Skoda Octavia, Superb discontinued in India: Pulled off from official website

The Czech automotive giant Skoda’s Indian subsidiary, Skoda Auto India, recently pulled the plug on its top-of-the-line sedan, the Superb, in India. The company has discontinued this model in the country due to the lack of sales and noncompliance with new RDE regulations. The discontinuation is confirmed, as Skoda Auto India has officially removed the Superb from its official India website. However, according to reports, it might not be the end of the model in the country yet. It is believed that the company could relaunch the model in the future, following all the emission norms and with new design and feature upgrades.

The Skoda Superb held a significant place in Skoda’s history and the Indian auto lineup. The Superb was introduced as the brand’s flagship sedan, showcasing Skoda’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and performance. It was first introduced in 2001 and since then has become one of Skoda’s most successful models worldwide. In India, the Skoda Superb made its debut in 2004 and quickly gained popularity among luxury car enthusiasts. Its elegant design, spacious interiors, and advanced features made it stand out in its segment. The Superb offered a perfect blend of style, performance, and affordability, making it a preferred choice for discerning Indian customers.

Over the years, the Skoda Superb received several updates and enhancements to meet the evolving needs and preferences of Indian consumers. It underwent design revisions, incorporating Skoda’s signature design elements such as the bold grille, sleek headlights, and sharp body lines. The interior received premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and innovative comfort features, providing a truly luxurious driving experience.

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The Superb also offered a range of powerful engines, including petrol and diesel options, ensuring dynamic and efficient performance on Indian roads. Additionally, it boasted advanced safety features, further enhancing its appeal to safety-conscious buyers. Overall, the Skoda Superb played a vital role in Skoda’s success in the Indian auto market during its lifetime. Its blend of luxury, performance, and value for money made it a popular choice among Indian consumers looking for a premium sedan.

For those unaware, just a few months ago in April, the company silently discontinued the Octavia from its lineup as well. The company officially delisted the Octavia from its website too. The reason for the discontinuation of the Octavia was also the updated BS6 phase 2 emission norms.

The Skoda Octavia was available with only a petrol engine in the country. The engine offered with the premium sedan was not compliant with the updated emission norms as mentioned. The Octavia used an EA888 evo3 DQ381-7F drivetrain, which was not compliant with the new emission norms. Updating the evo3 drivetrain to evo4 meant more investment, and Skoda did not see this as a financially viable option. Hence, Skoda discontinued this popular sedan in the country, and the same has happened with the Skoda Superb as well.

As mentioned, the main reason for the discontinuation of these models is the new BS VI phase RDE (Real Driving Emission) norm, which refers to the emission standards for vehicles set by the Indian government. Under these norms, vehicles need to comply with stricter limits for pollutant emissions during real-world driving conditions. Unlike laboratory tests, RDE measurements are conducted on the road, ensuring that vehicles meet emission standards in real-world scenarios. The introduction of BS VI phase RDE norms aims to address the gap between laboratory emission tests and actual emissions on the road, promoting cleaner and more environmentally friendly vehicles in India. These norms contribute to reducing air pollution and improving air quality in the country.

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