Škoda Auto India teases new compact SUV ahead of global launch

Škoda Auto is now at the precipice of its 129th year, globally, and 24 years in India and is preparing for another landmark event with the launch of its new compact SUV. This is following several customer and product centric activities throughout the year. In the initial months of 2024, the boosters for the new compact SUV has been administered by Škoda Auto India through a second teaser.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director of Škoda Auto India, commented on the teaser release: “We started the year 2024 with a promise, our all-new compact SUV. We are at the mid of year 2024 and it is shaping up well. While testing is going on rigorously on Indian roads on our compact SUV, so are the fine tuning simultaneously with our production preparation with high competencies and our quality local supplier partners ramping up. The new Compact SUV underlines our European technology for the India masses."

Design and Platform

The compact SUV model is MQB-A0-IN based, same Like the Kushaq and Slavia models. The new SUV will also come with a platform originally built for larger vehicles to provide it with great dynamics, handling, and excellent road manners despite the car’s sub-4-meter size. Despite this, the design teaser discloses specifics that relate to Škoda Auto’s Modern Solid design language, standards, which are outlined as clear, reduced lines which point to simplicity, solidity, and quality.

Bold and Muscular Design

The design team here has tried elevating the stance and road presence of this new SUV and to see him proliferate muscularity around the fenders. Able body height and ample space around the wheels are to control difficult road conditions, which ensures the car has a solid SUV spirit. For that, one can also identify traditional elements of Škoda cars’ design, for instance, the clean and distinct light signature of DRL lights, as well as the hexagonal pattern on the side and rear of the car.

Market and Safety

Škoda sets its first stepping stone on the sub-4-metre SUV segment in India that has been invigorated in recent years. The new MQB-A0-IN base, created by Indian and Czech design and engineering groups, was previously tested in the new Kushaq and Slavia models; both achieved 5-star adult and child protection ratings in Global NCAP. To reach new clients and enter new markets, Škoda requires an all-new vehicle that will initially be launched in India starting in 2025.

Path to Growth

The new compact SUV comes to join a formidable list of vehicles which include; the Kushaq SUV, the Slavia sedan, the Kodiaq luxury 4x4, and the Superb luxury sedan. Along with real growth of points-of-contact of customers, there is a possibility of high growth in Škoda Auto India. It also succeeds in exporting locally produced Škoda cars to 14 countries internationally hence expanding its market influence.