If you have been looking for a mid-size SUV lately, your head is probably spinning with options. There’s the feature-loaded Korean giants, the rugged Indian home-grown options, and then there’s Skoda—the brand that usually attracts people who love driving more than just staring at screens.Skoda recently pulled the curtains back on the new Kushaq, and while it might look like a familiar face, the updates are exactly what the doctor ordered to keep it competitive in a very crowded Indian market.What’s new on the table?When the Kushaq first arrived, it won everyone over with its driving dynamics and a 5-star safety rating. This time around, Skoda has focused on polishing the edges. They have added some visual tweaks that make the car look wider and more premium. Inside the cabin, you’ll notice a better sense of luxury with updated upholstery and a more tech-forward dashboard.The most discussed update is the addition of features that many felt were "missing" earlier. Whether it’s the larger infotainment screen, the premium sound system, or those little "simply clever" touches that Skoda is famous for—everything feels a bit more "complete" now.It’s still a "Driver’s Car"One thing Skoda hasn't touched (thankfully) is the way the Kushaq drives. While some SUVs in this segment feel like you’re driving a heavy box, the Kushaq feels light on its feet. Whether you pick the 1.0-litre TSI for the city or the 1.5-litre beast for the highway, the punchy performance is still very much there.In a market where many cars focus on having 20 different lights inside the cabin, Skoda still focuses on how the steering feels in your hand and how confident you feel going around a corner at high speed.Why Safety remains their biggest USPLet’s be honest—Indian car buyers are becoming obsessed with safety, and for a good reason. The Kushaq remains one of the highest-rated SUVs in its category. For families, this is often the deciding factor. It doesn’t just come with six airbags; it comes with a chassis that feels like a tank. If you’re someone who does a lot of highway trips with your family, the new Kushaq offers a level of peace of mind that is hard to find elsewhere.Should you buy it?The competition like the Creta and the Seltos is undeniably flashier. They have more "gadgets." But if you’re the type of person who values build quality, a solid "thud" when the door closes, and a car that feels planted even at triple-digit speeds, the new Kushaq is probably the strongest contender on your list.It’s not just an SUV; it’s a statement that you value substance over flash. Skoda has definitely listened to customer feedback, and this new version feels like a much more mature and rounded product than before
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