Skoda’s New Subcompact SUV Spotted Testing Again

Skoda Auto India is gearing up to launch a subcompact SUV in the market that will be based on the brand’s MQB-A0-IN platform. This is the second time the subcompact SUV has been spotted testing in India, and this time, it can be seen from all sides. 

For the first time, the spy shots show the front upcoming subcompact SUV. It gets the quintessential Skoda fascia with the brand’s signature grille and a split headlamp setup. The as-yet-unnamed subcompact SUV spied was seen with 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, suggesting it may be the entry-level variant. The wheel cap design seems similar to the ones used on the entry-level variants of the Kushaq. 

At the back, the subcompact SUV can be seen with small, square-ish taillamps, starkly different in design compared to the Kushaq and Slavia. While the brake lights will be LED, the indicators and reverse lamps will most likely be halogen lamps. Another hint that the test mule was the entry-level variant is the missing rear wiper and washer. Like the Kushaq, it will also have its fuel filler cap on the rear right fender. 

Skoda’s upcoming subcompact SUV was also seen next to a Tata Nexon and Punch, hinting at its size. While its height is similar to both Tata Motors’ SUVs, it is nearly as wide as the Nexon and much wider than the Punch. Skoda’s new SUV will also have a lower ground clearance compared to the Nexon. 

The interior of the new subcompact SUV can also be seen in the spy shots and it shows that it will get a digital instrument cluster and probably an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apart from the inclusion of Skoda’s two-spoke steering wheel, not much else is visible inside. 

It will likely be powered by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers the Kushaq and Slavia. The new subcompact SUV is also likely to have a similar state of tune, producing 114 bhp and 178 Nm and could come with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 

Skoda has shortlisted 15 names for its new subcompact SUV. These names are – Kaiq, Kylaq, Kariq, Kwiq, Kaliq, Karmiq, Konarq, Kliq, Kamotiq, Kayaq, Kroniq, Kanishq, Kosmiq, Kyroq and Kymaq. Skoda India now wants users to select and vote for the name of its upcoming subcompact SUV from these shortlisted names, or could also suggest new names. The final name of the new SUV will be announced later this month, once this second round ends on April 12. The subcompact SUV is slated to be launched in India by March 2025. 

Image source: YouTube/ Rohit Paradkar