Skoda has announced details of its upcoming new launches – the Octavia RS, Rapid Monte Carlo and Kodiaq – for the Indian market. All three models are slated to come to India this year.
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda’s all-new Kodiaq is a three-row SUV that is based on the Superb's underpinnings. With a length of 4,697mm, width of 1,882mm and wheelbase of 2,700m, it’s relatively compact, and that’s something Skoda is proud of because that would make the SUV easy to live with. It gets 190mm of ground clearance and can wade through 300mm of water; these aren't true off-roader credentials, but it will suffice for most buyers. The Kodiaq gets 2,005 litres of boot space with the second and the third row folded. Powering the SUV will be a 2.0-litre engine good for 150hp. The Kodiaq for India will come with full LED head- and tail-lamps, a four-camera setup for an aerial view or a 180-degree view of the car, and an infotainment system with Skoda Connect, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kodiaq SUV will hit showrooms later this year.
Skoda Octavia RS
Buyers looking for a hotter version of the Octavia won't have to wait much longer as Skoda will launch the Octavia RS next month. The India-spec Octavia RS will be offered with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol motor churning out 230hp mated to a six-speed DSG.
As far as equipment goes, the Skoda Octavia RS for India will get more aggressive body kit, blacked-out trim bits and larger alloy wheels to make it look different from the regular Octavia. An updated suspension setup will also be part of the package. Additional equipment includes LED headlamps, tail-lamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights steel exhaust tips and a tailgate spoiler. Infotainment duties will be carried out by a 9.2-inch touchscreen system replete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Safety features will include nine airbags, ESP and a park-assist system.
Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo
The India-spec Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo is set to hit showrooms next month. Skoda will begin accepting bookings of the car sometime next week with deliveries to commence in September.
Though based on the Indian Rapid, the sedan will borrow bits from the international Monte Carlo. This means it will get a red exterior shade, an all-black interior, grille and wing mirrors, along with 16-inch alloy wheels and a tailgate spoiler, also in black.
On the inside, the India-spec Rapid Monte Carlo will get unique aluminium scuff plates, faux-carbonfibre trim on the dashboard, a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, mobile holder, unique floor mats and upholstery with red stitching on the gear knob and aluminium sport pedals.
Mechanically, the Rapid is expected to remain the same and continue with the 110hp, 1.5-litre unit that made its debut on the Ameo. It will also get the 1.6-litre petrol motor. Both engines will be paired with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of an automatic gearbox. The petrol Rapid will also get an old-school six-speed torque converter automatic, while the diesel will make use of the high-tech seven-speed DSG unit. The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo for India will cost around Rs 30,000 more than the standard top-spec trim.
In addition to the three launches, Skoda, in a bid to make its aftersales and service process more transparent, has announced new service initiatives that can be used by customers via the new MySkoda app.
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