Skoda to launch 5 cars in 2020

For most Automakers, 2019 was a rough year, as the entire automotive industry facing a slowdown. With the market finally showing some signs of relief, carmakers are now looking to make the most of 2020, and none more so than Skoda. The Czech carmaker has already confirmed a variety of new models that it will be bringing to India under its ‘India 2.0’ plan, although none of them will enter our market before 2021.

With this in mind, however, Skoda has also confirmed that it will be launching five models (not part of the all-new ‘India 2.0’ models) in India over the course of 2020. These will likely include the Rapid 1.0-litre petrol, Karoq, Octavia RS 245, Superb facelift and the Kodiaq petrol. We expect Skoda to showcase all these models at the upcoming, Auto Expo 2020.

Skoda Rapid BS6 with 1.0-litre petrol

The Rapid midsize sedan is set to be updated with a new BS6-compliant, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that will replace the current car’s 1.6-litre MPI petrol unit. While, for the Indian market, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is expected to produce 115hp and 200Nm of torque, it is worth noting that, internationally, the engine is also available in a lower state of tune, which produces 96hp and 160Nm of torque. As per a statement made by Zac Hollis, director, sales, service and marketing, Skoda Auto India, this update will arrive in our market by April 2020. Besides this, mild styling changes are expected to be made to model. That being said, Skoda will introduce an all-new version of the sedan by late-2021.

Skoda Karoq

In an interview with Autocar India, Zac Hollis confirmed that the Czech brand will bring the Karoq midsize SUV to India in April 2020. The model will be brought to our market via the CBU (completely built unit) route, which will allow the carmaker to bring the car sooner, though at a higher price due to the large import duties. In India, the Karoq is expected to come with a BS6-compliant 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Having said that, the company also has a variety of other petrol and diesel engine and gearbox combinations at its disposal that it could use instead.

Skoda Octavia RS 245

The Euro-spec Octavia RS, which produces 245hp and 370Nm of torque, has been confirmed for the Indian market. According to the carmaker, the new RS will be brought in its fully-loaded guise and without any changes to the ground clearance, which implies the dynamics of the Euro-spec model will make their way to our market. Skoda has also stated that it will only bring 200 units to India and that there will be no demo cars – only cars for customers to buy. Also worth noting is that, since this Octavia RS will be brought to India as a full import, it will also be more expensive. We expect it to be launched by mid-2020, priced around the Rs 36 lakh mark. Skoda dealers have already begun receiving enquires for the performance model.

Skoda Superb facelift

Zac Hollis recently confirmed via Twitter that the facelifted Superb sedan with the 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine will be launched in May 2020. The company is yet to confirm what state of tune the 2.0-litre TSI engine will be in or whether the current car’s 1.8-litre petrol will be updated to meet BS6 emission norms. This new model will also feature refreshed interior and exterior styling.

Skoda Kodiaq petrol

In the same tweet that confirmed the Superb facelift, Zac Hollis also confirmed that the petrol-powered version of the Kodiaq SUV will also be launched in India, later in 2020. The Czech carmaker has not confirmed, which state of tune the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol TSI engine will come in, however, all-wheel drive will come as standard. Besides the new engine option, nothing is expected to change on the Kodiaq, in terms of features.

In addition to the above mentioned models, Skoda will also unveil the Vision IN midsize SUV concept on February 3, 2020. The concept will also be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. Also worth noting is the fact that Volkswagen will also get a version of this new midsize SUV, most likely in the form of the India-spec T-Cross. VW will also bring the replacement for the Vento, which will be based on the localised MQB A0 IN platform like the aforementioned SUVs. The German automaker is also set to import the T-Roc SUV and a seven-seat derivative of the Tiguan – the Tiguan AllSpace – as CBUs (Completely Built Units).

Also see:

India-bound Skoda Vision IN SUV interior sketch revealed

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