Skoda Auto has some big plans for the Indian market. The Czech automaker has lined-up 4 new models for this year along with an aim to expand its sales network and achieve high-level of localization. The company has already confirmed that the fourth-generation Octavia sedan and all-new Kushaq mid-size SUV will hit showrooms in June 2021. While the Skoda Kodiaq facelift will arrive near around October, the new mid-size sedan (Slavia) will see a release towards the end of this year.
Based on the VW Group’s MQB EVO platform, the 2021 Skoda Octavia is slightly bigger than the current generation. The sedan has witnessed noticeable changes inside and out. Under the hood, it houses a 2.0L TSI turbo petrol motor that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Prices of the new Octavia are estimated to start from Rs 18 lakh and go up to Rs 24 lakh (ex-showroom).
The second big launch from the Czech carmaker will be the Skoda Kushaq that will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The SUV will come with the 115bhp, 1.0L TSI petrol and 148bhp, 1.5L TSI petrol engines and three gearbox options – 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT and 7-speed DSG automatic. While the manual transmission will be standard across the model lineup, the 6-speed AT and 7-speed DSG units will be exclusively offered with 1.0L and 1.5L turbo petrol variants respectively. It’s likely to cost between Rs 9 lakh – Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom).
The 2021 Skoda Kodiaq facelift has received significant cosmetic and feature upgrades along with the more powerful engines. The SUV model lineup will be offered in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style. While the most powerful 2.0L TSI petrol engine will be reserved for the vRS variant, the rest models will be available with the 1.5L petrol, 2.0L petrol and 2.0L diesel engine options. The AWD (all-wheel drive) system will be available on select trims. In India, it will come with the 190bhp, 2.0L turbo petrol motor. The SUV’s price is likely to start from Rs 33.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
Skoda’s new mid-size sedan (codenamed ANB) is currently in its testing phase. Its production-ready version is reported to be named ‘Skoda Slavia’. Engines are likely to be sourced from the upcoming Kushaq SUV that will come with the 1.0L TSI turbo petrol and 1.5L turbo petrol motors. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be on offer. Besides powertrains, the platform and a few design elements and features will be shared with the Kushaq. Prices of the Salvia sedan are likely to fall in the range of Rs 9.50 lakh – Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
