Skoda And Volkswagen Mulling Over A New Sub-4m SUV And Affordable Electric Cars For India

• New sub-4m SUV for India under the ‘2.5 Project’. 

• The SUV to be based on a shorter version of the Kushaq’s platform. 

• Skoda is currently evaluating the Enyaq iV electric SUV for our market as an import. 

• A new affordable compact EV could come in the near future. 

• Skoda-VW considering an EV factory in India after 2025. 

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has picked up the pace in India with new, drool-worthy models such as the Skoda Slavia and VW Taigun. After announcing Skoda’s plans for the global market, Global CEO Thomas Schaefer has revealed the carmaker’s long-term plans for India in new reports.  

Here are the key takeaways: 

New subcompact SUV in the works: 

Skoda Vision IN concept SUV pictured for representational purposes 

Under the India 2.0 project, the VW Group launched four all-new localised models in India – the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia, and the Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun. Skoda and VW’s next localised vehicle will be a sub-4m SUV. 

It’ll slot below the Kushaq and Taigun, and will be the entry-level model in Skoda’s lineup. Unless the Polo hatchback is resurrected in India, the subcompact SUV is also expected to be the most affordable vehicle in Volkswagen India’s lineup. 

Also read: VW Polo Production To End Soon; Goodbyes Are Sad, But There’s Some Good News

Not much is known about the upcoming Skoda-VW sub-4m SUV yet, but it will be based on a shorter wheelbase version of the localised MQB A0 IN platform. Similar to other vehicles in the carmakers’ lineups, it will be offered with a 1-litre TSI turbo petrol engine. 

Skoda Enyaq iV for the Indian market? 

The Enyaq iV SUV is the subject of Skoda’s new pilot study for electric vehicles in India. The electric SUV offers a range of 390km to 500km, depending on the variant, and power outputs ranging from 179PS all the way up to 299PS in the vRS variant. For all its details, head to our Enyaq global premiere story. 

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If launched, it’s likely to be a pricey EV, especially if it’s imported as a completely built-up unit (CBU). Local assembly could drive down prices, but you can still expect a price tag of Rs 60 lakh or above for the Enyaq in India. 

Affordable Skoda-VW EVs could follow after the Enyaq: 

The Enyaq iV and the Enyaq Coupe iV are likely to be the flagship Skoda EVs for now. They’ll be followed by three new electric cars, each of which will be smaller and less pricey. Skoda has confirmed previously that one of the upcoming electric vehicles is an entry-level city car.  

Skoda does offer the Citigo iV city car in some European countries. While the Citigo is based on an ICE car platform, the future affordable EV to be underpinned by an electric car platform conceptualised from the ground up. 

Also read: 

• Skoda Expands On 2030 Strategy; New Modern Solid Design Language Teased 

• Skoda India’s Roadmap For 2022 Revealed: New Kodiaq And Slavia Launch, New Variants For Kushaq, Octavia, and Superb 

VW Group could set up an EV factory in India: 

According to the Skoda CEO, the carmaker is considering local production of electric vehicles. Such a move is likely to keep costs in check, since imported electric vehicles are subjected to a high tax rate and steep customs duties. Thomas Schaefer suggests that the new factory could be on the cards after 2025.  

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