Skoda could be planning to introduce a new compact-SUV in the Indian market. Reports suggest that the new compact-SUV is likely to make its debut next year. In addition to this, Skoda could be planning to produce the new compact-SUV in India and export it in the international market as well as for domestic sales. Reports suggest that Skoda could be planning for localisation of upto 90%. The brand is likely to export the compact-SUV to countries such as Mexico and Africa.
The Skoda compact-SUV is likely to be under the Skoda 2.5 Project. Also, sources reveal that the compact-SUV is likely to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. The MQB-A0-IN is the Indianised version of the MQB (Modular Advanced Toolkit) platform. Skoda and Volkswagen currently use the same platform for a number on cars in India, including the popular Kushaq. The brand is also likely to share some internal parts to minimise costs and balance economies of scale.
Skoda Compact-SUV – Powertrain
Skoda is likely to use the 1.0-litre TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) petrol unit. Reports suggest that the smaller 1.0-litre engine is likely to be in favour of tax benefits as the compact-SUV is likely to be sub-4-metre. The Skoda compact-SUV could also come with the larger 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. This is likely to help compete with Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza and Jimmy SUVs which use a 1.5-litre engine. However, the car is likely to loose on its tax benefits making the price point higher.
Skoda Compact- SUV – Competition
Upon launch, the Skoda compact-SUV is likely to compete directly with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. In addition to this, the SUV will also compete with Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The made in India is also likely to compete internationally in South American, South East Asian and African markets.
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