From Karoq to New Rapid – 3 new Skoda cars to be launched in India
Skoda to launch Karoq, new compact SUV and the next-gen Rapid sedan in India by the end of 2021.
Skoda is leading the Volkswagen Group’s India Plan 2.0, which includes development of new India centric products, technologies and platform. The company has developed an all-new heavily localised MQB AO IN platform, which will be used to develop future Volkswagen and Skoda cars in India. Speaking to Zigwheels, Zac Hollis, Direct, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India confirms that 3 all-new cars will be launched in the Indian market by the end of 2021.
Skoda Karoq – this will be the brand’s next all-new product to be launched in the Indian market. It is confirmed that the new Karoq will go on sale in the country in the first quarter of 2020. A possible launch around Delhi Auto Expi 2020 can’t be ignored. The new model will be imported via a CKD route, which will be assembled at the brand’s Aurangabad facility. The new Skoda Karoq is based on the MQB platform that also underpins the Kodiaq SUV. It will be powered by a tried & tested 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. The company could also launch the petrol version of the SUV, which is likely to receive the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.
Launch – Q1, 2020
Expected Price – Rs 18 lakh – Rs 25 lakh
Skoda Kamiq – The company will unveil the India-specific compact SUV based on the new MQB AO IN in 2020. The SUV is likely to borrow design from the Kamiq SUV, which made its debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. However, the India-spec model will be bigger and will have India-specific changes. The SUV is expected to make world debut at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo, while launch is scheduled in early 2021. It will be powered by a BSVI compliant 1.5-litre petrol engine. Skoda could also launch this SUV with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Adding to it, the new model will also receive the CNG hybrid option.
Launch – Q1, 2021
Expected Price – Rs 10 lakh – Rs 15 lakh
New-gen Skoda Rapid – The third all-new product from Skoda will be the Rapid replacement. It will be based on the MQB AO IN platform and will receive all-new styling. Volkswagen is already selling the Virtus sedan based on the MQB AO platform in global markets. It is expected that the next-gen Rapid will share interior components and some of the mechanical with the Virtus. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Launch – End of 2021
Expected Price – Rs 9 lakh – Rs 14 lakh
