Following the successful launch of the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia under the ‘India 2.0’ initiative, the Czech automaker is now unveiling its next strategic move for the Indian market. This includes venturing into India’s competitive sub-4m SUV segment, currently led by popular models like the Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza.

Check out these details to learn more about the plans of Skoda for the Indian market in the coming years.

A fresh Sub-4m SUV

Among the exciting revelations from Skoda's recent update, the standout news is the official confirmation of their upcoming sub-4m SUV, expected to be competitively priced. This move marks Skoda's entry into a fiercely competitive segment by March 2025. Expected to utilize the MQB-A0-IN platform, similar to the Kushaq compact SUV but tailored to fit, this SUV promises to be a feature-rich vehicle boasting premium design elements and a potent turbo-petrol engine.

The forthcoming SUV is still awaiting its official name, and there's an exciting opportunity for the public to participate in suggesting a name via a poll. Skoda has narrowed down potential names to include: Skoda Kariq, Skoda Kwiq, Skoda Kylaq, Skoda Kymaq, and Skoda Kyroq. Additionally, a design teaser sketch offers a sneak peek at the upcoming sub-4m SUV, showcasing a robust design featuring a distinctive split headlamp setup.

Skoda Set to Launch Its first Electric Vehicle in India by 2024

Skoda's initial electric venture in India will feature the Enyaq iV, set to hit the market within this year. Positioned as a completely built-up unit (CBU), expectations hover around a Rs 60 lakh price range (ex-showroom). Despite ongoing tests since 2022, Skoda has not yet revealed the precise specifications tailored for our market.

The Reveal of the Kushaq Explorer Edition

Along with the major unveilings, Skoda India revealed the concept of the Kushaq Explorer. This version possesses unique off-road enhancements, such as durable all-terrain tires mounted on sleek 5-spoke black rims, and a roof rack. Its exterior is adorned with a matte green color complemented by vibrant orange accents.

Significantly, most chrome elements have been substituted with sleek black details. The showcased model was based on the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol variant of the compact SUV. While it's unlikely to be officially launched, we may anticipate a special edition variant featuring subtler visual enhancements, akin to the Volkswagen Taigun Trail edition.

What other details were disclosed?

Skoda announced that it has achieved over 100,000 cumulative sales in India for the past two years in a row. In preparation for the launch of its new sub-4m SUV in 2025, the manufacturer has boosted its production capacity by approximately 30 percent. Additionally, India ranks among the top five global markets for Skoda, with approximately half of its vehicles produced outside the Czech Republic being made-in-India models.