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.”
Skoda’s CNG plans in India
Skoda’s powertrain diversification plan is an attempt to stay relevant in India
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.
The Skoda Kylaq is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, which it shares with the larger Slavia and Kushaq. The engine produces 115hp and 172Nm and is available with both manual and automatic transmission options.
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. So I have to make sure that I get the right product, right solution, at the right value proposition, at the right time.”
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.