Skoda, part of the Volkswagen Group, has been making significant strides in the Indian automotive market with its India 2.0 strategy. With the successful launches of the Kushaq and Slavia, the brand is gearing up to expand its portfolio further. The latest addition to Skoda’s lineup will be a sub-4 meter compact SUV, poised to compete with the likes of the Maruti Brezza and Hyundai Venue in a segment that’s witnessing tremendous growth and competition.
Skoda’s Sub-4 Meter SUV Venture
The sub-4 meter compact SUV segment is one of the most popular and rapidly growing segments in India. Skoda’s decision to enter this competitive arena demonstrates its commitment to the Indian market. According to reports, the upcoming SUV will be manufactured in India and will represent the smallest SUV in Skoda’s global portfolio.
Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Skoda Auto, stated, “For India, the next step is the sub-four meter [model] and then the electric car. The sub-four-meter [model] is a small SUV. It’s very much ready.” While senior officials indicate that the sub-4 meter SUV is in an advanced stage of readiness, it’s expected to hit the market sometime next year.
Jahn also highlighted India’s unique tax benefits for sub-4 meter SUVs, a factor that influences Skoda’s production decisions. While other countries do not offer such incentives, India’s taxation system encourages the development of compact SUVs.
Focused on SUVs
Skoda’s strategy for India is firmly rooted in the SUV segment. Jahn emphasized, “At the moment, we are focusing on the SUV because I think that’s what the customers want in India. I don’t think that bringing a sub-four meter hatchback would be successful.” This clear focus on SUVs aligns with the preferences of Indian consumers.
The upcoming sub-4 meter SUV will be built on a scaled-down version of the MQB A0 IN platform and is expected to share design elements with Skoda’s current models. As part of the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen might also explore a similar product, given the shared platform and group synergy.
What to Expect
The upcoming sub-4 meter SUV from Skoda is poised to be a scaled-down version of the successful Kushaq model. It will feature a bold and premium exterior design with an array of modern features. Competing with segment leaders like the Brezza, Venue, and Sonet, the SUV is likely to offer amenities such as automatic climate control, ventilated seats, an electric sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and more.
Under the hood, the new Skoda SUV is expected to house a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, similar to the one available with the Kushaq. The engine may offer different tuning options and will be paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
