Czech automaker Skoda has recently announced that it will enter the fast growing sub-4 meter SUV segment in early 2025. The company is preparing a sub-4 meter SUV, which will be positioned against the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300. Skoda has started testing the new compact SUV on the Indian roads, and the first spy shots have hit the Internet.
Skoda Compact SUV Launch Timeline
Skoda has confirmed that the new compact SUV will be launched in the Indian market by March 2025. It is expected that the production version of the SUV could be revealed at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show, which is scheduled to happen in January. The new model is also likely to be exported to select international markets including South America, Africa and South-East Asia.
Skoda Compact SUV Expected Price
The new sub-4 meter SUV will be positioned against the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Maruti Brezza. Except for the Brezza, all other SUVs are available with petrol and diesel engine options. Skoda is planning to achieve over 90% of localisation levels, hinting towards competitive pricing for the compact SUV. We expect the new model to cost somewhere between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 14 lakh.
Specifications
The new sub-4 meter SUV will be designed and developed on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB AO IN platform, which underpins the Kushaq, Slavia, VW Taigun and Virtus. The new compact SUV will ride on a 2,566mm wheelbase, which is 85mm shorter than the Kishaq’s wheelbase. The bigger sibling is offered with 16- and 17-inch wheels; however, the compact SUV is expected to come with smaller wheels including 15- and 16-inch alloys.
The new Skoda compact SUV will be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Kushaq. This engine is capable of producing 115bhp and a peak torque of 178Nm. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The new model 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 be launched with the 1.5-litre TSI engine with manual and DCT.
Design & Interior Details
The new sub-4 meter SUV is most likely to share styling cues from the bigger Skoda SUVs including Kushaq, Karoq and Kodiaq. The latest spy shots reveal the rear profile, which shows wraparound LED tail-lights, a roof-mounted spoiler with integrated brake light, roof rails, etc. The new compact SUV official teaser shows that it will have a split headlight setup with slim LED daytime running lamps on top and main headlamp housing on the lower bumper. It will have the signature Skoda grille and wider grille.
The cabin layout will also have similarities with the Kushaq. It will have a layered dashboard layout with an 8-inch freestanding touchscreen infotainment unit with smartphone connectivity and a new semi-digital instrument console. In terms of features, the SUV will come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a multi-functional steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning, rear AC vents, reverse camera, etc.
