Skoda Next Gen Kodiaq

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 February 2024, Skoda Auto announced the launch of its first compact SUV in the Indian market. The name of this new sub 4m SUV is yet to be decided but it will be the smaller iteration of Skoda Kushaq SUV. A small teaser of the upcoming Skoda car was also presented at the event. Later in April this year, the model was spotted testing in near-production avatar, revealing its design details and features. The launch of this upcoming Skoda compact SUV is confirmed for March next year. Skoda Compact SUV: Platform Details The upcoming Skoda sub 4m SUV will be based on the MQB A0 IN architecture that also underpins Skoda Kushaq and Slavia. This platform is developed and localised in India for the Indian market. Moreover, the platform is capable of using efficient powertrains and advanced safety systems to meet the new safety norms. Also Read: Suzuki Jimny Electric, Hybrid in Works Design and Features Although the Skoda compact SUV will be based on the Kushaq, it is likely to get subtle design changes from the outside. Adopting a similar Skoda design language, the upcoming Skoda car will feature a butterfly front grille, split headlamp setup, clean surfaces, and more. Since, it will be a sub 4m SUV, the front and rear overhangs will be chopped off. The interior of the upcoming SUV will be similar to Kushaq and Slavia. However, Skoda is likely to add more features to the new car. An ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera are expected to be on offer. Powertrain Option Under the hood, the upcoming Skoda compact SUV could house a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Mated with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic, the engine can deliver the maximum power of 109 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. Rivals Skoda’s upcoming sub 4m SUV will be priced aggressively as there are numerous competitors available in the market including Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and more. Also Read: Mahindra Thar 5-door Interior - More Features

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