The duo of Volkswagen and Skoda have had a packed couple of years with its India 2.0 launches, but what’s next for 2024? Well, both brands will be relying on a bunch of niche imports to further populate their respective portfolios over the next 12 months. Additionally, there could be mid-lifecycle updates and more special editions on models like the Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun and Virtus. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming launches from Skoda and Volkswagen in 2024.
Skoda Superb
Expected price: Rs 50 lakh
Launch: Early 2024
Skoda will reintroduce the previous-gen Superb sedan in our market in limited numbers, after it was discontinued due to the BS6.2 implementation. The company will introduce it with an updated 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, mated to a sole 7-speed DSG gearbox. However, the Superb will not be locally assembled in India anymore, but will be imported as a CBU (completely built-up unit). The Czech brand will reintroduce it only in top-spec L&K trim with new features like ADAS that include lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, a new infotainment system, adaptive chassis control tech, an active tyre pressure monitoring system and nine airbags.
However, this will only be a stop-gap measure, as last month, Skoda globally unveiled the fourth-gen Superb with evolutionary styling, an all-new interior and an updated powertrain line-up, which even includes a plug-in hybrid. Although there’s no official word on it, we expect the new-gen Superb to also make it to India at some point in the future.
Skoda Enyaq iV
Expected price: Rs 55 lakh
Launch: Mid-2024
The Enyaq iV will be Skoda’s first all-electric offering in India and it’ll be brought in as a full import. This five-seater crossover is only slightly smaller than Skoda’s flagship three-row Kodiaq SUV. Skoda has been testing the top-spec ‘80x’ version in India, which gets a 77kWh battery powering two electric motors – one on each axle giving it all-wheel-drive capability – producing a total of 265hp. Also, the Enyaq iV has a healthy claimed range of over 500km and an equally impressive 0-100kph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds. It remains to be seen whether Skoda offers lower-spec, two-wheel-drive variants of the Enyaq iV for a lower starting price point.
New Skoda Kodiaq
Expected price: Rs 50 lakh
Launch: Late 2024
The second-gen Kodiaq is the brand’s first production car to be styled with elements from the 'Modern Solid' philosophy previewed by last year's Vision 7S concept, which gives it a more overtly rugged and utilitarian look than its predecessor. It's also slightly longer than its predecessor, which means there’s more space in the third row and boot. The interior, meanwhile, is shared with the latest-gen Superb, and as such looks premium and well-equipped with a fine mix of physical and touch controls.
Under the hood, the new Kodiaq is powered by 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines as well as a plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engines; the diesel-automatic solely gets the option of a 4x4 system. Skoda will get the new Kodiaq to India towards the end of 2024, although there's no confirmation on what powertrain configuration it will get, or if it will be a CKD (completely knocked-down) unit as the existing Kodiaq or an import. The Kodiaq currently continues to be on sale in India in its first-generation guise with a petrol engine.
Volkswagen ID.4
Expected Price: Rs 55 lakh
Launch: Mid-2024
A sister model to the Skoda Enyaq iV, Volkswagen’s first all-electric model for India will also be a niche import. The ID.4 is based on VW’s MEB electric platform. India will likely get the high-performance ID.4 GTX model that uses one electric motor at the front axle and one at the rear. Combined, it produces 299hp and 460Nm of torque. The ID 4 GTX houses a 77kWh battery that has a claimed range of up to 480km on a single charge. This high-performance model uses one electric motor at the front axle and one at the rear. Combined, it produces 299hp and 460Nm of torque. Volkswagen has been testing the ID 4 in India for nearly two years now. However, its launch is yet to be greenlit by Volkswagen’s global headquarters. It will be brought in with Volkswagen’s India 3.0 plan, which is all about electric mobility and will cover both completely built units (CBUs) as well as locally built EVs.
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Maruti readies three new launches for 2024