We all know that Skoda is currently leading the India strategy for the Volkswagen Group. ‘India 2.0’ as the group calls it majorly focuses on bringing in the globally renowned MQB platform to India and revamping the product portfolio for both, Volkswagen and Skoda brands. Now in a recent interview with Zigwheels, Zac Hollis, Sales & Marketing – Director, Skoda India has confirmed that Skoda will be bringing in a sedan which will replace the current Rapid in India.
Skoda will bring in 2 cars in 2021, the Kamiq SUV which will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Tata Harrier and a sedan which will replace the Rapid. The new replacement product will be based on the MQB A0 (internally pronounced A-zero) platform, which is being developed by the group for emerging markets like Brazil and India.
Talking about emission norms getting stricter, Mr. Hollis mentioned that Skoda will be betting on CNG as the fuel option in the short-to-medium term. He added that though Europe has been able to accept Hybrids at present, but for the Indian market, Skoda will focus more on CNG.
The fact that government has planned to increase CNG pumps from 1,400 to 10,000; further helps Skoda believe that it can count on CNG in the near future. The upcoming CAFE norms (to come into effect in 2022-23) for meeting average CO2 emissions will also drive carmakers to look at alternate fuels, away from the conventional petrol and diesel.
Considering the CNG focus and high costs associated with BS-VI compliant diesel engines, petrol engines shall form a bigger part of Skoda’s portfolio. The new sedan can get a 3-cylinder 1-litre turbocharged TSI petrol unit which can possibly dish out 110 BHP and 200 Nm of torque. This can get mated to a 6-speed MT and a 7-speed twin-clutch AT.
Hybrid powertrains will mostly be missed at least for the time-being however, a larger 4-cylinder 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol might come in as a powerhouse for the top-variant of the sedan. Both the petrol engines will mostly be CNG compliant.
Launch of the sedan is expected to take place towards the end of 2021. Considering the overall strategy which Skoda has brought in for customers, the sedan shall include a class-leading service & warranty packages as well. Competition for the sedan will continue to come in from Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and Honda City.
