Czech automaker Skoda is gaining good response for its locally developed cars including the Kushaq SUV and the Slavia sedan. Multiple engine-gearbox combinations as well as 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP played an important role in the positive response for the new breed of Skoda cars. In order to further improve sales, Skoda is preparing to launch multiple new cars including the new-gen Superb sedan, Octavia facelift and new small SUV in the country.
Skoda is developing a new small SUV, which is reportedly to be launched in the second half of 2024. Internally codenamed SK216, the new Skoda compact SUV will mostly rival the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and others. The report also claims that a locally developed electric vehicle is still under study.
The new Skoda SK216 small SUV is expected to be based on the modified MQB AO IN platform that underpins the Kushaq and the Slavia. In the current form, the platform is designed to accommodate vehicles above 4 meters in length. Skoda engineers will be required to make some changes to accommodate a smaller SUV.
The new locally produced vehicles will take another 1-2 years before being introduced in our market. The company is also preparing to launch the new Enyaq electric vehicle and the new-gen Superb sedan as CBU in our market before the end of this year. Moreover, the new Skoda Octavia RS is also under consideration for the Indian market.
The new Skoda small SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 114bhp and 178Nm of torque. Both manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox options will be on offer. Skoda is also considering the Enyaq Coupe and Elroq EV for the Indian market before a locally produced EV model is finalised for the Indian market.
Source – Autocarpro
