Czech automaker Skoda has officially announced to launch the new sub-4 meter SUV in the Indian market in the next 1 year. The new Skoda compact SUV will directly rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and the Mahindra XUV300. It will be based on the modified version of the MQB AO IN platform that underpins the Skoda Kushaq and the Slavia.
Skoda is aiming to produce around 90,000 units of the SUV annually for both the domestic and export markets. The new Skoda compact SUV will also be exported to select international markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Not just platform, the new SUV will share several body panels, components and engine specifications with the Kushaq mid-sized SUV.
The part sharing will help Skoda to achieve competitive pricing for the new compact SUV. It is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox. This engine churns out 110bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. The new compact SUV with 1.0L engine will enjoy the lower tax benefit applicable on cars under 4 meters in length and engine capacity less than 1.2-litres. A performance-oriented version could also be launched with the 1.5-litre TSI engine with manual and DCT.
It was speculated that Volkswagen will also launch its own version of this compact SUV. However, reports claim that the German brand is focusing on the electric vehicle category. It is expected to introduce a new entry-level electric SUV in the country. The new Skoda compact SUV is likely to be revealed sometime in January-Feb, while launch could take place in March 2025.
