Skoda called SUVs as the next logical step at the Geneva Motor Show. According to the company, SUVs have the highest volume and a more emotional connect with the customers than any other segment. This gives a chance for Skoda to expand out of Europe to eastern countries like Russia, China and even India.
The German brand currently has one crossover in the market, the Yeti. It is a remarkable machine, and we at IndianDrives just adore it. We recently took trial of the new Yeti 4X2, and it was more of a city car than an off-roader. Nevertheless, Skoda did not compromise in styling, features and quality of the crossover and it can compete with top-level SUVs in the market.
Skoda had already announced the production variant of Mission L mid-size hatch, which will sit between Fabia and Octavia. It should hit the market by late 2012. Further, it plans Octavia uplift for 2013.
That brings us down to the SUV. Eckhard Sholz, Skoda’s board member for technical development said, “We are successful with the Yeti. But there is room smaller than the Yeti, and there is also room for bigger than Yeti. So why not?” He also believes making cars out of mainstream into emerging markets is the only chance of survival and the SUV will help them grow.
In India, Skoda will be competing against some major brands who have tried going off-stream with mid-size SUV. There is the Ford Kuga, the soon launching Mahindra mini Xylo and Maruti Ertiga. Do tell us what you think the Skoda’s new SUV should be like.
Source: Autocar