The Indian SUV market continues to heat up, and this week brought two major developments: Mahindra launched a new, more affordable automatic variant of its beloved Scorpio N, and Skoda is shifting gears to revive its Kushaq compact SUV after a slump in sales.
Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 AT: A Powerful Automatic SUV Under ₹14 Lakh
Mahindra has officially launched the Scorpio N Z4 AT, expanding its automatic SUV lineup for buyers who want performance and comfort—without breaking the bank.
Ex-showroom Price: ₹13.49 lakh
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (200 bhp / 380 Nm) with a 6-speed torque converter automatic
Key Features:
Exterior: Bold design with halogen headlamps, silver grille, LED tail-lamps, 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
Interior: Dual-tone finish, cruise control, rear AC vents with independent blowers, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (Android Auto & Apple CarPlay)
Convenience: Steering-mounted audio controls, electric ORVMs, rear wiper & washer
Safety: Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, and rear parking sensors
This new Z4 AT variant makes the Scorpio N automatic experience significantly more accessible to Indian families and urban SUV buyers. It’s a smart move by Mahindra, tapping into the growing demand for automatics under ₹15 lakh.
Skoda Sets the Stage for Kushaq Comeback with Kylaq’s Success
Skoda’s compact SUV, the Kushaq, has seen a dip in sales recently, with February 2025 witnessing a 9% year-over-year drop. However, the tide may be turning.
Enter the Skoda Kylaq, a smaller SUV that has become an instant hit, helping Skoda record a massive 148% YoY sales growth in February 2025 alone.
What This Means for the Kushaq:
Renewed interest in Skoda showrooms from Kylaq buyers could spill over to the Kushaq.
The brand is reportedly planning feature upgrades and refreshed pricing for the Kushaq to boost its appeal.
With SUV demand surging, the timing may be perfect for the Kushaq to bounce back stronger.
Skoda’s multi-SUV strategy shows it’s serious about reclaiming market share in India, and the Kylaq’s momentum could be the springboard the Kushaq needs.
SUV Market Analysis: Why These Moves Matter
With Indian customers increasingly choosing automatics and compact SUVs, manufacturers are adapting fast:
Mahindra is lowering the entry barrier for automatic SUV buyers without compromising performance.
Skoda is building a stronger SUV portfolio and capitalizing on cross-model synergy.
Together, these strategies highlight a broader shift: affordable, feature-rich SUVs with automatic gearboxes are the future of mainstream Indian mobility.
Conclusion:
The launch of the Scorpio N Z4 AT and Skoda’s strategy to revitalize the Kushaq mark key turning points in the Indian auto industry. Both brands are evolving to meet shifting customer expectations, especially in the competitive SUV segment.
If you’re planning to buy an SUV this year, these two names should be on your radar.
Also Read: Kushal Tandon and Shivangi Joshi End Their Relationship