Czech automaker, Skoda has confirmed that its next new car for the Indian market will be revealed before the end of this year. The new model will be a mid-sized sedan, which will replace the ageing Skoda Rapid sedan. The company has also launched a content for budding Indian designers, which is called Camouflage with Skoda.
The Czech automaker has invited budding Indian designers to participate and design a camouflage for the upcoming mid-sedan. The company has also released a design sketch of the upcoming mid-sized sedan. Entries for the contest will remain open till August 18, 2021, and the top five entries will be shortlisted by July on August 23, 2021. A final winner will be announced from the top five shortlists.
The judges for the content comprises of Gurpratap Boparai, MD SAVWIPL, Zac Hollis, brand director Skoda Auto India, and Oliver Stefani, head of design – Skoda Auto. Above 18 can participate in the contest by registring and submitting their design online on www.camowithskoda.com. The winner will get a chance to meet the Skoda Head of Design, Oliver Stefani, at the Skoda Auto’s headquarters in Prague. The winning design will be applied on the upcoming Skoda sedan and will be showcased across the country. The runner up will get a design tablet, while the last 3 candidates will win Skoda gift bags.
The new Skoda Sedan is rumoured to be called the Skoda Slavia. The sedan has been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads. It will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the Skoda Kushaq and the soon-to-be-launched VW Taigun. The new model will be significantly bigger than the existing model. It is expected to have the segment longest wheelbase of 2,651mm, which should ensure spacious cabin and bigger boot.
The Skoda Slavia mid-sized sedan will rival the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. The sedan will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Kushaq. This engine is capable of producing 113bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The vehicle could also get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic.
