Skoda is looking forward to aggressively expanding its Indian portfolio in the upcoming months. As per the information shared by the brand, a bunch of interesting launches are to be expected- across the SUV and sedan segments. Here are 5 Skoda cars and SUVs which you would be able to buy in 2o25.
Kylaq
When Skoda took wraps off the Kylaq recently, it marked the end of long spans of waiting and anticipation. The manufacturer even revealed the entry prices of the sub-4m SUV. It brings Skoda’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy to the Indian soil. It comes with a butterfly grille, split LED headlamps, sleek DRLs, and a honeycomb air dam and skid plate on the front bumper.
In dimensions, it is smaller than the Kushaq, spanning just 3,995 mm in length. It has a wheelbase of 2,566mm and a ground clearance of 189 mm. Pitched as a rival to the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Hyundai Venue, it has also become the most affordable offering in Skoda’s portfolio with a starting price of ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
The cabin shares much with the Kushaq and gets features like a 2-spoke steering wheel, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. It also features a 10-inch touchscreen with an updated OS, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, powered front seats, a wireless phone charger, and a single-pane sunroof. The boot capacity is 446L.
It is based on the same platform (MQB A0 IN) as the Kushaq, but with different proportions. The Kylaq even borrows its 1.0TSI powertrain from the larger SUV. It is known to produce 115 hp and 178 Nm and would come paired with manual and torque converter automatic gearboxes. Skoda will start delivering the Kylaq from Jan 27th 2025, when the variant-wise prices are also expected to surface. The manufacturer has rather ambitious sales targets with the Kylaq.
Octavia vRS
Skoda is planning to bring back the Octavia to India, and upon its return, the sedan will have the vRS form on sale here as well. We expect this car to be showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo in January. As suggested by sources, the India-spec Octavia could be powered by a more powerful version of the 1.5 TSI (EA211 EVO2) engine that also does duty on the Slavia. On the Slavia, this produces 150 hp and comes with cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. The global model also has an optional 48V mild-hybrid version on sale, which we are unsure of coming to our shores.
And for the vRS, the newest iteration is already on sale in many international markets. It gets the same 2.0-litre TSI four-pot petrol engine as the Fabia RS Rally2. This powerplant is good enough to produce 261hp and 370 Nm. It is more powerful than before and comes with the familiar seven-speed DSG transmission. 0-62 mph sprint takes just 6.4 seconds!
The sedan also gets various electronics to further improve its road manners and dynamics. The suspension has been dropped by 15mm, for a more imposing stance. It remains to be seen if Skoda will bring the same spec to India. It seems possible as the vehicle will likely come as limited CBUs.
Superb
Another possible relaunch is the Superb sedan. It was discontinued in India, last year when the new emission norms kicked in. Upon its possible return, the sedan will be available in limited numbers, via CBU. It will thus have premium pricing as well.
Internationally, the new Superb is offered with various powertrain options, including three petrol engines, two diesels, and a plug-in hybrid. For India, a diesel engine option is likely, given its popularity in the premium sedan space.
The next-gen sedan gets sharper styling and enhanced aerodynamics while maintaining Skoda’s design essence. Inside, it offers spacious seating with premium materials, a larger infotainment system, and advanced driver-assistance features. Its rear-seat space remains a highlight this time as well.
New Kodiaq
Another expected model is the new Kodiaq. The India-bound Kodiaq recently received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, and could launch here soon- most likely before the Octavia. It will be longer than the previous model, even though the wheelbase will remain the same. It will feature the ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy and will have a bolder butterfly grille, angular headlamp and fog lamps, new wheels, and new rear lights with a full-width light bar.
The cabin will have features like a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver display, a heads-up display, a wireless charging pad, USB Type-C fast charging ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Canton sound system, ambient lighting, powered front seats with cooled and heated functions, a panoramic sunroof, ADAS, Connected car tech, telematics and a two-spoke steering wheel.
The new Kodiaq will come as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units and thus will likely have fair pricing. A 2.0L TSI petrol engine is to be expected- likely producing 190PS and 320Nm. Key rivals here are the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Skoda brand director also hinted that the diesel engine could make a comeback through the new Kodiaq, but in very limited numbers- as CBUs.
Kushaq Facelift
Another possible launch is the new Kushaq facelift. Known to launch sometime next year, it will have more features like level 2 ADAS and notable design tweaks. It will likely come with updated front and rear bumpers, possibly revised headlights and taillights, and new alloy wheel designs to refresh its exterior. The feature list will see the addition of a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. Also, expect new trims and finishes inside the cabin.
The underpinnings will remain unchanged. It will have the same set of engines- 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI and transmissions. The platform and its degree of localisation is also expected to remain the same. The facelifted Kushaq will face competition form the likes of VW Taigun, Hyundai Creta, KIA Seltos etc.
