Company sources have confirmed to Autocar UK that Skoda are planning a slew of new models. The VW-owned Czech automaker wants to sell 1.5 million cars per year by 2018 and new models are being planned in key, high-growth segments.
A seven-seat SUV is one of the new models planned by Skoda. The car, which would soon receive the green light for production, will challenge SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe in Europe. It will have a market launch in end-2016.
The SUV will be based on VW's MQB platform, and while the base variants will come with front wheel drive, an AWD system will be offered as an option. The third row of the seat will also be an option and can be folded into the boot floor of the SUV.
Power for the new Skoda SUV will come from engines existing on current VW and Skoda cars. The base variant is reported to use a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged TSI motor.
The SUV segment in India, composed of the Fortuner, Santa Fe and Endeavour, sees good sales volumes. The Fortuner, which is the segment leader, sells about 1,300 units/month. Skoda India would certainly do good to explore this segment, given that the brand says it wants to mainly cater to segments above the Rapid.
Competitors: Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour
Expected Price: INR 20 - 30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
[Source - Autocar UK]
