Skoda had a quiet 2019 but things are set to change in 2020. The Czech carmaker has lined up five launches for India this year, which includes a new SUV, a new sports sedan, a facelift and updates. Read on to know what's headed our way in 2020.
Skoda Rapid 1.0-litre BS6 petrol
The Skoda Rapid will see a major powertrain range revision in the months to come. By April 1, 2020 there will be no Rapid diesel on sale, with the discontinuation of the 1.5-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine. Of the petrols, the dated 1.6 MPI engine will make way for a new 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol unit. The new motor’s 115hp power and 200Nm torque will mark a significant jump over the outgoing naturally-aspirated unit’s 105hp and 153Nm of torque figures. The Rapid with the updated engine will go on sale by April 2020. Expect mild styling changes on the model too. However, if you plan to hold out for the Rapid’s replacement, you’ll have to wait till late-2021 when the new model goes on sale.
Skoda Karoq
Skoda has toyed with the idea of bringing the Karoq SUV to India for long. The good news is that the model is now confirmed for launch in April 2020. The not-so-good news? It will be imported into India as a completely built unit (CBU) and will be subject to the full bevy of duties and taxes, which would mean premium pricing for the Jeep Compass rival. The Karoq for India will come with a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, and it is expected to be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. There will be no diesel engined versions of the SUV.
Skoda Octavia RS 245
Enthusiasts rejoice! The Skoda Octavia RS is set to make a comeback to India. We will get the Octavia RS 245 that’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 245hp and 370Nm of torque on call. It will be brought in fully loaded and without any modifications for India. The promise is of an uncorrupted RS experience, though the Euro-spec car’s relatively low ground clearance could be something of a worry in India. Pricing could be a kicker, however. The RS 245 will come in as a full import and prices are likely to be in the region of Rs 40 lakh. However, the pricing doesn’t seem to have kept buyers at bay, with the RS 245’s 200-unit allocation for India inviting huge interest long before bookings open.
Skoda Superb facelift
Skoda will launch the updated Superb in India in May 2020. The sedan gets a mild facelift and subtle changes to the interior. What's bigger news is the discontinuation of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. The sole engine on offer on the Superb will be Skoda’s new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that will come in place of the existing 1.8-litre unit. Power will see a 10hp jump to 190hp too.
Skoda Kodiaq petrol
The Skoda Kodiaq SUV will also see some developments in 2020. The present 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine will be withdrawn by April 1, 2020, and will be replaced by a 2.0-litre petrol engine. India will likely get the engine in its 190hp state of tune, mated to a dual-clutch auto. All-wheel drive will be standard and you can expect Skoda to maintain the same high levels of equipment as the current version.
In addition to the above models, Skoda is working to launch the all-new Octavia in India within 2020 as well. Come 2021, the first of the Skoda models – a mid-sized SUV – under the VW Group's India 2.0 Project will go on sale. The model will be shown in concept form as the Vision IN at Auto Expo 2020.