We reported earlier that Volkswagen & Skoda will enter the sub-4 meter SUV segment in the next couple of years. A new media report reveals that the new Skoda compact SUV will be launched in our market in 2025. It will be the first model under the Volkswagen Group’s new India 2.5 Plan. This sub-compact SUV will be made in India for domestic and export markets.
The new Skoda compact SUV will be positioned against the already established players like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300. The small SUV will also receive tax benefits available for sub-4 metre vehicles. Combined this with huge amount of localisation, Skoda will aim to achieve competitive pricing for the new compact SUV.
It is expected that the production of the new Skoda compact SUV will commence by January 2025 in India. The new sub-4 meter SUV will be based on the slightly modified version of the heavily localised MQB AO IN that underpins the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, VW Taigun and the Virtus. Not just platform, the new sub-4 meter SUV is likely to share several parts and features from the larger models. It could source the seats, suspension setup, infotainment unit and others from the Kushaq.
Skoda currently has two engine options – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol, which powers the India 2.5 models. The new Skoda compact SUV is likely to receive the 120PS, 1.0L turbo petrol engine with manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox options. Skoda is also considering the bigger engine for the new compact SUV; however, the SUV with bigger engine won’t be eligible for any tax benefits. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Jimny lifestyle SUV are also offered with 1.5L petrol engines and are not eligible for any tax benefits.
The new compact SUV is reportedly to be exported to select international markets including Mexico and Africa along with some South-East Asian markets like Vietnam. We expect the new compact SUV to make global debut sometime in January or February 2025, most probably around next edition of the Indian Auto Expo.
