Skoda has made a fantastic revival in the Indian auto market by launching models like Slavia and Kushaq. They want to increase this presence by entering a segment that has seen a significant surge in demand from Indian car buyers: the compact SUVs. Nexon, Brezza, Venue, and Fronx dominate this segment. Can the Czech giant get a piece of this pie?
Skoda has released a Teaser of the compact SUV they plan to launch. It reveals very little about the design but gives some basic cues. Skoda is taking forward their 'Modern Solid' approach with some hints of creativity. The teaser shows LED DRLs on the front, above a large housing that could function as an air vent or contain the fog lights. There are recognisable creases on the bonnet, like the Kushaq. Skoda is running a poll among the masses currently for naming the SUV. The front runners for the name are Kwiq, Kymaq, Kylaq, Kariq, and Kyroq.
The new SUV will be underpinned by the MQB A0-IN platform that forms a base for the majority of Volkswagen and Skoda models in India. Considering the same platform is also used for the Kushaq, it should be pretty simple for them to reduce its length to under 4 meters. Once under 4 meters, Skoda can avail excise benefits it plans to pass on to the customers. This will be key for pricing the SUV well in the cutthroat competition of the segment. They are also likely to reduce the wheelbase of the Kushaq for the new SUV. Another way Skoda can reduce costs is by removing the creases and folds in the Kushaq that give it a unique look.
Skoda will likely go with the award-winning and reliable 1.0 TSI engine under the bonnet. This three-cylinder, direct-injection, turbo-charged petrol engine delivers 115 hp power and 178 Nm torque. It helps make the Kushaq one of its segment's best cars to drive. The new model will likely bring Skoda's legacy to the compact SUV range.
The transmission options might also be carried forward from the Kushaq in a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The CEO of Skoda, Mr Klau Zellmer, said that Skoda will launch it at a very competitive price in India. This ideally puts it in the range of 9-14 lakhs. It will be essential, considering it has to take on the likes of Maruti, Kia and Hyundai. Skoda plans on launching the SUV around March 2025.
Skoda has high hopes for its India 2.5 project, which this SUV will be a part of. It plans to produce the car in India and export it to markets like South America, Southeast Asia and Africa. This will help them achieve the scale for their plans. Skoda wants to achieve an annual brand sales target of 100,000 cars in India by 2026 by keeping this SUV at the core. It would also contribute to the 5 per cent market share target the Volkswagen family intends to achieve by 2030.
