Skoda plans to launch a new sedan in India

While Skoda has categorically ruled out replacing the Skoda Rapid, the new sedan will be priced higher than the Hyundai Verna or the Honda City.

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Skoda’s plans for a new exclusively Indian sedan will be unveiled later this year.

● The new sedan will be the second all-new Skoda vehicle to be unveiled this year.
● The car could hit the roads sometime early next year.
● The new Skoda sedan will be on the MQB A0 IN platform.

Skoda has confirmed that it will be launching a new sedan exclusively for the Indian market. The new sedan, probably named Skoda Slavia, will sit above the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. Simultaneously, Skoda has ruled out plans to replace the Skoda Rapid.

The New Skoda Sedan – What to expect

While Skoda has been testing out the new sedan in India for more than a year, it will not replace the Skoda Rapid. However, the Skoda Slavia could have the most extended wheelbase in its segment at 2651mm when launched. As a result, the length could be around 4480mm, longer than the Skoda Rapid that measures 4413mm. This new sedan will be the second Skoda vehicle developed on the MQB-A0-IN platform this year.

One can expect the new Skoda Slavia to come powered with two TSI turbo-petrol engines. The first option, a 115hp 1.0L 3-cylinder TSI petrol engine, will power the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission or torque converter automatic gearbox. Skoda also plans to introduce a larger 1.5L 4-cylinder TSI motor capable of producing 150hp power and 250Nm torque. This engine will feature a quick-shifting DCT automatic gearbox.

The New Skoda Contest – For designers

As a preparation for the world premiere of the Skoda Slavia, Skoda has invited Indian designers to participate and design camouflage for the new sedan. Indian designers can send in their entries by August 18, 2021. Skoda will select the top five designs from these presentations and announce them on August 23, 2021, and the final winner will be from these five shortlisted designers.

The judges for the contest include Oliver Stefani, Skoda Auto (Head of Design), Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of SAVWIPL, and Zac Hollis, the Brand Director of Skoda Auto India. Participants should be more than 18 years and can send in their entries online at www.camowithskoda.com.

The contest winner will get the chance to interact with Oliver Stefani in Prague. The upcoming new sedan will have the winning design as its camouflage and will be showcased throughout India. The runner-up contestant will get a design tablet, whereas the remaining three shortlisted designers will get Skoda gift bags.

Skoda Slavia – The Competition

The new Skoda sedan, Slavia, will compete with the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus.

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