KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda compact SUV spied on test
- To rival Venue, Nexon, and more
- 1.0-litre turbo petrol to power the SUV
The Indian market scene is exploding with compact SUVs under 4 meters with a lot of heated rivalries already brewing. Here to stake its claim is the Skoda compact SUV that is hearing up for a launch soon. On the road to its launch, it has been spied once more revealing key details about it, with some major key takeaways. Let's quickly look at the details and things waiting for you in the future, but before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads to never miss out on any updates from the automotive world.
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Skoda Compact SUV Spied: Shorter Wheelbase Than The Kushaq
The bustling compact SUV market is about to get a new contender from Skoda, set to arrive in March 2025. This Skoda compact SUV will be leveraging the familiar MQB-A0-IN platform but with a shortened wheelbase. Recent spy images provide a glimpse of the rear quarter, revealing a subtly shorter rear door compared to the Kushaq. This hints at the expected 85mm reduction in wheelbase. The rear quarter glass also appears slightly different, and reports suggest Skoda might have incorporated some adjustments to meet the crucial sub-4 meter mark.
This strategic move allows Skoda to tap into a wider segment of SUV buyers seeking a more maneuverable and potentially price-competitive option. With this, Skoda will enter the highly contested space of Venue, Sonet, Brezza, Nexon, and others. But let's look at what to expect on the inside.
Also Read- Tata Nexon Price Slashed By Rs. 1.1 Lakhs: New Variants Introduced
Interior And Features
The upcoming model's interior is poised to offer a plethora of features, mirroring the Kushaq's design closely. Envisioned amenities include a fully digital TFT instrument cluster, an expanded infotainment screen, wireless charging capability, premium speakers, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), among others. There's also speculation about the inclusion of an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. Regarding its name, Skoda has shortlisted ten options: Kayaq, Kymaq, Kliq, Kylaq, Kwiq, Kariq, Kyroq, Kosmiq, Kaiq, and Karmiq. The final choice remains undisclosed.
Skoda Compact SUV: Engine. Price, And Rivals
Skoda's forthcoming compact SUV, slated for launch in March 2025, will feature a robust 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, delivering 115hp and 178Nm of torque. This powertrain will be available with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Positioned with an anticipated price range of Rs 8 lakh to 13.50 lakh (ex-showroom), it will rival the likes of Mahindra 3XO, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and more.
Verdict
The upcoming entrant from Skoda is a highly anticipated SUV in an extremely competitive space. This is one of the few segments that witness cut throat competition with numerous players already tussling for the top spot. Can it create a name for itself amongst the key players? While the leaks and scoops suggest that it might be able to do just that, but we'll have to wait and see when it hits the showrooms.
