Skoda Auto India upcoming model, scheduled for a 2025 release, will enter the B-segment Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market and is expected to be priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom), according to sources familiar with the matter.
The petrol-driven SUV will directly compete with popular models like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Brezza in the B-segment SUV market. Typically, B-segment cars are known for their compact size, affordability, and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for city driving.
Skoda has confirmed that its compact SUV will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the same platform used for its Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan. This platform, developed specifically for the Indian market, reflects Skoda’s commitment to catering to Indian consumers’ preferences and needs.
“While Skoda’s pricing strategy will be aligned with competitors like Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue, it is unlikely to target entry-level SUVs such as the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Exter due to techno-commercial constraints. Nevertheless, it will represent Skoda’s most affordable SUV globally,” stated a source familiar with the matter.
Puneet Gupta, Director of S&P Automotive, noted that Skoda’s entry into the sub-compact SUV segment will allow them to tap into a wider customer base and attract aspirational buyers who seek European brands. This move will also enable Skoda to offer competitive pricing, potentially benefiting from lower GST rates for compact vehicles.
Skoda Auto, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, has recently outlined ambitious plans to double its sales in India by 2026, driven by the launch of its compact SUV next year. With a target of selling 100,000 cars in 2026, Skoda aims to capitalize on India’s growth potential and leverage the country as a development and manufacturing hub for its global expansion efforts. CEO Klauss Zellmer emphasized India’s significance as a key market for Skoda’s international growth strategy, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in the company’s future success.
