Skoda Auto India has unveiled plans for an all-new Skoda compact SUV set to debut in the first half of 2025, marking its third major product initiative tailored specifically for the Indian market.
Skoda Compact SUV
The upcoming compact SUV, anticipated to hit Indian roads in 2025, follows the successful launch of the Kushaq and the Slavia, embodying Skoda’s dedication to offering diverse and innovative vehicles to Indian customers. Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto a.s, expressed confidence in the Indian market’s potential, highlighting the company’s ambitious target of achieving a 5% market share for the Volkswagen family of brands by 2030.
The new SUV will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform and is likely to borrow the 1.0 L TSI currently used in the Kushaq and the Slavia. In its current state of tune the engine makes 113 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. Skoda is unlikely to change this tune as it would make for a powerful compact SUV. It is also expected to get the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission along with Skoda’s safety suite.
What are Skoda Leaders saying?
Central to Skoda’s strategy in India is the MQB-A0-IN platform, introduced with the Kushaq in 2021, which emphasizes high localization, cost-effectiveness, and swift development cycles. Dr. Johannes Neft, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, emphasized the platform’s technical prowess and adaptability, underlining its role in delivering superior driving dynamics, safety, and quality across Škoda’s Indian lineup.
Martin Jahn, Member of the Board of Management for Sales & Marketing, reaffirmed India’s importance in Škoda’s global growth trajectory, citing the country’s substantial sales growth and its strategic significance in expanding the brand’s SUV portfolio. Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), emphasized the company’s focus on localized production and supplier development, aiming to offer global-quality components at competitive prices.
Skoda’s entry into the compact SUV segment reflects its commitment to meeting diverse customer needs in India. Petr Janeba, Brand Director of Skoda Auto India, expressed excitement about the forthcoming launch, anticipating an enhanced customer experience and further market penetration. The company also invites enthusiasts to participate in a naming contest for the new SUV, continuing its tradition of evocative nomenclature inspired by culture, heritage, and legacy.
Once launched, the new SUV will take on the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300.