We reported earlier that Skoda will enter the sub-4 meter SUV category in the Indian market in 2025. The new small SUV will come under the Volkswagen Group’s ‘India 2.5’ project, which will also bring-in more investment. It is expected that Skoda could announce the new compact SUV on February 27, 2024. In fact, Skoda’s global management is coming to India to announce its future plans.
It will be the brand’s only sub-4 meter model in the country. It is based on the modified version of the MQB AO IN platform that underpins the Slavia, VW Taigun and the Virtus. The smaller SUV will be powered by the 110bhp, 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox. With this powertrain, the new Skoda compact SUV will enjoy the lower tax benefit applicable on cars under 4 meters in length and engine capacity less than 1.2-litres. The SUV could also get the 1.5-litre TSI engine with manual and DCT.
The new Skoda compact SUV is likely to be unveiled sometime early next year with launch expected by March 2025. It was speculated that Volkswagen could also introduce its own version of the compact SUV. However, the company is now looking at EVs and a small electric SUV could be introduced in our market.
The new Skoda compact SUV will also be exported to select international markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The company aims to produce around 90,000 units of the SUV annually for both the domestic and export markets.
The new Skoda compact SUV will be positioned against the already established players like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300. Not just platform, the new sub-4 meter SUV is likely to share several parts and features from the Skoda Kushaq. It could source the seats, suspension setup, infotainment unit and others from the Kushaq.
