After being in the Indian market for so long, Skoda is still one of the least selling car companies here. This, despite their competitive products and fairly decent dealership network.
However, it seems Skoda wants a turnaround this time and has upped the ante and has some real aggressive plans. The Czech manufacturer plans a complete overhaul to its Indian lineup and they have already launched the fantastic new Octavia as well as the new 2014 Superb recently.
What is next then? Here is a list of Skoda’s Upcoming Cars in India.
2014 Skoda Yeti Facelift:
Yeti, despite being a fantastic car, has been one of the lowest selling in India, mainly due to its atrocious pricing. Skoda believes there is a lot of potential in Yeti and has planned to launch a facelifted model very soon. They showcased the new 2014 Yeti facelift at the Delhi Auto Expo in February.
The cosmetic update will include a newer design philosophy which we saw first on the new Octavia. The interiors shall be enhanced with a new steering wheel, infotainment system and a redesigned instrumentation cluster. Overall the car looks much better than the present version and should go on to become a decent seller. Price will hold the key. According to latest reports, launch could be as soon as this July. More Details
New Skoda Rapid:
Rapid sedan is Skoda’s current best selling model in India. As we said earlier, Volkswagen is slated to plonk the new 1.5L diesel engine on Vento and Polo and Rapid is also expected to get the same within this year. It will also get a 7-speed DSG Automatic transmission.
The petrol engine is expected to remain the same and Skoda may also facelift the car in the process. How will the new Rapid with a new engine perform on the sales charts, remains to be seen. More Details
New Skoda Fabia:
After a dismal performance of its premium hatchback, Skoda discontinued Fabia last May. The company’s MD recently revealed that the Skoda internationally is working on an all-new model and it will be launched in India as well, marking the comeback of Fabia.
The car would not lose its premium placement but costs will be curtailed by increasing localisation in its manufacturing. We do not know what the new car is going to look like but based on the rendering that came up a few days back, it will have sharper lines and comparatively a more aggressive stance.
It might even get a new diesel mill as the entire Volkswagen family seems to be getting a new 1.5L diesel and there is no reason why the Fabia should be ostracised by the group. Skoda is expected to launch the new Fabia in India next year. More Details
Upcoming 7-seater SUV (A-Plus):
Skoda’s India chief also revealed that Skoda is working on a new 7 seater SUV, based on the new MQB platform by Volkswagen. It is being referred as the A-plus and will be placed over Yeti. Rumours give it the name of Snowman, although there is no confirmation of that.
The A Plus is expected to draw inspiration heavily from the new Octavia and will be slugging it out against the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Fortuner. The car will be unveiled globally in 2016-17 and its Indian launch should follow soon after that. More Details
With a comprehensively changed lineup and with the introduction of newer products, do you think Skoda will be able to do any good?
