KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda official confirms the comeback of Octavia in India.
- Skoda Octavia: To arrive in India under 30 lakh.
- Will come to India via the CBU route.
- Upcoming Octavia to be locally assembled in India.
New-Gen Skoda Octavia: The Indian auto market may witness the return of Skoda Octavia in the upcoming times. Whereas the automaker will launch the updated Kodiaq and Superb in India soon. It seems that the new-gen Skoda Slavia is also in the pipeline for India. The automaker is deliberating on the local assembly of its upcoming premium sedans in India. The return of Skoda Octavia will strengthen the brand's India portfolio. Recently, Peter Janeba, Skoda India Brand Director mentioned that the Octavia is under evaluation for local assembly in India. Check out more details below and join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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New-Gen Skoda Octavia: What We Know?
In his statement to Autocar Professionals, Janeba said "We are exploring the Octavia for India because this car must come back. This could exactly be up to Rs 30 lakh, where we have no offering" he added. Janeba's statement reflects the automaker's desire to launch the premium sedan back in India.
However, Janeba didn't mention any particular timeline to launch the new-gen Octavia in India. The automaker assembles its premium SUV, Kodiaq in the country. The Skoda Kodiaq will also receive an update around the mid-2025. The automaker might take more than a year to complete all the procedures to locally assemble a car in India.
Meanwhile, the automaker is also considering the sportier RS version of the Octavia for the local assembly in India. The Octavia gets multiple engine options- 1.5 litres, 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel unit. The RS version of the Octavia comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine linked with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Upcoming Skoda Superb
The current Skoda Superb is available in India as an import unit and that too in limited numbers. The upcoming 4th gen model will also come to India via the CBU route. It will probably hit the Indian market before the upcoming Kodiaq update and the new-gen Skoda Octavia.
Janeba added in his statement There is a new Superb coming, and the decision is that it will still be a CBU [completely built unit]. It will never be a parts and components assembly, said Janeba. The reason is that the Bratislava factory, where the brand produces Superb, cant produce kits for a single right-hand drive market. Its too much of an investment, and it does not make any sense. Its just one car for one market.
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Verdict
Skoda's strategic move to bring back the Octavia and Superb to India reflects a bold step to strengthen their premium sedan lineup. Despite challenges with local assembly for the Superb, focusing on high-end imports could enhance exclusivity. The potential return of the Octavia RS variant also promises exciting prospects in the competitive Indian market.
