FY 2021 saw a sea of changes in Skoda Auto Volkswagen’s plans for the Indian market. In March of 2021, the company announced that it is discontinuing diesel engines in India and will solely focus on turbo petrol (TSI) powertrains and localisation of the MQB A0 IN platform.
This architecture witnessed the dawn of the mid-size SUV Kushaq and reignited the sedan market in India with the Slavia. Skoda is now rethinking its no diesel engine policy for India and could offer the new Superb in both petrol and diesel options.
Skoda Auto India: Bringing back Octavia and Superb
Skoda Auto is keen to re-introduce the Octavia and the Superb in India. Speaking to Petr Janeba, Brand Director for Skoda Auto India, he explained that the company has plans to introduce both the Superb and Octavia in India via the parts and components (CKD) route or the CBU way. “Keeping around 70,000 Octavia customers and 25,000 Superb owners in mind, Skoda is looking to offer the latest versions of these cars,” said Janeba.
Skoda Auto is exclusively looking to bring a diesel powertrain with the Superb. At the same time, the Octavia and the made-in-India products will continue to be powered by turbo petrol engines. The India-bound new generation Kodiaq will initially be sold as a petrol trim here and the Czech automobile manufacturer could later introduce a diesel version. “Skoda Auto could initially introduce the Superb via the CBU route and then we will explore the parts and components (CBU) way as the latter process will take around 18 months due to the emissions standard test,” explained Janeba.
Skoda Auto clarified that if there is a demand for the Octavia RS then it could offer it in India. “Skoda is open to bringing back the Octavia RS, but only as a CBU. It will be a complete European car with European specs as no homologation is required via the CBU route,” said Janeba.
Skoda Superb Specifications
In the global market, the Superb comes with a slew of engine options starting from the 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid TSI to the 2-litre TSI and 2-litre TDI (diesel). India will receive the 2-litre turbo petrol which produces 201bhp. The 2-litre diesel engine has an output of 147bhp and both the motors are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Superb is expected to make its debut sometime next year in India.
