passengers in Mumbai are getting a gentle lumbar knead. It also features ventilated front seats (a godsend for hot climates, though in Paisley, we’d probably use the "heated" function 11 months of the year).
The interior also boasts a panoramic sunroof to let in all that sunshine (or grey sky), dual-colour ambient lighting to set the mood, and a Climatronic system to keep the temperature just right.
Safety First: 5 Stars all the Way
Skoda has always been a brand that prioritizes safety, and the Kushaq is no exception. It holds a 5-star Global NCAP rating, which is the gold standard for crash safety.
Standard equipment includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and—crucially for visibility—a rear wiper and defogger across all variants. Higher trims come with over 40 safety features. It’s reassuring to know that whether you are driving in New Delhi or Neilston, Skoda builds their cars like tanks.
Why Does This Matter to Us in Paisley?
You might be wondering, "Why is Paisley Autocare waxing lyrical about a car I can’t buy in the UK?"
Great question. The answer lies in DNA.
The Kushaq shares its engineering DNA with the Skodas we see in our workshop every day—the Kamiq, the Karoq, the Fabia, and the Octavia. The MQB platform (which the Kushaq's platform is derived from) is the backbone of the Volkswagen Group. When Skoda innovates in one market, those lessons and technologies often trickle across the globe.
The shift toward "Modern Solid" design, the integration of advanced AI, and the focus on premium comfort features like ventilated seats tell us that Skoda is moving upmarket. They are no longer just the "sensible budget choice"; they are becoming a tech-led, comfort-focused contender.
Plus, it highlights the reliability of the TSI engines. We see these 1.0 and 1.5 TSI units in Golfs, Leons, Polos, and Octavias constantly. They are fantastic little engines—punchy, efficient, and reliable if you look after them.
Keeping Your Skoda (or Any Car) Match-Fit
While we can’t install a massage chair in your 2015 Fabia (though we’re open to challenges), we can ensure that your car runs as smoothly as the day it rolled off the production line.
The updated Kushaq highlights the importance of regular maintenance. High-tech engines like the TSI range rely on clean oil and good filters to keep those turbos spinning happily.
1. Servicing is Key
The new 8-speed automatic in the Kushaq sounds dreamy, but like any gearbox, it needs care. Neglecting your service schedule is the quickest way to turn a smooth drive into a bumpy nightmare. At Paisley Autocare, we offer comprehensive Car Servicing in Glasgow that rivals the main dealers. We use manufacturer-spec parts so your warranty stays intact, but without the "main dealer premium" price tag. whether it's an Interim Service for high-mileage drivers or a Full Service for your annual check-up, we’ve got you covered.
2. The MOT Test
The Kushaq comes with new LED lights and fancy indicators. Did you know that lighting issues are one of the most common reasons for MOT failures in the UK? A blown bulb or a misaligned headlight can see you walking home. Don’t let that happen. You can book your MOT in Paisley with us online. We are a DVSA-approved testing centre, and we promise not to laugh if your car is dirty (though we can’t promise we won’t judge your radio station presets).
3. Tyres: The Only Thing Touching the Road
The Kushaq has robust cladding and alloy wheels ready for rough roads. In Paisley, we have our own version of "rough roads"—they’re called "every road after winter." Potholes are the natural enemy of your tyres and suspension. If you’ve hit a crater recently and your steering feels a bit wonky, or if your tread is looking lower than a snake’s belly, check out our range of Tyres. We stock everything from budget-friendly options to premium rubber that will keep you glued to the tarmac in the Scottish rain.
4. Brakes and Safety
With the 1.5 TSI Kushaq getting disc brakes all around, it’s a reminder that stopping is just as important as going. If your brakes are squeaking like a frantic mouse every time you stop at a red light, it’s time to get them looked at. Our team can handle all your brake repairs and replacements, ensuring you stop on a dime (or a ten pence piece).
5. Diagnostics: Decoding the Warning Lights
The Kushaq has Google AI to tell you what's wrong. Most older cars just have a terrifying orange light that looks like a helicopter (it’s actually an engine block, but we see the helicopter too). If your dashboard is lit up like a Christmas tree, don’t ignore it. Our Diagnostic Services use the latest equipment to plug into your car’s brain and find out exactly what’s hurting it.
The Verdict
The updated Skoda Auto Kushaq is a triumph of localized engineering and global ambition. It’s stylish, safe, and packed with features that would make luxury car owners blush. It proves that Škoda is a brand on the move, constantly evolving and improving.
At Paisley Autocare, we share that ethos. We might not be building SUVs for the Indian market, but we are constantly upgrading our skills, our equipment, and our service to ensure the drivers of Paisley and Glasgow have safe, reliable vehicles.
So, until Skoda brings a car with a built-in massager to the UK, come see us. We can’t offer you a back rub, but we can offer you a warm waiting area, a friendly chat, and the peace of mind that your car is in expert hands. And really, isn’t peace of mind the most relaxing thing of all?
Is your car due for a check-up? Don't wait for a warning light. Contact Paisley Autocare today and let us keep you on the road!
