Skoda compact SUV, Skoda Kushaq, expected price, specs, launch details

The compact SUV segment is among the most competitive automotive segments in India. Despite low margins, it is a very lucrative category for carmakers with 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 models from 9 different manufacturers.

Skoda has been testing the upcoming sub-4m SUV for a couple of months now, and spy shots of early prototypes suggests 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 sub-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. It needs to be reduced by about 230mm from the overall length of the Kushaq, and the spy shots suggest Skoda has also chopped the front and rear overhangs to measure under 4 meters 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 glass house. In fact, it could look like a shrunken Kushaq as Skoda could be aiming for a family look.

Skoda compact SUV: interior, features

What is certain is that Skoda will equip the upcoming SUV with more features than what it is currently offered in the Kushaq and Slavia. In fact, Skoda brand director Petr Janeba has previously confirmed to Autocar India that features like 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite will be part of the package, although it may not be offered right from launch. 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 segment which already has very well-equipped cars like the Nexon and Sonet. The interior at large is expected to bear a close resemblance with the Kushaq.

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 110hp 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 gets 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.

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