Skoda is reportedly working on a new sub-four-meter compact SUV, which will be the brand’s smallest SUV offering to date. This new compact SUV is said to be highly localized and is being developed by Skoda as part of the India 2.0 project. Martin Jahn, a member of Skoda Auto’s Sales and Marketing Board, confirmed the development of the new compact SUV in a recent interview and stated that it is “very ready.”
The sub-four-meter SUV segment is flourishing in the Indian auto market, and nearly all manufacturers have a presence in it. The upcoming Skoda model is expected to compete with the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. Not only in India but globally, this will be the smallest SUV offering from the brand.
Furthermore, the new compact SUV will also give birth to a Volkswagen model as part of the badge engineering strategy. It was previously revealed that Skoda and Volkswagen have an electric vehicle lined up in their pipeline, which will come after the launch of the compact SUV. Although the exact launch timeline has not been disclosed, it is believed that the new SUV will arrive in showrooms by the early parts of 2025.
The global debut of the new compact SUV could take place in the second half of next year. It will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform and is being evaluated for export possibilities. John stated, “The sub-four-meter rule is an India-specific requirement. We will see if we can bring this to other countries because sub-four-meter vehicles enjoy specific benefits in India, which are not present elsewhere.”
With regards to powertrain options, it is expected that the new compact SUV will be powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque. The starting price is expected to be around 9 lakh rupees (ex-showroom). Overall, the launch of this compact SUV will further strengthen Skoda’s presence in the highly competitive Indian SUV market.
Summery:
– Skoda is working on a new compact SUV that will be highly localized and the brand’s smallest SUV offering.
– Skoda has completed the India 2.0 project with high investments, launching two new products.
– The upcoming Skoda model will compete with Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.
– The new SUV will also give birth to a Volkswagen model as part of the joint engineering initiative.
– The global launch of the SUV is expected in the second half of next year, based on the MQB A0 IN platform.
– The SUV is likely to be powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 110 PS power and 175 Nm of torque.
– The starting price of the SUV is expected to be around Rs 9 lakhs (ex-showroom).
