Skoda putting together Sub-Yeti Compact SUV for 2017

Czech automaker Skoda is said to be putting together a sub-Yeti compact SUV for a launch sometime in 2017. The Volkswagen group’s MQB platform will form the basis of the new Skoda SUV. As Volkswagen itself is planning a sub-Tiguan SUV for global markets, the Skoda vehicle is expected to share parts with the former.

Expect petrol and turbo diesel engines to be on offer in the SUV. With Skoda playing cards close to its chest, it remains unclear as to whether the new compact SUV from the Czech brand has an Indian future. Given the fact that Volkswagen wants to launch a similar vehicle in India after 2016, Skoda following suit will not come as a surprise.

Presently though, Skoda’s least priced product is the Rapid sedan. In India, Skoda is in dire need of a mass market car that will bring in the big volumes. A compact SUV is one of the most promising vehicles that can give Skoda a leg up and make the brand relevant in the budget car space.

13 New Compact SUVs headed to Indian shores

With the addition of the compact model, Skoda will have 3 SUVs in its global portfolio come 2017. The new flagship 7 seat SUV that is due for 2016, will sit at the top while the Yeti will continue to be the mid fielder. The compact SUV will appeal to a new set of buyers and will be Skoda’s budget offering.

World over, the compact SUV segment is seeing a big boom. Almost every car maker in the world has a compact SUV offering to attract new buyers and this segment shows no signs of fatigue yet. In India, a brand new segment will be created later this year, with the launch of the Mahindra S101 Micro SUV, a testament to the demand for butch looking, high riding compact vehicles. Maruti Suzuki is another automaker looking towards this direction.

Via Auto-Moto