Skoda India is planning to add safety features like ADAS to Slavia and Kushaq. The company also plans to launch a new subcompact SUV.
Skoda India is working on a new lineup of models, including a sub-compact SUV. However, the company will also launch updated versions of the Slavia and the Kushaq. The brand aims to double down on its promise of launching safe cars by introducing a higher level of safety equipment on two of its best-selelrs. Hence, both the upcoming new-generation models and mid-life updates of the existing MQB-A0-IN offerings will get ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and some other active safety features.
Petr Solc, Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India, has reportedly stated,“Apart from just crash test performance, active safety is also very important to Škoda and it is being evaluated for the next set of model refreshes in India.And when we see that the Indian government is paying more and more attention to safety, so then we also use part of our USP, which is safety. In terms of active [safety] and ADAS, with all the new generations, facelifts and also model year of our cars, in each generation and each year we will bring additional safety elements. Also, on the Kushaq and the Slavia, you can look forward to additional safety elements that we will be bringing to our cars. And not only for these two models, but for everything in the future.”
Skoda Kushaq and Slavia
Currently, both Slavia and Kushaq come with features like a traction control system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake disc wiping, rollover mitigation, hill hold control, rear parking camera, cruise control, rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring system. The updated models are likely to get active forward/ reverse collision mitigation braking, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and adaptive lane assist.
Both Kushaq and Slavia are powered by the same powertrains. This includes a 1.0-liter TSI turbo petrol and a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine offering 115 hp / 178 Nm and 150 hp / 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. While the smaller engine is paired with a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox, the large unit comes with a sole 7-speed DCT gearbox. While the price of the Kushaq ranges from Rs 11.59 lakh to Rs 19.69 lakh, the Slavia range from Rs 11.29 lakh to Rs 18.40 lakh, ex-showroom.
Skoda Sub-compact SUV
The Czech automaker also plans to launch a new sub-compact SUV in the Indian market. It is expected to be launched in 2024 or 2025. The sub-4 meter will be part of the new India 2.5 project. It will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform and follow the brand’s new design language called ‘Modern Solid’. The upcoming model is expected to be powered by a 1.0L TSI turbo petrol engine. For transmission, it is likely to come with 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.
Additionally, the upcoming SUV might borrow features from the company’s Kushaq model. It is likely to feature ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, 6 airbags, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity. While there is no confirmation about its price yet, the upcoming model will compete with the likes of Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, and Mahindra XUV300.
