Skoda India currently boasts a portfolio consisting of three products: the Slavia mid-size sedan, along with the Kushaq and Kodiaq SUVs. As previously reported, the Czech automaker has ambitious plans to venture into the highly competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment. Rumors suggest that the new Skoda subcompact SUV is slated for a potential debut next year, followed by its market launch. It is worth noting that the company is actively in the process of setting up the assembly line for this upcoming model.
Upon its release, the new Skoda subcompact SUV will join the ranks against formidable contenders like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300. This model will fall under Skoda’s India 2.5 project and will be underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform.
The MQB A0 IN architecture is essentially an offshoot of the Volkswagen Group’s MAB A0 platform, specifically tailored for emerging markets. Skoda has already leveraged this architecture for its Slavia and Kushaq models. This platform is highly localized and is designed to accommodate varying wheelbases and multiple suspension configurations. Additionally, it incorporates a range of driver assistance features and offers different levels of navigation and entertainment systems.
While specific details about the engine setup are not available at this early stage, it is likely that the new Skoda subcompact SUV will be equipped with the brand’s 1.0L TSI turbo petrol engine, available with both manual and automatic transmission options.
In other noteworthy updates, Skoda Auto is eyeing the burgeoning Indian electric vehicle (EV) market. One of their offerings is expected to be a mass-market EV priced under Rs 20 lakh. Currently, the company is in discussions with potential partners, exploring opportunities to customize and localize its MEB architecture. According to media reports, Volkswagen and Mahindra & Mahindra are in advanced stages of conversations regarding the utilization of essential components for EVs. These two automakers might jointly share the development costs for the upcoming affordable EV right from its inception.
