Skoda Compact SUV Launch Will Be A Game Changer?: Analysis

The upcoming Compact SUV from Skoda will boast over 75% localisation, targeting a competitive selling price in the Indian market.

Skoda Auto India’s upcoming compact SUV, set for a debut next year in 2025, will have over 75% localisation. Skoda Auto CEO Klauss Zellmar said this about their upcoming sub-4-meter for the Indian market. The Czech carmaker is targeting 75-76% localisation and the benefits of tax saving will be passed on to the customers by providing a very competitive selling price. For the record, the price of the SUVs in the sub-4-meter segment starts from Rs. 7.5 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-spec variant to up to Rs. 15 lakh. Skoda Compact SUV Launch and will it be a game changer?

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Skoda Compact SUV Launch: Price Expectations

Skoda Compact SUV Design Render by SRK Designs

A big part of the overall packaging of Skoda’s upcoming compact SUV will be its aggressive price. As suggested by the recent statements of the brand’s CEO, the pricing will be in line with the competitors and we can expect it to be a notch below as well. A majority of components will be shared with the Kushaq and the same has been confirmed by the spy shots. The part sharing and over 75% localisation will be the key to this competitive pricing.

We expect the starting price to be around Rs. 8 lakh (ex-showroom) or even lower. The top-spec variant is expected to be priced around Rs. 14 lakh (ex-showroom), thereby overlapping the Kuhsaq’s mid-spec trims.

Skoda Compact SUV Launch: Will it hit Kushaq

The Design of the New Compact SUV will be inspired from Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq has been a decent performer in terms of sales figures, however, it didn’t live up to the expectations of the brand and this was pretty clear by the recent statement of the company’s CEO. As we mentioned earlier, the price of the upcoming compact SUV will surely overlap Kushaq’s mid-spec trims. With the same powertrain and chassis setup, a majority of price-sensitive customers who are not after the road presence will drift towards the compact SUV. This will surely hit Kushaq’s performance, but the situation will be more clear once the pricing is out.

Skoda Compact SUV Launch: Overengineered?

The Skoda’s CEO called their current portfolio ‘overengineered’, despite the India 2.0 cars being plagued with basic issues like EPC, rattling noise, squealing brakes, compromised AC performance, and subpar cabin material. He also went on to say that it will change with the new compact SUV. Does this mean that the quality will be further degraded or we will see compromised ride and handling which is the brand’s USP?

Also Read: Upcoming Skoda Compact SUV to Sport a Shorter Wheelbase – OPAV Autos

Skoda Compact SUV Launch: What’s Good?

The launch of the Skoda Compact SUV is still a good time away and we have seen multiple spy shots of the test mules doing rounds on the Indian roads. The good part about the Skoda’s compact SUV will be its powertrain, chassis and overall structural rigidity.

The enthusiastic 1.0-litre TSI engine with 115 bhp and 178 Nm torque is a hoot to drive and coupled with the lighter kerb weight of the Skoda compact SUV, the performance will take the front seat. Expect the fuel efficiency to go up as well.
The 6-speed manual gearbox with a light clutch and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox will further spruce up the package.
The MQB-AO-IN platform will play a part in ensuring a 5-star crash test rating in Bharat NCAP and Skoda will likely offer 6 airbags as standard.

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