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.
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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.
Skoda compact SUV: powertrain, specs
Skoda has confirmed that the compact SUV will be powered by the brand’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 115hp and 178Nm of torque. The engine is responsive, relatively refined and delivers strong acceleration and good fuel economy, which is only likely to improve when powering a lighter SUV. The 6-speed manual and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes will also be carried over.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine, however, will be the only engine option on Skoda's compact SUV while most of its competition get at least two. This engine will be right in the middle of the pack in terms of power and torque figures – it’s more powerful than all entry-level, naturally aspirated engines of its rivals, but slightly less powerful than some turbo-petrol units.
Skoda compact SUV: expected price
Skoda's compact SUV will be a global model, one that will be exported to markets like South America, South-East Asia and Africa, among others. This will help deliver the scale needed to get the most out of the India 2.5 plan. Skoda is aware that the compact SUV has to be competitively priced to attain its full potential, especially against the likes of Maruti, Hyundai and Tata. We expect it to be priced between Rs 9 lakh-14 lakh (ex-showroom), which 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. The launch is scheduled for March 2025.
Skoda is running a contest on its social media platforms to help choose a name for its upcoming SUV. The brief just states that the name should start with a ‘K’ and end with a ‘Q’, in line with Skoda’s global SUV naming strategy. Skoda has shortlisted ten names for final consideration, which include Kylaq, Kymaq, Kwiq, Kariq, Kyroq, Kosmiq, Kaiq, Kayaq, Kliq and Karmiq.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
