Skoda’s New Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV: Launch Timeline Revealed

The wait is almost over for Skoda’s latest SUV, which is set to make its global debut in the first month of 2025. The car is expected to hit the market in March 2025, and it’s going to be a game-changer in the sub-4 meter compact SUV segment. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this new vehicle and what it has to offer.

The Skoda SUV is designed to compete with popular cars like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. It’s built on a shortened version of the MQB A0 IN platform, which is also used in other popular models such as the Skoda Slavia, Kushaq, Volkswagen Virtus, and Tiguan. Although the car’s name is yet to be revealed, it’s expected to share multiple parts and design elements with its siblings.

The styling of the new SUV is similar to that of the newer Skoda cars, such as the Epiq. Spy shots have revealed that it will borrow certain parts like the steering wheel, gear knob, instrument cluster, and HVAC controls from the Kushaq and Slavia. The car’s length is 230 mm shorter than the Kushaq, and the front doors are identical to save costs. However, the rear doors are shorter to accommodate the reduced length, and the rear fascia has been changed to keep the SUV under the sub-4 meter mark.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, has stated that the brand is aiming for a very ambitious price position versus competition, with a target to achieve 75% localisation. This means that the car will be manufactured with a significant proportion of local components.

In a notable initiative, Skoda will start using recycled materials to manufacture some parts of the cabin, making it the first carmaker in India to do so. This eco-friendly approach is a step towards sustainability.

The new SUV will come loaded with features like alloy wheels, LED lighting setup, auto AC, touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, digital instrument cluster, and more. Higher variants will also get cooled seats.

The car will be powered by the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine used in the Kushaq and Slavia. Power figures are not yet known, but in other cars, this engine produces 114 PS of power and 178 Nm of torque. Transmission options will include both automatic and manual.

There is no confirmation on whether the 1.5-liter TSI engine will be available in this sub-compact SUV or not. Given that an engine displacing over 1.2 liters would result in higher excise duty on cars measuring under 4 meters in length, it’s unlikely. However, the 1.5 TSI turbo petrol engine would be an enthusiast’s dream if it were to be available.

Overall, Skoda’s new sub-4 meter compact SUV is shaping up to be a strong contender in the market, with its impressive features, eco-friendly approach, and competitive pricing. Students preparing for competitive exams can take note of the key points mentioned above, including the car’s design, features, and specifications.

Historical Context:

The Skoda brand has a rich history dating back to 1895, when it was founded by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement in the Czech Republic. Over the years, the company has undergone several transformations, including being acquired by Volkswagen Group in 1991. Skoda has since become a significant player in the global automotive market, known for its affordable and feature-packed vehicles. In recent years, Skoda has been expanding its presence in the Indian market, where it has gained popularity with models like the Rapid and Octavia.

The sub-4 meter compact SUV segment has been a growing market in India, with several players vying for attention. The segment has seen the introduction of popular models like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. Skoda’s new SUV aims to join this fray, with a focus on competitive pricing, eco-friendly features, and impressive specifications.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Skoda’s new sub-4 meter compact SUV is set to launch in March 2025 and will compete with popular models like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. • The SUV is built on a shortened version of the MQB A0 IN platform, used in other Skoda models like the Slavia and Kushaq. • The car’s styling is similar to newer Skoda cars, with parts borrowed from the Kushaq and Slavia. • The SUV will have a length of 230 mm shorter than the Kushaq, with front doors identical to save costs and rear doors shorter to accommodate the reduced length. • Skoda aims for a very ambitious price position versus competition, with a target to achieve 75% localisation. • The car will feature recycled materials in its cabin, making it the first carmaker in India to do so. • The SUV will come loaded with features like alloy wheels, LED lighting setup, auto AC, touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, digital instrument cluster, and more. • Higher variants will get cooled seats. • The car will be powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, with transmission options including automatic and manual. • There is no confirmation on whether the 1.5-liter TSI engine will be available in this sub-compact SUV. • The new SUV is shaping up to be a strong contender in the market, with its impressive features, eco-friendly approach, and competitive pricing.