Skoda Auto has dropped another teaser of its all-new compact SUV, which will debut in India in early 2025. While the first teaser offered us a glimpse of its grille, split LED headlamps, and muscular bonnet, the second teaser reveals the vehicle's upright rear end, which suggests that the production-spec compact SUV is likely to get horizontal LED taillamps and a bold character line spanning the length of the body. Also at the back, the Skoda lettering is noticeable on the tailgate. In profile, the vehicle will likely have smaller wheels than the Kushaq's, along with beefy wheel arches.
The new Skoda Compact SUV will be based on the MQB A0-IN platform specifically developed for India. This is the same platform that underpins larger cars like the Slavia, Taigun, and Kushaq. That said the new compact SUV will have a shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq's, measuring 2,566mm. The rear overhang is also expected to be shorter than that of the Kushaq.
Skoda Compact SUV: Interior
The interior of the upcoming SUV is expected to get some of the features of the Kushaq and the Slavia, including the digital instrument cluster, steering wheel, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) controls. Other expected bits are LED lighting, cooled seats, automatic climate control, and touchscreen Infotainment system options.
Skoda Compact SUV: Engine
The new Skoda SUV will likely use the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol engine that powers the Kushaq and the Slavia. In the Kushaq, this made-in-India engine produces 115bhp and 178Nm of peak torque. Expected transmission options are a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Skoda Compact SUV: Price, Rivals
Skoda says the 'compact SUV will have the 'big car' feel within a compact footprint and, therefore, will have a great appeal for new car buyers'. It will be priced competitively in India. Although the price hasn't been announced yet, it is expected to be offered in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). This means that it will rival the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3X0, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue.
Skoda also says that this SUV will not be limited to the Indian market; it will subsequently find its way to South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. With the upcoming compact SUV, Skoda India aims to achieve sales of 1 lakh vehicles in India by 2026 and hopes to achieve a 5 per cent market share by the end of the decade.
Also Read: Skoda Kodiaq and Superb Receive 5-star Safety Rating from Euro NCAP: Watch Video
In other news, Euro NCAP crash-tested the updated Skoda Kodiaq and Superb models in early July, both of which were awarded a 5-star rating. The latest Kodiaq scored 89% in adult protection, 83% in child protection, and 82% in pedestrian protection, while its safety assistance systems received a rating of 78%. Meanwhile, the fourth-generation Superb received 93% for adult protection, 87% for child protection, and 82% for protection of vulnerable road users. Moreover, the sedan received an 80% rating in safety assistance systems.
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