2 New Volkswagen And Skoda 7 Seat SUVs Launching In 2025: Details
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVIPL) is gearing up to introduce two new 7-seater SUVs in India in early 2025: the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron. These SUVs are anticipated to debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025 and enter the market shortly after. Here’s a look at what each SUV has to offer:
Skoda Kodiaq 2025
The India-specific Skoda Kodiaq 2025 has achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, with an impressive 89% in adult occupant protection and 83% in child protection. It will have 10 airbags, lane assist, autonomous emergency braking, and driver fatigue detection.
In dimensions, the new SUV will be 61mm longer than the one it replaces. The width will, however, be 18mm less in comparison. There will be no change in the wheelbase (2,971mm). The design will base its cues on Skoda’s new ‘ Modern Solid’ design philosophy. It will be bigger and sharper than the previous Kodaiq. There will be a bolder butterfly grille, angular headlamp and fog lamps, and new rear lights with a full-width light bar. It will also have a new set of alloy wheels (17-20 inches possibly).
The cabin will have a premium design and a lot of features. There will be a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver display, a heads-up display, a wireless charging pad, USB Type-C fast charging ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Canton sound system, ambient lighting, powered front seats with cooled and heated functions, a panoramic sunroof, telematics and a two-spoke steering wheel. Skoda will debut a new Smart Dial setup that comprises three rotary knobs located below the touchscreen, which can be used to access and operate various controls and functions. There will also be connected car tech and ADAS on the new SUV.
Arriving as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit, it will be powered by a 2.0L TSI petrol engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This combination will generate 190PS and 320Nm. Petr Janeba, Skoda Auto India’s Brand Director, has confirmed Kodiaq’s summer 2025 launch, with test units already spotted in India. Upon launch, it will compete with the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Janeba has also hinted that the diesel engine could make a comeback through the new Kodiaq, but with terms and conditions applied. While the regular SUV will be brought in as CKD, the diesel variants will be CBUs, shipped in limited numbers. These will be sold only in select regions, and will not be available pan India. It would thus have a notable price premium as well.
Volkswagen Tayron 2025
The Volkswagen Tayron 7-seater SUV will likely arrive on Indian shores by March 2025, potentially replacing the Tiguan in VW’s domestic lineup. Originally showcased at the Beijing Motor Show, it is bigger and more spacious than the Tiguan. The equipment list will have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a large 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
In India, it is expected to feature only a petrol engine initially, with a mild-hybrid version possibly coming later. All trims will include a DCT gearbox as standard, though 4WD availability is unconfirmed for now.
Built on the MQB Evo platform, the Tayron is likely to be priced between Rs 35-40 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be a CKD unit as well. This SUV is poised to compete directly with the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, and Ford Endeavour.