Skoda Compact SUV Spied Testing Again Ahead of India Launch; Shows Shorter Wheelbase and More

Skoda Auto, the popular Czech automaker, is preparing to join the fiercely competitive Indian compact SUV market. Another test mule of the company's upcoming sub-compact SUV was recently spotted on the country roads. Slated to launch in March next year, this new car is expected to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Tata Nexon. In the company's India lineup, it will be positioned below the Kushaq SUV. The latest spy shots confirm that the Skoda model will have a shorter wheelbase. According to industry reports, the upcoming offering will have a wheelbase measuring 2,566mm. This will result in an 85mm shorter wheelbase than the Kushaq. Thanks to this reduction, the car will fit more comfortably in the sub-compact SUV segment. Moreover, it will provide slightly improved handling.

Also Read: Skoda Compact SUV Spotted Testing in Near-production Guise; Shows Split Headlamp Setup, Slatted Grille Design

Skoda Compact SUV: Design

In terms of exterior, the Skoda sub-compact SUV will likely boast an upscale design similar to that of the Kushaq. However, no Kushaq body panels will be used. The front end will feature split headlamps as well as the signature Skoda butterfly grille. Aside from that, it will have a honeycomb pattern on the lower air dam of the bumper. The side profile is similar to the Kushaq, but the SUV's rear window is smaller. The car spotted during testing appears to be a lower-trim model, as it sports black steel wheels and coverings. Additionally, spy photos show that the rear quarter will be somewhat modified. All other things considered, the rear profile resembles Kushaq's quite a bit. It will probably also have halogen and LED taillights.

Skoda Compact SUV: Powertrain

Coming to the powertrain, the new Skoda sub-compact SUV will be fitted with a tried-and-tested 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This unit is one of the most popular options for both the Kushaq and the Slavia in India. The engine puts out 115bhp of maximum power and 178Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Apart from this, a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission will be available as well.

Also Read: Upcoming Skoda Compact SUV Spotted for the First Time, Shows LED Taillights, Roof Rails and More

Skoda Compact SUV: Interior

As far as the interior is concerned, there are currently no clear images. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that the compact SUV's dashboard design would resemble that of the Kushaq. Petr Janeba, the brand director for Skoda, has confirmed that the car will have ADAS and a 360-degree camera.

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