Skoda compact SUV: new spy shots confirm shorter wheelbase

Yet to be named compact SUV is expected to come with 360-deg camera, ADAS suite.

Published On May 13, 2024 01:34:00 PM

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Skoda will add to the compact SUV segment by March 2025. This as yet unnamed SUV will essentially be a shortened version of the Kushaq and will be based on the familiar MQB A0 IN platform, albeit with a shorter wheelbase. New spy shots of the upcoming SUV testing on our roads show some fresh details, so let’s take a closer look.

Skoda compact SUV will have a shorter wheelbase of 2,566mm
Will be powered by the 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
To be launched by March 2025

Skoda compact SUV: what do the spy shots reveal?

These new spy images give us a clear look at the rear quarter of the SUV, which appears to have a slightly shorter rear door on account of the wheelbase being 85mm shorter than the Kushaq. The rear quarter glass area is also slightly different on the compact SUV, and Skoda also seems to have reduced the front and rear overhangs to make it slip under the sub-4m mark.

The rear glass area is smaller than the Kushaq, meaning it gets a shorter rear door.

As for the design, expect a familiar Skoda design language with a split headlamp setup, a butterfly grille and clean surfaces. Interestingly though, the compact SUV will not be sharing any body panels with the Kushaq as Skoda will be re-profiling the sheet metal without any stylistic creases or folds to reduce costs. Still, it could look like a shrunken Kushaq as Skoda will be aiming for a family look.

Skoda compact SUV interior and features

We haven’t had a clear sighting of the interior yet, but Skoda is expected to equip the upcoming SUV with more features than what's currently offered 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 a 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 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.

Skoda compact SUV powertrain, specs

Skoda has confirmed that the compact SUV will be powered by the brand’s 115hp, 178Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that's paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The compact SUV will be lighter than the Kushaq, so one can expect better performance and efficiency.

Skoda is aware that the compact SUV has to be competitively priced to attain its full potential, and we expect it to be priced between Rs 9 lakh-14 lakh (ex-showroom). This is at par with the competition, and only slightly above the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger that are positioned at the budget end of the segment.

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