Skoda is all set to launch new products in its Indian model lineup and the carmaker has invested Rs 100 crore in the after sales services for a hassle-free car buying experience. Here is the list of cars to be launched by the Czech carmaker in the country.
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda unveiled the new Kodiaq SUV in Berlin, Germany which will be positioned above the Skoda Yeti in India. The Kodiaq will be powered by a 1.8 litre TSI petrol and a 2.0 litre TDI diesel motors, mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox or Direkt-Schalt-Getriebe) automatic transmission. Power will be sent to the all wheels via an all-wheel drive system developed by the Volkswagen Group.
The Skoda Kodiaq is based on the Volkswagen’s MQB platform that also underpins the Superb and the Octavia. It will get features like projector headlamps, LED tail lights and rear wiper with demister on the ouside and Volkswagen’s Connect infotainment system along with faux leather seat upholstery and contrasting stitching on the inside.
Expected Price: Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh, ex-showroom
Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition
The Monte Carlo Edition models including Citigo, Fabia, Rapid and Yeti were launched in the international markets which pay homage to Skoda’s racing heritage. The company is expected to launch the Rapid Monte Carlo Edition in India as well which will have cosmetic updates but no mechanical changes.
The Rapid Monte Carlo Edition will feature a red body colour with contrasting black finish on the front grille, headlamps, outside rear view mirrors, alloy wheels as well as on the tail lamp cluster. In addition, the Rapid Monte Carlo Edition will be offered with redesigned bumpers, wider air dam, new horizontal fog lamps and side skirts.
Inside the cabin of the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition, it will get sporty bucket seats wrapped in black, grey and red upholstery and a multi-functional flat bottom steering wheel in red-stitched leather The sedan will borrow the same engines that also power the standard Rapid, a 1.6 litre MPI petrol and a 1.5 litre turbo diesel engine which is mated to a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Expected Price: Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, ex-showroom
Also Read: Skoda Octavia revealed; India launch in 2017
Skoda Octavia RS
Skoda revealed the RS version of the Octavia in Europe and like its predecessor, the Octavia RS will have minor changes which include new LED headlamps with daytime running lamps, rectangular fog lamp housing and a revised front grille. Inside the Skoda Octavia RS, a new infotainment system with different configurations, Swing, Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus will be available on the higher variants. This new infotainment system for India will have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link for smartphone integration. Other highlights of the car include Goggle Street View or satellite map earth, parking assist and blind spot detection.
The talking point here is the engine which for the international models are 2.0 litre TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines, however, for India only the petrol engine powered variants are speculated. Power generated by this motor is 217 hp which is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. In addition to a more powerful unit under the bonnet, the Octavia RS will also have a stiffer suspension setup and Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control compared to the standard Octavia for better handling.
Expected Price: Rs 23 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, ex-showroom
Skoda Octavia Black Edition
As the name suggests, the Black Edition will be equipped with black and white body colours, blacked-out door mirror housings, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps and 18-inch alloys wheels. The sporty theme will be carried inside the cabin with an all-black upholstery with RS engraving and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link.
The Black Edition variants are also expected to be equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for an engaging driving experience. The company has already launched the Skoda Octavia Black Edition and the Rapid Monte Carlo in Europe and they are expected to reach Indian showrooms by 2017.
The Octavia Black Edition will only have cosmetic updates and is expected to be powered by the standard Octavia’s engine options, 1.4 litre TSI petrol, 1.8 litre TSI petrol and 2.0 litre TDI diesel, paired to a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Expected Price:Rs 19 lakh to Rs 21 lakh, ex-showroom
With the launch of these four models in India, Skoda’s model portfolio will have one new addition and new versions of three existing cars. This should increase the base of potential customers for the Czech carmaker.
