Skoda Vision IN Compact SUV: Here Are 2 New Important Details

• Skoda says the SUV was developed specifically for India.
• The MQB A0 IN platform underpins the SUV.
• It will premiere at Auto Expo 2020 but will go on sale in 2021.
• Expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18 lakh.

Skoda Auto India has released an interior sketch of its upcoming Vision IN compact sport utility vehicle (SUV). It will be premiered at Auto Expo 2020 and will be the most affordable Skoda SUV in India. Skoda has told us that the compact SUV will be launched in 2021. The Vision IN's interior sketch shows a layered design with sharp edges and orange inserts on the dashboard and doors. We expect the compact SUV to be derived from the Euro-spec Kamiq. It will have a 115PS 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine with a manual or DSG dual clutch gearbox. We expect it to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 17 lakh. It will go up against the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos, and even the Ford EcoSport. 

The interior sketch previews the upcoming car’s dashboard layout. The layered design has orange trim on the dash, doors, and the centre armrest. Skoda says orange “inspires vitality and creativity”. Chrome-lined air vents sit on either side of the dash and have a thin chrome strip running along the width of the dashboard between them. The centre air vent sits subtly below the large infotainment screen. 

The Vision IN's interior design is different from both the European Kamiq (pictured) and the China-spec Kamiq GT. It looks a bit plusher in concept with the extra splashes of chrome and orange a departure from the grey and black interiors of the European model. Another feature is the gear selector. It is placed on a platform, which floats above the centre console.  

The Kamiq is shorter than all of the above SUVs, but is 13mm shorter and 10mm wider than the Creta. It will sit in a weird position in our market. At 4.26 metres long, it is longer than all sub-four-metre SUVs like the Hyundai Venue and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Interestingly, it exceeds the length of its European cousin by about 20mm. However, it is smaller than mid-sizers like the Kia Seltos and even the Nissan Kicks. The MG Hector and Tata Harrier are still bigger. Since it is the smallest Skoda SUV offered in Europe, the company has called it a compact SUV.  

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Although we will see the Kamiq in the flesh at Auto Expo 2020, Skoda has told us that it will be launched in 2021. The company has also confirmed its powertrain -- a 115PS 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual as standard. There will also be an option for a 7-speed DSG transmission. A diesel variant will not be available at launch but may be added to the lineup later. It is likely to be priced higher than most other compact SUVs, between Rs 10 lakh and 17 lakh. Can the Vision IN give Skoda the push it needs to survive the automotive slump in India? We hope so.