Skoda Sub-4M SUV Spotted Testing Ahead of India Launch; Details Here

The Indian division of the Czech carmaker’s is planning to make a foray into the sub-four-metre segment. The upcoming Skoda SUV was spotted testing on Indian roads but it was heavily camouflaged. Going as per the images, the unnamed vehicle resembles the Skoda Kushaq, as far as the design is concerned. Additionally, it is highly likely that it will be based on the India-centric MQB-A0-IN platform. 

Considering the assumed dimensions of this SUV, it will compete with the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Plus, Skoda India is well-versed that it will have to give the car a competitive pricing, but we expect that it may command a slight premium over the SUV’s direct rivals.

Skoda Sub-Compact SUV: Appearance

As mentioned earlier, this upcoming SUV has the same design language as the elder sibling, the Skoda Kushaq. Speaking of which, there are reports that this anticipated iteration won’t share components with the Kushaq, as a result, it will be made of re-profiled metal sheet without any creases or folds, thereby allowing cost-reduction. 

Apart from that, the spy images also depict that the rear quarter near the C-pillar is smaller than the Kushaq, indicating that it will have shorter rear doors, alongside an 85mm shorter wheelbase compared to the Kushaq’s 2651mm wheelbase, making the sub-compact SUV have a wheelbase of 2566m. 

That said, the overhangs of this SUV are also reduced at the front and rear to slip this vehicle into the sub-four-metre category.  

Also Read: Avail Discounts on Skoda Kushaq SUV and Slavia Sedan in May 2024  

Skoda Sub-Compact SUV: Specifications

As for the specifications, this Skoda sub-4m SUV will most likely be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which is a cost-effective version of Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 architecture. That cost-effective platform underpins the Skoda’s Kushaq and Skavia, and Volkswagen’s (VW) Taigun and Virtus. 

Besides that, Skoda India has, however, confirmed that this anticipated Skoda’s most affordable car will be powered by the tried and tested 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (TSI) engine. This unit will produce 115bhp and 178N of peak torque. It will power the front wheels via a six-speed manual and an optional six-speed torque converter automatic unit. This mechanical setup also powers these sedans- Virtus and Slavia, and SUVs- Taigun and Kushaq. 

Moreover, one can expect a better fuel economy from this upcoming Skoda SUV as it will be lighter than the Skoda Kushaq. For your reference, the Skoda Kushaq’s 1.0-litre MT variant has an ARAI-claimed mileage of 19.76 kmpl. 

Skoda Sub-Compact SUV: Features

In this department, Skoda India stated that it wants to keep this sub-compact SUV at par with the current players in the market, especially with well-equipped cars like the Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon. More so, the company also confirmed that it will have an ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera. 

As for the interior, we don’t have information regarding that, but it should be safe to assume that it may have a similar design language as the Skoda Kushaq’s interior. 

Skoda Sub-Compact SUV: Expected Launch

As per the industry’s reports, buyers can expect Skoda India’s first-ever sub-four-metre SUV to arrive in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. This is an unnamed SUV. Once launched, it will have a similar pricing as the Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and so on. 

 

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