Indian buyers have always had a soft spot for German cars, mainly because of their solid build quality and dependable performance. And whenever you talk about German brands in India, Skoda and Volkswagen are usually the first names that come to mind. The good thing is, both of these brands have some highly anticipated models lined up for 2026. So if you’re a first-time buyer or someone thinking about upgrading, it might be worth waiting for these launches before you decide on your next car.
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List of Upcoming Skoda & Volkswagen Cars
Here’s a list of upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars to be released in 2026:
| Car | Top Feature | Additional Feature | Ex-Showroom Price (in Rs.) |
| Skoda Kushaq Facelift 2026 | Refined exterior styling and interior design. 360-degree parking camera with sensor | Large infotainment screen, ADAS Level 2 Safety Features | Rs. 11,00,000 to Rs. 19,00,000 |
| Skoda Slavia Facelift 2026 | Enhanced Lighting and Better Design | ADAS Level 2 Safety Features, 360-degree camera | Rs. 12,00,000 to Rs. 19,00,000 |
| Volkswagen Virtus 2026 | Refined front and back fascia | Panoramic sunroof | Will likely start from Rs. 12,00,000 (approx.) |
| Volkswagen Taigun 2026 | Upgraded upholstery and exterior design elements | 360-degree camera with ADAS Level 2 Safety Specs. | Will likely start from Rs. 12,00,000 (approx.) |
Note: These are tentative ex-showroom prices of upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars in India. Their actual prices may vary as on the variants and region.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift 2026
With the introduction of the Skoda Kylaq in 2025, some car buyers ended up getting a bit confused while choosing between the Skoda Kushaq and the Kylaq. That’s mainly because both cars share a very similar design language and offer a lot of overlapping features. To bring the buzz back around the Skoda Kushaq, Skoda will likely be releasing the Skoda Kushaq Facelift in 2026, one of the notable upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars scheduled for next year.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift 2026 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Skoda Kushaq that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.0 Litre turbo petrol 1.5 Litre turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 1.0 Litre turbo petrol will offer a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission 1.5 Litre turbo petrol will come with only a 7-speed automatic transmission |
| Mileage | Range—18 to 19.7 kmpl (depending upon engine and variant) |
| Airbags | 6 airbags as standard across all the variants |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift will most probably be launched in early 2026, and buyers will start getting deliveries by mid-year. The refreshed grille, redesigned headlamps, and tweaked tail lamps will be the highlights of this car. New alloy wheel designs and revamped tailgates are also expected in the facelift variants.
The new Skoda Kushaq will come with refined styling elements along with some appealing features and specifications. For instance, it will come with Level 2 ADAS features and a 360-degree camera. So, you can expect features such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous braking during emergencies in the facelift variants.
Skoda Slavia Facelift 2026
If you feel like the sedan era has wrapped up and SUVs are the only segment dominating the Indian market now, the Skoda Slavia Facelift might just make you rethink that. The new Skoda Slavia Facelift is expected to wow buyers with its bold, striking looks and a more modern design.
Skoda Slavia Facelift 2026 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Skoda Slavia Facelift that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.0 Litre TSI Turbo Petrol Engine1.5 Litre TSI Turbo Petrol Engine |
| Transmission | 1.0 litre engine comes with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options1.5 litre engine comes with 7-speed DCT Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission |
| Mileage | 18.7 to 20.3 kmpl |
| Airbags | 6 airbags as standard across all the variants |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Sedan |
Likely to be released in November 2026, the Skoda Slavia Facelift will come with a redesigned front grille along with updated front and rear bumpers. The alloy wheel designs and LED tail lamps will also get their own tweaks. Inside, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and ADAS Level 2 safety features are expected in the higher variants.
However, the performance is likely to remain similar to the current models, since the existing 1.5-litre and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are expected to continue in the facelift. Even so, buyers who already love the Slavia for its styling will probably find this facelift more appealing and a bit more futuristic.
Volkswagen Virtus 2026
The Volkswagen Virtus is the best-selling sedan in India right now. The updated Virtus coming next year won’t be a full facelift but more of a mid-cycle upgrade. That means buyers shouldn’t expect major performance additions or any big engine refinements in the 2026 variants. What they can look forward to are a few cosmetic updates, which might actually be enough to attract sedan buyers who don’t have too many fresh options in the segment at the moment.
The updated Volkswagen Virtus is expected to be launched in early 2026, though some reviewers believe it might arrive as early as late 2025. So there’s a good chance you could get behind the wheel for a test drive sooner than you think.
Volkswagen Virtus 2026 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Volkswagen Virtus that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.0 Litre TSI Petrol 1.5 Litre TSI EVO Petrol |
| Transmission | The 1.0 Litre TSI Petrol comes with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions The 1.5 Litre TSI EVO Petrol Engine comes with a 7-Speed DCT Automatic Transmission |
| Mileage | 18 to 20 kmpl |
| Airbags | 6 airbags are mostly expected in higher variants. |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Sedan |
The new Volkswagen Virtus 2026 is likely to come with an upgraded bumper and LED headlights and LED tail lamps. Also, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and the ADAS Level 2 Suite will make this model a lot more appealing to Indian buyers.
