Skoda Auto is all set to storm the Indian market with the launch of more than 5 new models in India. Skoda which is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen, will launch new models to grab a larger pie of the growing auto market without cannibalising the sales of VW.
2012-13 will see Skoda increasing the model line-up to 9 models from the current 4 models.
So what’s coming and when????
First to come is the Laura RS in August 2011 which is sportier version of the current Laura, with a stiffer suspension and body kit. Sadly there won’t be any great changes under the hood and the car will get the same power output.
Next will be the Rapid sedan which will be launched either end of 2011 or January 2012. The Rapid will be based on the Vento platform and will share a lot of underpinning including engines and transmissions. The car will however have its own USP and will be priced aggressively.
The next will be the Yeti with a smaller 1.6 engine options. We hope the SUV makes entry with both petrol and diesel options even if there a few takers for the petrol version. The SUV will be launched by end of 2011 and will a tag cheaper then the current model. We also expect the Yeti to come with only front wheel drive option.
We saw the spy pics of the Fabia Scout being tested in India. The Scout will hit theIndian roads in 2012 and will get larger diesel and petrol engines then the current Fabia. The car is positioned to those who want to go for a little spin on the country roads and a bit off-roading. Expect the prices close to 6-8 lakhs.
Next Gen Octavia: Skoda which introduced the brand in India with the launch of the Octavia. The car was discontinued in 2010 and was not upgraded to meet the new emission norms. However the Octavia brand wont die and will get a replacement in 2012 which is based on the Vision-D concept.
Small hatch in 2012: Skoda will launch a car under the Fabia and will be based on the Up platform. It could share the power trains of the current Fabia and will be priced below 4 lakh.
Sub-4-meter notch by Mid-2013: Skoda will also launch a Sub-4-meter notch which will be based on the Up platform. The car will priced below the Rapid and will take on the cars in the entry level sedan segment.
