Skoda Slavia RS

Skoda Auto India's success story continues as it gears up for expansion with an upcoming addition to its lineup. The Czech automaker is rumoured to be in the works of crafting a fresh addition to its fleet - a subcompact SUV. This move aligns with Skoda's strategic vision for the next phase of its India 2.0 Initiative. With a focus on the thriving sub-four-metre SUV market and a more price-conscious approach, the new SUV is set to resonate with a broader audience, offering versatility in a more compact package. Let’s see what we can expect from the ‘Upcoming Skoda Compact SUV’: Scaled-Down Version of MQB A0 IN Platform The new sub-4 meter SUV will use a smaller version of the MQB A0 IN platform. This platform is known for its flexibility and proven effectiveness. In addition, it also has been used in other Skoda models like the Slavia and Kushaq. For that reason, the design of the upcoming SUV is expected to look similar to other Skoda cars. Since this platform has already been successful in achieving high levels of localization, Skoda feels confident using it for this SUV. Skoda Kushaq-Like Exterior Design The upcoming vehicle is likely to be a smaller version of the Kushaq. So, it is obvious that it will provide elements like the classic Skoda grille and sharp headlights. Overall, it will boast a stylish and premium appearance on the outside, with plenty of cool features. Premium Interior with Advanced Tech Like other Skoda cars, the interior of the upcoming SUV will be premium too. It is likely to feature a large 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Other noteworthy equipment could include automatic climate control, ventilated seats, and an electric sunroof. Plus, you can expect nice touches like leatherette seats for a classy feel. Turbocharged Petrol Engine Skoda’s new four-wheeler is expected to come equipped with just one engine choice. It will be a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the same one found in the Kushaq. However, it cannot be said that it will be tuned the same way, though. As for the transmission, you will have the option to choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Launch Date, Price and Rivals in India The brand is getting ready to release the new SUV in India around late 2024 or early 2025. The upcoming model will use a lot of parts made locally and take advantage of tax breaks for small vehicles under four meters long. This will help them offer the vehicle at a good price. Talking about its rivals, the car will jump into fierce competition with popular SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and the Kia Sonet. Let the battle for the best subcompact SUV begin! Also Read: Production Ready Tata Curvv: What You Need to Know?

Earlier this year, Skoda Auto discontinued the Octavia and Superb in India, because they did not meet the BS6 Phase-II Emission Norms. Despite this discontinuation, there is an anticipation that at least one of these models might stage a comeback in the near future. Here are the upcoming Skoda cars expected to launch this year: 2024 Skoda Superb The New Skoda Superb has been unveiled for global markets, while the company plans to reintroduce the current-gen model in India. However, the Superb for our country will no longer be assembled locally; instead, it will be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). In terms of design, the upcoming model will resemble the previous generation but with a few cosmetic changes, such as a wider grille, sleek LED headlights, redesigned C-shaped LED taillights, and an integrated spoiler at the rear. The interior of the 2024 Skoda Superb will feature high-quality sustainable materials and upholstery. The dashboard will showcase a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. The seats will offer massage and ventilated functions. There will also be three rotary dials on the centre console, with integrated screens. Further, the brand says that the outer dials will have the capability to control the seat heating, while the centre knob will manage functions like music volume, driving modes, zoom in and zoom out of satellite navigation, fan speed, and air conditioning. As for the powertrain, the vehicle is expected to come equipped with an updated 187 bhp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. However, an official announcement for the engine specifications is yet to be released. 2024 Skoda Octavia The Czech manufacturer is gearing up for the global debut of the new Octavia 2024 Facelift in February this year. This will be the 5th significant facelift since its fourth generation launched five years ago. The sedan was recently discontinued in India due to the implementation of the new BS6 Emission Norms. Talking about the design and looks, the automaker has already provided a sneak peek into the refreshed premium sedan through a teaser. Anticipated changes in the Octavia 2024 Facelift include a fresh grille and front bumper, updated LED headlights featuring a V-shape design, redesigned alloy wheels, and revamped LED taillights. Inside the cabin, the sedan is likely to get a complete makeover, with expectations of a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital driver display, and wireless connectivity supporting Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Moreover, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) could also be introduced. Skoda aims to introduce a new hybrid powertrain option for India-spec Octavia. For the international market, multiple engine options are on offer including a diesel, turbo-charged petrol, and plug-in hybrid. That said, the Indian model is expected to feature a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with a hybrid powertrain, alongside a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol offering a mild-hybrid version. However, Skoda is yet to officially confirm the return of the New Octavia to the Indian market. Read Also: Renault KWID Most Affordable Automatic Hatchback in India

Skoda India aims to enter the competitive sub-4-metre SUV segment. The brand also shared a glimpse of its first sub-compact SUV, slated for launch in 2025. Recently, the upcoming Skoda model was spied testing in near-production form. The spy images suggest that it would be a smaller iteration of the Kushaq SUV. Skoda Sub-Compact SUV: Dimensions and Design Similar to the Kushaq and Slavia, the upcoming Skoda compact SUV will be built on the MQB-A0-IN platform. However, the upcoming compact SUV will be reduced by around 230mm from the overall length of Kushaq. In addition, the front and rear overhangs will also be chopped off to fit under 4 metres in length. From the design perspective, the upcoming model will feature a slatted grille design and a split headlamp setup. Interior Layout and Features The interior of the upcoming Skoda compact SUV is expected to look quite similar to the Kushaq. However, it will have more features than provided in both Kushaq and Slavia. The upcoming vehicle is likely to come equipped with an ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera too. It is believed that the brand will launch these new features first in Kushaq and Slavia facelifts and then in the upcoming sub-compact SUV. Powertrain Options Skoda will offer the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine for the upcoming sub-compact SUV. With this engine, the car can deliver 109 bhp of power and 178 Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes. Launch, Price, Rivals Skoda will launch its upcoming compact SUV sometime by March 2025. The name of the model is yet to be finalised. Upon launch, it will compete with the likes of Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and others in the category. Also Read: Made-in-India Honda Elevate Is A Big Hit In Japan

In February 2024, Skoda announced its plan to launch a new subcompact SUV in the Indian market. The upcoming sub-4-metre SUV will be based on the MQB A0 IN architecture. Ahead of its official launch, a few names have been shortlisted. Upcoming Skoda Sub-4m SUV: Shortlisted Names When Skoda teased the model with a design render, it started a contest under the "Name Your Skoda '' campaign where participants could vote to finalise the name of the upcoming sub-compact SUV. Now, the brand has shortlisted 10 names which include Kayaq, Karmiq, Kliq, Kaiq, Kyrog, Kosmiq, Kwiq, Kariq, Kylaq, and Kymaq. Which name will be assigned to the new model will be revealed by the brand before or during the official launch which is slated for March 2025. Powertrain Choices The upcoming sub-4-metre SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine mated with a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox. This is the same engine used by Kushaq and Slavia. This petrol engine churns out 114 bhp of maximum power and 178 Nm of torque. Rivals Skoda's upcoming sub-4-metre SUV will rival the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Also Read: Honda Amaze Scores 2-star Safety Rating in Global NCAP