Inside, the cabin is expected to feel more premium thanks to improved upholstery and new colour themes. The standard six airbags and the 5-star GNCAP rating are likely to continue on the upgraded models as well.
Volkswagen Taigun 2026
The new Volkswagen Taigun is also expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2026. Like the Virtus, this won’t be a full facelift but more of a mid-cycle update.
It’s likely to be launched in March 2026. Most of the key safety features, such as lane keep assist, emergency braking, and forward collision warning, are expected to be part of the updated Taigun. Slimmer headlamps, along with refreshed bumpers and a revised grille design, should make this car quite tempting for enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Taigun 2026 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Volkswagen Taigun that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.0 Litre TSI Petrol Engine1.5 Litre TSI Petrol EVO Engine |
| Transmission | The 1.5 Litre TSI Petrol EVO Engine offers a 7-Speed DCT Automatic Transmission The 1.0 Litre TSI Engine comes with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options |
| Mileage | Range—16.4 to 19.8 kmpl (depending upon engine and variant) |
| Airbags | Dual Airbags as standard with all variants 6 airbags are offered only with higher variants |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
The new variants will feature a panoramic sunroof and better styling elements in the front and back. For instance, the rear and front fascias of the Volkswagen Taigun will be redesigned. The side profile might be similar, but the cabin will be tweaked with a larger infotainment system, premium upholstery, and better features.
You can expect the Level 2 ADAS integration in the updated Taigun. Features like wireless charging and ventilated front row seats will make your journey much more convenient and relaxing. However, the 1.5 and 1.0 turbo petrol engines are most likely to be continued in the upgraded variants as well.
Summary
These were the upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars expected to arrive in 2026. When you line them up side by side, you’ll notice that most of them share very similar engine and transmission specs. The real separation comes from their design, styling, interiors, and feature lists. If you’re someone who prefers that muscular stance and a stronger road presence, you’ll naturally find yourself leaning towards the Volkswagen Taigun or the Skoda Kushaq.
Sedans, on the other hand, still do a better job when it comes to premium cabin feel and smoother ride quality. But it’s also worth noting that the updated Volkswagen Taigun and Volkswagen Virtus aren’t drastically different from their current versions, at least in terms of features and performance. The Skoda Kushaq Facelift and the Skoda Slavia Facelift are proper facelifts, which means they’ll bring better features and sharper styling compared to the existing models. So if you want a Skoda with noticeably fresh updates, waiting for these facelifts makes sense. If your interest is mainly in the Virtus or Taigun, then holding out for the refreshed variants could still be the smarter pick. Facelift models almost always score better on styling and features than the earlier versions.
Take the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, for instance; both go up against heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Built on the same platform, the Taigun and Kushaq currently top out at 17-inch alloy wheels in their higher trims. Meanwhile, the Creta and Seltos offer 18-inch alloys. The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is rumoured to finally move up to 18-inch wheels, though nothing is confirmed yet. The Taigun, however, is expected to stick with 17-inch alloys as before.
So, if you’re looking for more value for the money, the facelift versions generally make the better case. But if you’re already a fan of Volkswagen’s performance and that smooth, planted ride quality they’re known for, the current models are still perfectly solid options. In that case, waiting for the upgraded versions may not make a big difference, especially if the looks aren’t a big deciding factor for you.
FAQs about Upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen Cars in India
Q. Will these new premium cars released by Skoda and Volkswagen offer an automatic torque converter transmission?
Yes, all these upcoming models are expected to offer a torque-converter automatic transmission. This option will most likely be paired with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Q. Why do car lovers prefer Skoda and Volkswagen cars?
Skoda and Volkswagen cars have a reputation for solid build quality and strong, confident performance. They may not deliver the same fuel efficiency you get from an average Maruti Suzuki or Tata Motors car, but they more than make up for it with better cabin comfort and a noticeably smoother ride, especially in the higher trims.
Q. When will the Skoda Octavia Facelift be launched in India?
The Skoda Octavia Facelift is expected to launch in April 2026, with prices likely falling between ₹35,00,000 and ₹40,00,000. That said, this timeline isn’t fully confirmed yet, so the launch could be pushed back by a few months.
Q. Is the Kushaq facelift worth waiting for?
The Skoda Kushaq Facelift is expected to be the first Skoda in this price segment to feature ADAS Level 2 safety. It will also get revised exteriors and a more polished interior. So yes, it’s definitely worth waiting for, especially if you already lean towards Skoda cars.
Q. Which will be the better car between the Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq Facelift variants?
The Skoda Kushaq is the better pick if you want higher ground clearance, stronger performance, and a sportier overall driving feel. The Skoda Slavia gives you a more premium cabin experience and a larger boot. Since they sit in different segments, the smart thing to do is compare each car within its own category before making a decision.
