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Which variant of the Skoda Kylaq should you buy?

Posted on August 21, 2026August 21, 2026 by admin

Skoda Kylaq variants and features explained

The Kylaq, Skoda’s most affordable offering in India, was introduced in 2024 and marked the brand’s return to the sub-4m space after years. Currently, the Kylaq is Skoda’s best-selling model in our market and has sold over 50,000 units since its launch as of February 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the powertrain options, comfort and convenience features, safety kit and exterior colours available on each trim of the Skoda SUV.

Skoda Kylaq variant-wise price and powertrain options

The base Classic trim misses out on an automatic transmission option

Skoda Kylaq ex-showroom price as of August 21, 2026 (Rs lakh)
Trim	MT	AT
Classic	7.59	–
Classic+	8.25	9.25
Signature	9.43	10.43
Signature+	10.77	11.77
Sportline	11.32	12.32
Prestige	11.75	12.75
Prestige+	11.99	12.99

The Skoda Kylaq has an ex-showroom price ranging from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh. Except for the base Classic trim, the remaining trim levels offer both manual and automatic gearboxes. Powering the Kylaq is a 115hp, 178Nm, 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that also does duty in the Kushaq and the Slavia. Transmission duties are handled by either a -speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Notably, in Classic+ guise, the Kylaq is the most accessible car with a torque converter gearbox.

Skoda claims a top speed of 188kph and that the manual version is capable of a 0-100kph sprint in 10.5 seconds. In our Kylaq real-world performance tests, the automatic version achieved a 0-100kph time of 11.69 seconds. Skoda also claims an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 19.68kpl for the manual and 19.05kpl for the automatic; our Kylaq real-world mileage tests saw the manual average 12.86kpl, while the automatic went 11.03km on a litre of petrol.

Skoda Kylaq variant-wise colour options

Offered in seven colours on the outside, two on the inside

The compact SUV is offered in seven colours, namely, Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Cherry Red, Carbon Steel, Deep Black, Lava Blue, and Steel Grey. While all trims come in a monotone finish, select paint jobs on the Sportline come with a black roof. Additionally, the Sportline trim exclusively gets the Steel Grey colour option. The interior of the Skoda Kylaq gets a black and grey colour scheme as standard, but the Sportline has an all-black theme. Here’s a table comprising the available exterior colours on the Skoda Kylaq depending on the trim level chosen:

Colour	Classic	Classic+	Signature	Signature+	Sportline	Prestige	Prestige+
Candy White	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Dual-tone	Yes	Yes
Brilliant Silver	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Dual-tone	Yes	Yes
Cherry Red	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Dual-tone	Yes	Yes
Carbon Steel	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	Yes	Yes
Deep Black	–	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lava Blue	–	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Steel Grey	–	–	–	–	Dual-tone	–	–

Skoda Kylaq standard safety kit

Gets six airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control and more.

As standard, the Skoda Kylaq comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, brake disc wiping, roll-over protection, central locking, rear parking sensor, and ISOFIX mounts.

Skoda Kylaq variant-wise features

Skoda Kylaq Classic: Rs 7.59 lakh

Gearbox option – 6MT

Skoda Kylaq Classic trim

LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs)
LED tail-lights
16-inch steel wheels with covers
15-inch spare wheel
Roof rails
Roof-mounted spoiler
Dual-tone dashboard
Manual day/night interior rearview mirror (IRVM)
Driver seat height adjust
Adjustable headrests for all passengers
Auto engine start-stop
Tilt and telescopic steering adjust
Powered wing mirrors
All power windows
Auto AC
Rear defogger
Analogue dials with a digital MID
Front centre armrest
12V charging socket (front)
Fabric seats
Analogue dials with 3.5-inch MID
2 tweeters
Front LED cabin lamps

Skoda Kylaq Classic+ – Rs 8.25 lakh-9.25 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Features over Classic

Single-pane sunroof
Cruise control
4 speakers
Auto-dimming IRVM
Front and rear LED cabin lamps
Steering-mounted controls
Leatherette-wrapped gear lever (AT only)
Rear LED cabin lamps
One-touch up/down for driver-side window

Skoda Kylaq Signature – Rs 9.43 lakh-10.43 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Skoda Kylaq Signature trim

