In a move to reintroduce diesel engines to its lineup, Skoda Auto is planning a comeback in the Asian market, specifically in India. Petr Janeba, the company's Head of International Sales, has announced that Skoda is working on a strategy to bring back diesel engines to the country, but only for selected models.
Skoda's Diesel Engine Revival
Despite the shift towards petrol vehicles in India due to strict emission norms, diesel vehicles that comply with these standards still hold appeal, particularly for larger MPVs and SUVs. The torque and economy of diesel engines are advantageous to these vehicles, which is why many SUV models in India will always have diesel versions available.
Contrary to what some might expect, Skoda's diesel reintroduction will not start with the Kodiaq SUV. Rather, Janeba disclosed that the emphasis will be on providing diesel engine choices for the upcoming Skoda Superb vehicle generation.
Following the implementation of BS6 Phase II regulations, which required real driving emission (RDE) testing and E20 fuel compatibility, Skoda India discontinued the Superb and Octavia models last year. This led to the discontinuation of several models by various manufacturers rather than updating them to meet the new standards.
Next Generation Skoda Superb
There were rumors that Skoda might bring back its flagship Superb sedan to the Indian market as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) import, avoiding the expensive homologation process. This would allow the import of vehicles in smaller quantities without the need for homologation.
Janeba's confirmation of plans to introduce the diesel variant of the Superb sedan in India lends credibility to these rumors. It is expected that Skoda will import around 1,000 units of the diesel Superb. Whether the company will also import a petrol version remains uncertain.
The 2024 Superb, which debuted globally in November 2023, is likely to be the model introduced in India. Available in sedan and Combi estate versions, the 2024 Superb features a redesigned exterior and interior, a spacious 645L boot in the sedan, LED Matrix beam headlights, a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital cluster, real leather upholstery, among other features. It boasts 28 "simply clever" features characteristic of Skoda vehicles.
The Superb sedan offers two mild hybrid powertrain options – a 1.5L mHEV (148 bhp, 7-DSG, FWD) and a 2.0L TSI (201 bhp, 7DSG, FWD) – as well as a 2.0L TDi diesel engine with options of 148 bhp, FWD or 190 bhp, AWD, both paired with a 7-speed DSG. The Superb Combi estate is available with a 1.5L PHEV powertrain producing a combined output of 201 bhp, FWD, and a 6-speed DSG, powered by a 25.7 kWh battery, promising a 100-kilometer range on a single charge.