Skoda is planning to expand its product portfolio in India, including the possible introduction of a CNG powertrain with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine powering the Kylaq, Slavia and Kushaq. Speaking about the plans, Skoda India brand director Ashish Gupta told our sister publication Autocar Professional, “The 1.0-litre engine and the MQB A0-IN platform are common across the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia. So, all three products are open.”
- Middle East crisis, ethanol blending have resulted in a drop in petrol share
- CNG plans being evaluated to stay relevant in the Indian market
- Skoda trying to retain its performance character even with turbo-petrol CNG
Skoda’s CNG plans in India
Skoda is assessing how to retain its performance edge with turbo-petrol CNG
Talking about the CNG plans, Gupta further said, “The Middle East crisis and policy noise on ethanol blending have affected consumer sentiment on petrol, resulting in a drop in market share. To stay relevant, we have to diversify.” “The Kylaq segment is the priority where we are trying to tackle CNG,” he added.
For the potential CNG version, Skoda is evaluating how to balance fuel efficiency with the performance expected from its models. Gupta said, “Compared to petrol, a 10-15 percent drop in performance with CNG is acceptable to customers.” For context, Skoda’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine produces 115hp and 178Nm and is available with either a manual or an automatic transmission. This engine is shared between the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia.
Gupta believes CNG cars could find buyers even at a higher price point
Gupta also believes there is scope for CNG-powered cars at relatively higher price points, beyond the traditionally budget-focused segment. “There is a potential for the right car at the right price point. Even premium customers who are okay with buying a CNG car purely for the economic benefits they derive,” he said.
Currently, the Kylaq’s price ranges from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh, the Kushaq’s price ranges from Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh, while the Slavia facelift’s prices are yet to be revealed. It will be interesting to see whether the potential CNG option increases the price range of the Skoda cars or not.
In the Kylaq's compact SUV segment, rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite offer a CNG option. Interestingly, the Nexon is the only compact SUV to offer a CNG-powered turbo-petrol engine. In the Kushaq’s midsize SUV segment, the Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder offer CNG options. But in the Slavia’s midsize sedan segment, no car is available with CNG.
With inputs from Ketan Thakkar
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
