Last month, Skoda confirmed that it would be taking the lead in developing the "MQB A0 IN" platform for the Indian market. Essentially a heavily localised version of Volkswagen group's MQB A0, the platform will underpin future Skoda and VW cars in India.
The first product based on the MQB A0 IN will be an SUV over 4 m in length. It is likely to target the Hyundai Creta. The company has announced that the new Skoda SUV will have its world premiere in India in the second half of 2020. The "mid-size" SUV, as Skoda termed it during the announcement, is widely reported to be a variation of the Skoda Vision X concept.
Globally, the production version of the Skoda Vision X will be debuting in 2019. It will sit on the MQB A0 platform that also underpins the Mk6 VW Polo and the upcoming VW T-Cross. The version India will get is likely to be visually similar to the global model.
There is no word on the engine options yet. However, local manufacturing of engines in India has been confirmed. A 1.6 L TDI diesel engine could be a likely candidate to power the new Skoda SUV. There will be a petrol variant on offer as well. In international markets, the production versions of the Vision X rumoured to be called as Skoda Polar, will get 1.0L TSI petrol and 1.5L TSI Evo petrol engines.
Skoda is aiming for localisation levels to the tune of 90 %. This should help the company achieve very competitive pricing. The Skoda SUV may match, or even undercut, the Hyundai Creta in this respect.
Also Read - Skoda Vision X Concept based SUV rendered
The Volkswagen Group has pledged an investment of EUR 1 billion (INR 7,900 crore) in India to launch the Skoda India 2.0 project. Skoda and VW are targeting a combined market share of 5% by 2025, and the MQB A0 IN-based vehicles will become pillars in helping both companies achieve this target.
