Skoda Auto will be stepping up its game in India with the global reveal of a new compact SUV in January 2021. With the new compact SUV, Czech automaker is foraying into the lucrative yet competitive compact SUV segment in the country. This year, Skoda’s upcoming SUV has been spotted testing multiple times on Indian roads. The vehicle will be based on the VISION.IN Concept that showcased earlier this year during the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. It will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector and upcoming Mahindra XUV500 in the domestic market. The unnamed four-wheeler will be locally manufactured to keep the price low in order to be able to compete against its established rivals in India. With its global debut in 2021, expect the model to arrive at showrooms by mid of next year.
Zac Hollis, Director- Sales, Service & Marketing, Skoda Auto India in a conversation with a leading online publication elaborated on the possibility of the compact SUV hitting the Indian market really soon. There is no official word on the extact time of this reveal, however according to rumours one can expect it take place sometime in January next year.
Skoda family design language will shape the overall styling of the SUV. As per the spied images available online and so far, it should offer a 3D grille, sharp sculpting lines along the face and the side profile of the vehicle. That said, the entry-level variant could feature steel-rims while the top-end trim will ride on a set of alloy-wheels. Expect ‘SKODA’ lettering on the boot to up its premium quotient.
Its interior is expected to be on similar lines as the other Skoda models currently selling in India. Expect the cabin to boast of features like a digital instrument cluster, large infotainment touchscreen with compatibility for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic climate control, wireless charging among many others. The top-end variant would also offer equipment like a air purifier and LED ambient lighting. As we move closer to the global debut, more and more details would emerge in the coming days.
Talking about the powertrain options, our guess is that the manufacturer will be bringing in a 1.5-litre TSI BS6 turbocharged petrol engine. This petrol unit is expected produce a maximum power output of 150 bhp with 250 Nm of peak torque. The powertrain will be paired to a 7-speed DSG unit. There is an off-hand chance of Skoda introducing a new locally manufactured 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine for upcoming models in India. Also, there is no chance of diesel engine as Skoda and Volkswagen are focusing on petrol and Hybrid powertrains for now. Skoda Octavia is also coming back to India sometime next year with only a petrol engine.
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