Apr 24, 2024 - 10:54
By autocarindia.com

Skoda compact SUV spied in near production guise

The compact SUV segment is among the most competitive automotive segments in India. Despite low margins, it is a very lucrative category for carmakers due to the prospect of high volumes. Most recently, it was Skoda who announced its entry into this segment, following which there will be as many as 10 different compact SUvs from nine different manufacturers.

Skoda has been testing the upcoming sub-4m SUV for a couple of months now, and spy shots of early prototypes suggest it will look like a slightly smaller iteration of the Kushaq. The launch is still about a year away, but here’s what you can expect from the upcoming Skoda compact SUV.

Skoda compact SUV: design, dimensions

The compact Skoda SUV will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, just as the Kushaq and the Slavia, but it will have a shorter wheelbase to slip into the sub-4m segment. Its length will need to be reduced by about 230mm when compared to the Kushaq, and spy shots suggest Skoda has also chopped the front and rear overhangs in order for the SUV to measure under 4 metres in length.

As for the design, expect a familiar Skoda design language with a split headlamp setup, a slatted grille design and clear surfaces with a kinked glasshouse. In fact, it could look like a shrunken Kushaq as Skoda could be aiming for a family look.

Skoda compact SUV could have a family look similar to Kushaq (rendering used for representation).

Skoda compact SUV: interior, features

What is certain is that Skoda will equip the upcoming SUV with more features than what it currently offers in the Kushaq and Slavia. In fact, Skoda brand director Petr Janeba had previously confirmed to Autocar India that features like a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite will be part of the package. These features are first expected to come on the Kushaq and Slavia facelifts, but Skoda will be keen to equip the compact SUV at par with the rest of the compact SUV segment, which already has very well-equipped cars like the Nexon and Sonet. The interior is expected to bear a close resemblance to the Kushaq's.