Skoda Fabia Facelift

Skoda Auto India's success story continues as it gears up for expansion with an upcoming addition to its lineup. The Czech automaker is rumoured to be in the works of crafting a fresh addition to its fleet - a subcompact SUV. This move aligns with Skoda's strategic vision for the next phase of its India 2.0 Initiative. With a focus on the thriving sub-four-metre SUV market and a more price-conscious approach, the new SUV is set to resonate with a broader audience, offering versatility in a more compact package. Let’s see what we can expect from the ‘Upcoming Skoda Compact SUV’: Scaled-Down Version of MQB A0 IN Platform The new sub-4 meter SUV will use a smaller version of the MQB A0 IN platform. This platform is known for its flexibility and proven effectiveness. In addition, it also has been used in other Skoda models like the Slavia and Kushaq. For that reason, the design of the upcoming SUV is expected to look similar to other Skoda cars. Since this platform has already been successful in achieving high levels of localization, Skoda feels confident using it for this SUV. Skoda Kushaq-Like Exterior Design The upcoming vehicle is likely to be a smaller version of the Kushaq. So, it is obvious that it will provide elements like the classic Skoda grille and sharp headlights. Overall, it will boast a stylish and premium appearance on the outside, with plenty of cool features. Premium Interior with Advanced Tech Like other Skoda cars, the interior of the upcoming SUV will be premium too. It is likely to feature a large 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Other noteworthy equipment could include automatic climate control, ventilated seats, and an electric sunroof. Plus, you can expect nice touches like leatherette seats for a classy feel. Turbocharged Petrol Engine Skoda’s new four-wheeler is expected to come equipped with just one engine choice. It will be a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the same one found in the Kushaq. However, it cannot be said that it will be tuned the same way, though. As for the transmission, you will have the option to choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Launch Date, Price and Rivals in India The brand is getting ready to release the new SUV in India around late 2024 or early 2025. The upcoming model will use a lot of parts made locally and take advantage of tax breaks for small vehicles under four meters long. This will help them offer the vehicle at a good price. Talking about its rivals, the car will jump into fierce competition with popular SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and the Kia Sonet. Let the battle for the best subcompact SUV begin! Also Read: Production Ready Tata Curvv: What You Need to Know?

Earlier this year, Skoda Auto discontinued the Octavia and Superb in India, because they did not meet the BS6 Phase-II Emission Norms. Despite this discontinuation, there is an anticipation that at least one of these models might stage a comeback in the near future. Here are the upcoming Skoda cars expected to launch this year: 2024 Skoda Superb The New Skoda Superb has been unveiled for global markets, while the company plans to reintroduce the current-gen model in India. However, the Superb for our country will no longer be assembled locally; instead, it will be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). In terms of design, the upcoming model will resemble the previous generation but with a few cosmetic changes, such as a wider grille, sleek LED headlights, redesigned C-shaped LED taillights, and an integrated spoiler at the rear. The interior of the 2024 Skoda Superb will feature high-quality sustainable materials and upholstery. The dashboard will showcase a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. The seats will offer massage and ventilated functions. There will also be three rotary dials on the centre console, with integrated screens. Further, the brand says that the outer dials will have the capability to control the seat heating, while the centre knob will manage functions like music volume, driving modes, zoom in and zoom out of satellite navigation, fan speed, and air conditioning. As for the powertrain, the vehicle is expected to come equipped with an updated 187 bhp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. However, an official announcement for the engine specifications is yet to be released. 2024 Skoda Octavia The Czech manufacturer is gearing up for the global debut of the new Octavia 2024 Facelift in February this year. This will be the 5th significant facelift since its fourth generation launched five years ago. The sedan was recently discontinued in India due to the implementation of the new BS6 Emission Norms. Talking about the design and looks, the automaker has already provided a sneak peek into the refreshed premium sedan through a teaser. Anticipated changes in the Octavia 2024 Facelift include a fresh grille and front bumper, updated LED headlights featuring a V-shape design, redesigned alloy wheels, and revamped LED taillights. Inside the cabin, the sedan is likely to get a complete makeover, with expectations of a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital driver display, and wireless connectivity supporting Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Moreover, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) could also be introduced. Skoda aims to introduce a new hybrid powertrain option for India-spec Octavia. For the international market, multiple engine options are on offer including a diesel, turbo-charged petrol, and plug-in hybrid. That said, the Indian model is expected to feature a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with a hybrid powertrain, alongside a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol offering a mild-hybrid version. However, Skoda is yet to officially confirm the return of the New Octavia to the Indian market. Read Also: Renault KWID Most Affordable Automatic Hatchback in India

In October 2023, Skoda revealed its second-generation Kodiaq globally with fresh styling, updated interior, and additional features. Now, the new Kodiaq has been spotted in India for the first time, hinting at its imminent launch in the country. New Skoda Kodiaq: What to Expect? Based on the MQB platform, the next-gen Kodiaq is slightly larger than its outgoing model. From the design perspective, Skoda has made significant changes to the exterior. The spy images suggest that the updated Kodiaq will get a revised front grille, LED headlamps, and U-shaped LED tail lights with Skoda lettering in the centre. The spied model could not show the cabin but it is most likely to feature a similar interior as the European-spec Kodiaq. Some of the features might include the dual-tone dashboard, 13-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, two-spoke steering wheel, and more. In addition, the SUV could come in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. An ADAS is likely to be on offer too. Powertrain Choices The global spec Kodiaq SUV is offered with both petrol and diesel engine choices. However, for the Indian market, the new Kodiaq could come equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, this engine can generate a maximum power of 188 bhp with 320 Nm of peak torque. Launch and Rivals Skoda could launch the next-gen Kodiaq in the Indian market by the first half of 2025. Upon launch, it will take the likes of Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Jeep Meridian. Also Read: New Spy Shots Reveal Hyundai Alcazar Facelift’s Front Look

Skoda's plan to enter the sub 4m segment seems to be happening now. The brand has been testing the model for a while now. First, it was spied in April 2024 in near-production form, revealing its similar styling to Skoda Kushaq. Recently, the upcoming Skoda compact SUV was spotted again. However, this time it disclosed many details regarding its exterior design and interior features. Let's see what we know so far about the model. Skoda Sub 4m SUV: What's New? The spy shots suggest that the upcoming sub-compact SUV will have a similar shape and design as the Kushaq SUV. Some of its exterior features include a butterfly Skoda grille, split headlights and LED DRLs, steel wheels with black wheel covers, and LED tail lights, similar to the Kushaq SUV. The interior could not be spotted well, though it is expected to offer the same 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel available in Kushaq. Apart from this, the compact SUV is likely to provide a full digital display, ventilated front seats, automatic AC, and a sunroof. Safety-wise, it will offer six airbags, a 360-degree camera, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and an Electronic Stability Control feature. Platform and Powertrain The upcoming Skoda sub 4m SUV will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. This is the same platform that also underpins the Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq. As for the powertrain, it is most likely to get a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine for its subcompact SUV. This is the same engine that is offered in current Kushaq and Slavia. Paired to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, this engine can produce the maximum power of 113 bhp and 178 Nm. Price and Rivals The new sub 4m SUV is expected to be launched in India by March 2025. The price for this could start from Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, it will rival Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Kia Sonet, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. Also Read: New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Spotted in India Source