Volkswagen Group has already started working towards India 2.0 plan. In this process, Skoda is gearing up to launch its first made-for-India Vision IN compact SUV. It is expected to launch in mid-2021. Currently, the Skoda VISION IN is in the trial phase as its testing mule has been spied for the first time in the country.
What does the spy image reveal?
The 'Vision IN' is basically its concept car’s name and the Czech maker is yet to finalize a name for the production model. It was first showcased (as a concept) at the Volkswagen Group night, held in February 2020, a day before the Auto Expo.
The testing model was completely camouflaged but its silhouette seems similar to the concept model. According to the spy pictures, the production-spec VISION IN will get Skoda Kodiaq like a split LED front lighting system. The wheel arches are round-shaped, just like the concept version, which could get heavy cladding. The alloy wheels design, on the other hand, is also much alike to the VISION IN concept, and they are expected to be of 17-inches.
Other visible bits of the side design includes a large window section, ORVMs with turn indicators, and roof rails. Sadly, the spy shots don't reveal the front, rear, and interior of the car.
What else do we know about Skoda Vision IN?
The production-spec Vision IN will be based on the VW Group’s MQB-A0 IN platform, which is Volkswagen Group's smallest global modular platform and it is specially modified for the Indian market in order to offer more cabin space. The upcoming Volkswagen Taigun will also underpin the same platform.
Also Read Skoda Rapid Automatic Launched, Prices Start From Rs 9.49 lakh
The Skoda Vision IN will be manufactured at Skoda-VW’s Pune and Aurangabad plants. It is expected to get two turbocharged petrol engine options: a 1.0-liter TSI (110PS/175Nm) from Skoda Rapid and a 1.5-liter TSI (147PS/250Nm) from Skoda Karoq. There will be no diesel engine option, at least at the time of launch.
As far as the features are concerned, it is likely to get a floating infotainment screen, a digital instrument console, a sleek three-spoke steering wheel, automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, panoramic sunroof, and shift-by-wire technology for selecting drive modes in automatic trims, etc.
Expected Launch
As mentioned above, The Vision IN is likely to go on sale in the first half of 2021. We expect some aggressive pricing from Skoda India, starting from around ₹10 lakh. In the compact SUV space, the Skoda Vision will compete against the likes of Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.
Author's Take
The Vision IN has been in talks since it was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo as Skoda is continuously emphasizing the fact that it is made exclusively for the Indian consumer and that also reflects in its name. In Skoda's current line-up, it will be positioned just above the Rapid sedan, which is Skoda’s best selling car in the country. Also, with the craze of compact SUVs rocketing sky high of late, the company will have high expectations from it.
