Skoda Teases Its Tata Nexon Rival, Reveals Launch Timeline

Based on the MQB-A0-IN platform of the Skoda Kushaq, the upcoming compact SUV will rival sub-4-metre models like Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue

Amidst news of an active lookout for a local partner, Skoda Auto Volkswagen preps up to launch yet another India-specific product. The success of the Kushaq/Taigun as well as the Slavia/Virtus clearly paves the way for more highly localized offerings. In fact, the upcoming sub-4-metre compact SUV, which will make its world debut in India, could be the first of more such B-segment VW Group offerings. For now, let us have a look at the newly issued teasers.

Fresh Details on Tata Nexon-rivalling Skoda Compact SUV

Thanks to the Kushaq-sourced underpinnings, the upcoming Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza rival from Skoda should offer good driving dynamics. In fact, I won’t be surprised if the upcoming vehicle rides and feels a lot like the Kushaq. That said, it will measure less than 4-metres in length to benefit from the lower taxation. Governing the aesthetics of the new SUV will be the ‘Modern Solid’ design language. In words of the carmaker, this theme will be “defined by clear, reduced lines that reflect the simplicity, solidity, and quality of Škoda cars.”

The carmaker further reveals its endeavor to offer bold and muscular highlights around the fenders. Hence, the carmaker could be aiming for an aggressive stance to benefit from a high road presence. The new model will even have a high ground clearance, while the wheel wells will be designed to optimize wheel travel on rough roads. The front-end will have a distinctly Skoda look, while details like the DRLs and multi-tier headlamp cluster have already been revealed through teasers and spy media. The rear-end could bear resemblance with the Kushaq but there’s not much that I can figure out from the teaser.

Also Read: Skoda Sub-4-Metre SUV Seen Alongside Tata Nexon, Road Presence Compared

Technical Information

As the new SUV will use the MQB-A0-IN architecture, it’s likely to help Skoda’s Tata Nexon rival score a full 5-star rating at NCAP. It’s noteworthy here that the Kushaq and Slavia were the first cars to have a perfect score as per Global NCAP’s latest regulations. Hence, even the B-SUV could score a full 5-stars for adult as well as child protection.

I think there’s absolutely no reason for Skoda to not offer the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petorl mill on its upcoming SUV. WIth peak outputs of 115 PS and 178 Nm, this low-displacement gas-burner makes the Kushaq an excellent city-trotter. While I think this engine isn’t in its elements over, say, 120 km/h, it’s still one of the most capable 1.0-litre turbocharged units I’ve seen in recent times. Plus, with the new offering having a weight advantage over the Kushaq, the performance should be even slightly better. And I just can’t stop hoping for even the 150 hp 1.5-litre TSI unit making it to the upcoming B-SUV along with that slick 7-speed DCT. (Please, Skoda. Pretty please!)

Our View

With the Kushaq helping the carmaker establish a stronger foothold, the focus will be now on the upcoming sub-4-metre compact SUV to let Skoda consolidate its position in the market. We’re sure the current MQB-A0-IN vehicles would have been a good learning curve for Skoda Auto Volkswagen. All this will likely help the Czech carmaker find more success as it moves deeper into the mainstream market. Lest I forget, there’s even a new version of the Slavia in the works. Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, Skoda seems to be working on bringing the new-gen Kodiaq along with the updated Octavia along its tastier RS variant to our shores. All in all, we should see a lot happening at Skoda in 2025!

Also Read: Skoda’s Upcoming Toyota Fortuner-Rivalling SUV Seen on Test