Skoda has unveiled its latest strategy on how it plans to double its sales numbers by 2026 in India. The Czech-based automobile manufacturer is looking to hit the magic 100,000 units and the secret sauce will be the launch of the new sub 4 metre compact SUV next year. With the SUV class constituting almost 50 per cent of the market share, Skoda will be introducing its second made-in-India SUV next year. Here’s all you need to know about Skoda’s Nexon rival.
Skoda compact SUV: Hardware
The new Skoda sub-4 metre SUV will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which was launched in 2021. Focusing on high localization components and low-cost ownership, this architecture was jointly developed by teams in India and the Czech Republic. It is also the first platform developed by the Skoda outside of Europe.
Being a typical Volkswagen Group product, the new product will offer superior driving dynamics, build quality and class-leading safety. With combined sales figures for both 2022 and 2023, Skoda managed to sell 100,000 units. The company is confident and the new compact SUV will help cross that number in a year.Â
Skoda compact SUV: Engine and Features
As the new SUV will be a sub-4 metre vehicle, Skoda is looking only to offer the 1-litre turbo petrol engine to avail of the tax benefits. This is the reason why the company is confident that it will be able to price it aggressively. The new SUV will be mated to a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic. Even though the specs aren’t revealed by Skoda yet, the compact SUV will be powered by the same 1-litre TSI available in both the Kushaq and the Slavia.
Skoda compact SUV: What’s in the name?
Sticking to its nomenclature formula for SUVs, the new compact SUV from Skoda will start with the letter ‘K’ and end with ‘Q’ like the Kushaq and Kodiaq. The Czech firm has launched the ‘Name Your Skoda Campaign’ where users can suggest names by logging on to the Skoda Auto India website. The company has also suggested five names Kariq, Kwiq, Kyroq, Kymaq and Kylaq. The winner of this campaign gets the brand new compact SUV. The contest comes to a close on April 12.
Skoda compact SUV: Competition
Skoda will have its hands full when it enters the most competitive segment in the Indian market, the sub-4 metre SUV class. It will take on the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, the soon-to-be-launched facelift Mahindra XUV300, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
