The oversaturation and crowded nature of the automotive market is often viewed in a negative light. Still, for smaller, relatively unknown companies like Skoda, it is a considerable benefit that creates equal opportunity. As such, news recently emerged that Skoda was preparing a mid-January 2026 rollout for the refreshed Kushaq, which generated a lot of excitement among potential customers.
Introducing Skoda to the world: a brief history of the company
The automotive industry is one that heavily relies on name value, notoriety, and worldwide relevance. Customers often remain loyal to brands that they have seen over the years, such as Nissan and Isuzu, making it even harder for corporations like Skoda to rise.
Skoda Auto is a Czech Republic-based company that has existed since the late 1800s but was officially established in 1925. The question on many people’s minds is why has Skoda failed to rise to the forefront despite having existed for longer than some leading companies? The answer is simple. Skoda became fully owned by Volkswagen Group in 2000, meaning most of its success was attributed to Volkswagen rather than individual companies. For instance, reports suggest that Skoda generated about 1.25 million units in global sales and, as of 2017, had a profit margin that was the second largest under Volkswagen’s umbrella of companies. Ultimately, Skoda’s big break came through officially becoming a part of Volkswagen.
Examining the design changes made by Skoda on the Kushaq
Skoda’s primary objective was to develop a car that matches the modern SUVs. As such, car enthusiasts have noted that the test cars have a revamped front fascia, new bumpers, grille, fog lamps, and slightly thinner headlamps. This might seem like minimal changes, but Skoda has paid great attention to detail to elevate its car to the current standards. The rear end also features a revamped bumper and taillights, but the vehicle still possesses its silhouette. It was imperative for Skoda to maintain some of the original car’s features because it still managed to somewhat compete in the market, showing that it was not a poorly developed vehicle.
The refreshed Kushaq: Assessing why Skoda decided to update the Kushaq
In today’s competitive market, corporations are increasingly turning toward upgrading cars instead of developing a brand-new one and introducing it to the market. For instance, in 2025, Toyota announced the debut of a completely redesigned sixth-generation RAV4 in Japan instead of manufacturing a new vehicle from the start. Ultimately, the automotive landscape shifts so frequently that some companies elect to apply new changes to an already existing vehicle instead of developing a brand new one.
The Kushaq made its debut in 2021 and received a relatively high amount of praise for driving dynamics and build quality. Skoda’s decision to refresh the Kushaq was influenced by its decision to remain competitive in the market and position itself as a viable option in the SUV market. The Kushaq was initially produced before Skoda adopted a more modern approach; there was a need to bring the car up to speed with its current design language and advanced technology components.
How much has the interior of the Kushaq been upgraded?
The forthcoming Kushaq has been widely praised for its new features. For instance, it is set to have Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), making it capable of lane keep assist and cruise control. The car also possesses a panoramic sunroof, which elevates the car to enter the coveted list of premium SUVs.
2026 has started off with a massive bang after many companies announced that they will be launching new cars. For instance, Nissan’s next-generation Leaf is undergoing a significant redesign and more extended driving range, whilst the Renault Duster is also entering the fray in January 2026. Ultimately, Skoda’s upgraded Kushaq displays its intention to intentionally face the competition instead of altogether avoiding it.
