Skoda Plans Range Of New SUVs For India

We have heard rumors about Skoda planning to launch more SUV models before. This time over, a confirmation of sorts is coming straight from a Skoda executive.

Skoda is said to be looking into the possibility of coming out with four new SUV models in the coming five years. At least one of them will be a large full size SUV and another will an entry level vehicle.

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According to Autocar, Werner Eichorn, board member, Sales and Marketing is also betting big on launch of new SUVs in India. "We have good experience in 4X4s, so there is scope to grow in that sector. We are analysing if we can get a bigger SUV, which we call ‘A plus', and internally we are convinced to do it. If the segment trends here stay the same, we have to think about an opportunity below the Yeti," he is reported to have said.

The said ‘A Plus' SUVs from Skoda falls into the same category as Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. Such an SUV will be a premium seven seater with good off-road capability and will be built on VW's MQB platform.

On the other side of the spectrum the Czech based automaker has also put under consideration an entry level SUV below the Yeti. This SUV will share its platform with VW Taigun (PQ12 platform) which would even help VW drive down production cost of the Taigun, as well as Skoda of its SUV, once they are both launched in India.

Meanwhile, Skoda will bring the facelifted Yeti to India, which will this time be available in a more affordable front wheel driven variant, powered by a new 1.2 liter TSI petrol engine.