Skoda has officially confirmed its plans to introduce a new compact SUV to the Indian market. Set to debut in March 2025, this eagerly anticipated vehicle will be built on the MQB A0-IN platform, a foundational structure shared by Skoda and VW in India. Leveraging many of the platform’s key components and subsystems, the compact SUV promises to offer a blend of performance, style, and innovation. As excitement builds, Skoda has unveiled a teaser image providing a glimpse of the SUV’s design. Adding an interactive twist, the brand has initiated a poll to determine the name for its upcoming model. Among the contenders are Kwiq, Kymaq, Kylaq, Kariq, and Kyroq, each vying for the honor of adorning this highly anticipated vehicle.
Skoda Compact SUV India Launch
Stepping into the sub-4m segment signals Skoda’s strategic maneuver to capture a wider audience in the Indian automotive market. With the added advantage of an excise cut, Skoda aims to tailor its offerings to better match the preferences and expectations of Indian car buyers in terms of price, size, features, and content. This bold move not only extends Skoda’s reach but also positions the brand for mainstream success, mirroring the competitive edge seen with models like the Slavia and VW Virtus, where parity in size, specs, and features has proven instrumental.
By prioritizing these key metrics, Skoda endeavors to differentiate itself through its commitment to safety, superior chassis construction, and mechanical finesse, setting the stage for an exciting evolution in the Indian automotive landscape.
Skoda Compact SUV Design
Skoda’s Kushaq stands out in India’s midsize SUV market for its compact dimensions. While competitors like the Hyundai Creta boast a length of 4.33 meters, the Kushaq measures slightly shorter at 4.22 meters. This disparity in size may pose a challenge for the Kushaq in terms of interior space compared to other midsize SUVs.
The teaser gives us a glimpse of the updated front design, which is a welcome change. It shows thin LED daytime running lights above a big air vent or fog light area on the bumper. The hood also has similar creases to the Kushaq model. The compact SUV’s design takes inspiration from Skoda’s new design style called ‘Modern Solid’ and introduces some new ideas as well.
When considering the conversion of the Kushaq into a compact SUV, it enjoys a starting advantage. The Kushaq only requires a reduction of 22cm to fit within the sub-four-meter length category. Much of this reduction is expected to come from compacting the front end, which should be relatively straightforward given that the Kushaq’s nose has been designed to appear larger and more SUV-like for the Indian market. Skoda is also likely to adjust the wheelbase, resulting in a shorter wheelbase for the compact SUV compared to the Kushaq’s 2,651mm length.
Skoda Compact SUV Powertrain
Skoda’s forthcoming compact SUV is set to feature a well-known mechanical setup, emphasizing practicality over hype. At its core lies the reliable 1.0 TSI engine, recognized for its efficient direct-injection system and turbocharged performance. With 115hp and 178Nm of torque, this engine, already produced locally, has proven its worth in both the Kushaq and Slavia models, delivering responsive driving dynamics and commendable fuel efficiency. As it finds its way into the compact SUV, drivers can expect a balanced blend of power and economy without the need for flashy marketing gimmicks.
In a bid to optimize efficiency and distinguish itself from its larger counterpart, the compact SUV will adopt smaller wheels, a departure from the larger Kushaq’s options. By moving away from the 16- and 17-inch wheels, Skoda aims to enhance the vehicle’s fuel economy and carve out its own identity in the competitive SUV market. This strategic decision reflects Skoda’s commitment to practicality and performance, promising drivers a no-nonsense driving experience tailored to their everyday needs.
The India 2.5 project will feature both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The manual offers smooth shifting and a light feel, ideal for enthusiasts, while the automatic provides strong acceleration and refined performance, suitable for everyday driving.
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