As a part of India Project 2.0, Skoda will launch 2 new locally developed cars in 2021. The company will introduce the Vision IN concept based SUV in early 2021, which will be followed by an all-new mid-sized sedan. Replying to a question, Zac Hollis, Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India has confirmed that the all-new Skoda mid-sized sedan will be launched in late 2021, around Diwali.
Skoda has recently introduced the updated version of the Rapid sedan, which is the most affordable in its category. The new model is available in a single 1.0L petrol engine with 6-speed manual gearbox; however, automatic version is scheduled to be launched in September 2020.
Skoda won’t introduce the new-gen Rapid sedan, which was recently introduced in the select international markets. Instead, the Czech automaker will introduce an all-new mid-sized sedan to take on the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. The new sedan will be designed and developed on the heavily localised MQB AO IN platform that also underpins the Skoda Vision IN based SUV.
Volkswagen Group has decided to completely cease the production and sale of diesel cars in India. The upcoming Skoda mid-sized sedan will also be offered in petrol version only. It will receive the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that also powers the current Rapid, VW Vento and the Polo. This engine is capable of producing 108bhp of power and 175Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
The upcoming Skoda mid-sized sedan will be produced at Volswagen’s Chakan factory, which will also produce the next-gen VW Vento, Taigun mid-sized SUV and the Vision IN based SUV. The company is aiming to achieve high-level of localisation to achieve competitive pricing.
