The upcoming Skoda compact SUV will be underpinned by the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform; to use a 1.0L turbo petrol mill
Just weeks after officially announcing its future plans for the Indian market which includes new investments and the launch of a compact SUV and a battery electric vehicle, Skoda has been caught testing the former for the first time in India. The sub-four-metre SUV has already been confirmed to launch in March 2025 and it appears that the road testing has commenced.
It will take on the segment-leading Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger in the competitive space while the Clavis is slated to arrive later this year or in early 2025 to further stiffen the competition. The compact SUV will hold plenty of significance for Skoda as it will help expand its production capacity by approximately 30 per cent.
Moreover, Skoda will export to model to several global markets mainly in the Southeast Asian region. The spied prototype, to no one’s surprise, is in the initial stages of testing and wears a full camouflage. However, some of the design elements could be deciphered as the high mounted stop lamps, slim LED tail lamps that could be connected by a light bar, an integrated spoiler and horizontal reflectors on the bumper can be seen.
At the presentation, Skoda unveiled the first teaser image of the upcoming compact SUV and it showed the existence of split headlamps with new LED Daytime Running Lights and a wide grille section. It is no secret that the SUV will be underpinned by the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform to achieve economies of scale and price the model in a competitive manner.
It will have several commonalities with the Kushaq midsize SUV including mechanical bits, body panels and the 1.0L three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing a maximum power output of 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak torque. The powerplant will be connected to a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The interior will be packed with features including a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, multiple airbags, automatic climate control, adjustable headrests, and much more.