Skoda compact SUV spied for the first time
Skoda recently announced their plans to introduce a compact SUV, which has been spied testing for the first time under heavy camouflage on Indian roads. The Czech brand has officially confirmed the launch timeline for early 2025.
The new compact SUV will be their entry-level product in the Indian market’s portfolio with a sub 4-metre design. It will be positioned under the Skoda Kushaq.
Skoda revealed the teaser image at the time of announcement last month. It has got some sharp design elements up front with LED DRLs likely to be positioned above the main headlight units. The rear profile of the test mule doesn’t reveal much but sleek LED tail lamps. The overall design language is expected to be borrowed from the bigger SUVs in the carmaker’s lineup.
It will be based on same MQB-A0-IN as Skoda Kushaq but with shortened length. The compact SUV will be powered by the 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine producing 115 HP and 175 Nm of torque. This motor will be available with both 6-speed manual transmission and automatic transmission options.
There will be no 1.5-litre TSI engine option to save tax and offer it with an attractive price tag. Skoda will be aiming for high localisation to further get the prices down. They aim to double their market share by targeting tier 3 and tier 4 cities.
The name of the new compact SUV will begin with K and end with Q. Skoda has shortlisted some of the names and these are inspired by iconic places related to India – Škoda Kylaq, Kariq, Kymaq, Kyroq and Kwiq.
Volkswagen too will come up with a similar product based on the same platform. We can expect the German carmaker to launch their version of the compact SUV sometime around the debut of the new Skoda in 2025.
