Skoda Auto will bring the diesel-powered Superb back to India in the first half of 2027, marking the return of the brand's flagship sedan after a two-year hiatus. The previous, third-gen Superb had a brief second innings as an import, with a limited run of just 100 units. Skoda, however, hasn't given up on its flagship. In fact, the latest fourth-gen Superb, which debuted globally in late 2023, was shown to the Indian public at the Bharat Mobility Show in January 2025, and Skoda had indicated at the time that it would bring the sedan to India.
- Superb expected to return with a 2.0-litre diesel engine
- Marks the return of diesel to a VW group brand since 2020
- Could benefit from India-EU FTA set to take effect next year
The flagship sedan is expected to be imported as a completely built-up unit (CBU) and positioned at the top of Skoda's Indian range.
Skoda Superb to return with a diesel
Significantly, the Superb will mark the return of diesel to Skoda's India portfolio and is expected to use VW Group's 2.0-litre TDI engine. The carmaker discontinued diesel ahead of the transition to BS6 emission norms in 2020 and currently sells only petrol-powered models in the country.
The diesel engine could well be the Superb's main selling point, as there is no premium diesel sedan on sale in India today. There is still a small but steady demand for diesel, and that's exactly what Skoda cleverly wants to tap into. The model is expected to remain a low-volume import, with its role focused on strengthening the brand and the sedan legacy of Skoda.
Flagship appeal, halo effect
The Superb has played an important part in establishing Skoda's premium image over its 25 years in India. Its return would give existing customers an upgrade path within the brand and add a large sedan option in a portfolio dominated by SUVs. It would also allow dealers to address a wider price band and reach customers from rival brands. If priced right, the Superb could be an alternative to the Toyota Camry, the only other sedan in the premium segment.
As a CBU, the Superb will attracts steep customs duties, and local assembly isn't an option either, as the Bratislava plant that builds the sedan has no facility to produce CKD kits for export markets. The timing, however, is just right. With the EU-India free trade agreement set to take effect from next year, a sharp reduction in customs duties could see the Superb diesel priced far more attractively than before. For now, though, expect the fully loaded variant to come in at around Rs 55 lakh-60 lakh.
With inputs from Ketan Thakkar