Skoda will take the wraps off the production version of its smallest SUV sometime in March next year. This new SUV was previewed in concept form earlier this year as the Skoda Vision X SUV concept. The model will sit below the Skoda Kodiaq and the Karoq in the brand’s global line-up. This new SUV will borrow styling cues from the concept but its overall look will be toned down and brought more in line with the larger Skoda SUVs that are already on sale, globally.
Skoda will borrow VW Group’s MQB A0 platform just for its smallest SUV, which means it will share underpinnings with the Volkswagen T-Cross SUV (global unveil on October 25, 2018) – a derivative of the innovative MQB A0 architecture used on the Euro-spec model. Just like its Volkswagen counterpart, the Skoda derivative is also likely to come in two lengths. The Euro-spec SUV will get a wheelbase of 2,645mm while the slightly longer version for emerging markets like China and India will get a 2,651mm wheelbase in order to liberate more legroom – especially for the second-row passengers – which is more sought after in these markets.
As part of the India 2.0 strategy, Skoda will introduce this SUV in India in 2020. It will see stiff competition from the likes of the Nissan Kicks, the Tata Harrier, Renault Captur and the Hyundai Creta. This means that the Skoda will have to equip the model with premium interiors, a long feature list, and decent room for rear passengers and cargo as well.
Along with the platform, the Skoda SUV will share a few body panels from the T-Cross along with many interior bits like the dashboard, seats and tech. Higher variants may also come with Skoda’s virtual cockpit layout to give it an edge over competition.
Skoda will introduce the next-gen Vento and Rapid in India after the T-Cross-based SUV is launched. You can read more about that here.
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