Features over Classic+

16-inch silver alloy wheels
Black tailgate strip between the tail-lights
Tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Paddle shifters (AT only)
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
2x USB Type-C ports (rear)
Auto-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs)
Rear wiper and washer
Chrome garnish on AC vents and door handles
Rear AC vents
Sliding front centre armrest with storage space
Cooled glove box
Driver-side window one-touch up/down
Rain-sensing wipers (front)

Skoda Kylaq Signature+ – Rs 10.77 lakh-11.77 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Skoda Kylaq Signature+ trim

Features over Signature

Shark-fin antenna
Chrome strip on outside door handles
Auto-folding ORVMs
Hill-hold assist
Rear parking camera with static guidelines
Auto headlights with follow-me-home function
Keyless entry and go
10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
8-inch digital instrument cluster
Dash inserts
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
USB Type-C ports (front)
60:40 split-folding rear seats
Rear centre armrest with cup holders
Rear parcel tray
In-car connectivity suite

Skoda Kylaq Sportline – Rs 11.32 lakh to Rs 12.32 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Features over Signature+

Skoda Kylaq Sportline trim

Black 17-inch alloy wheels
Rear spoiler with finlets
Black ORVMs and branding
Sportline badge on tailgate
Leatherette front armrest and door pads
White ambient lighting
Aluminium pedals
Leatherette seat upholstery with Sportline inscription
LED projector headlamps
LED fog lamps with cornering function
Wireless phone charger

Skoda Kylaq Prestige – Rs 11.75 lakh-12.75 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Skoda Kylaq Prestige trim

Features over Signature+

Dual-tone 17-inch alloys
LED projector headlights
LED rear turn indicator and reverse lamp
Front LED fog lamps with static bending function
White ambient lighting
Leatherette upholstery on seats, front armrest and doors
Chrome parking brake tip
Ventilated front seats
Wireless phone charger
Anti-theft alarm

Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ – Rs 11.99 lakh-12.99 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Feature over Prestige

6-way powered front seats

Which Skoda Kylaq variant should you consider?

The mid-spec Signature+ trim offers good value for money

Starting at Rs 10.77 lakh, the mid-spec Signature+ trim offers dual digital screens, a single-pane sunroof, a rear parking camera with sensors, auto AC with rear vents, all-LED lighting and 16-inch silver alloy wheels, making it a value-for-money offering. While you do miss out on features such as a wireless phone charger and powered and ventilated front seats, the premium you have to pay for these is not justifiable. Moreover, this trim is available with both manual and automatic gearbox options.

However, if you are on a budget, you can consider the lower Signature trim, which offers a smaller touchscreen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear wiper and washer, rear AC vents and a sunroof. This trim also comes in both manual and automatic variants, and priced at Rs 9.43 lakh and Rs 10.43 lakh, respectively, they still offer a lot of value.

Although the Classic+ trim is also well-equipped for its price, the lack of an infotainment system makes recommending it a bit more challenging. However, the 7-inch OEM infotainment system with wired smartphone connectivity, offered with the higher Signature trim, is available in the online classifieds marketplace under Rs 10,000. If you are open to retrofitting it at your authorised dealership, the Classic+ trim becomes the most value-for-money option on a strict budget.

Prices are ex-showroom, India.

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Sedan continues to be the quintessential car, says Skoda India brand director

Posted on August 21, 2026August 21, 2026 by admin

Skoda Slavia, Superb and Octavia revealed

While it sells multiple SUV models, Skoda is the only mass-market automaker that has also remained steadfastly committed to the sedan body type. The Czech brand recently introduced three sedans all at the same event – something of a rarity in an otherwise SUV-dominated market. Skoda’s latest entrants in India include the Slavia facelift, the Superb diesel and the Octavia RS. While admitting to the market’s preference for SUVs over the last decade or so, Ashish Gupta, brand director at Skoda Auto India, also said, “If you look at it, sedans continue to be the quintessential car.”

Gupta says the charm of sedans hasn’t gone away
He cites a lack of focus in the segment by manufacturers
SUV saturation expected to work in favour of sedans

The Czech automaker thinks sedans are here to stay

Gupta believes the sedan body type will continue to make sense for the brand

The Superb nameplate arrived 90 years ago, with the line-up eventually including models such as the Octavia, Rapid and Slavia. “It’s been a long legacy of sedans for Skoda, with the sedan body style defining our brand not only globally but also in India,” said Gupta. The Slavia has been a successful model for the Czech brand in India. “The premium sedan segment in India right now is at around 4,000 to 4,500 units per month, with the Slavia making up nearly 30 percent of all sales in the segment. We are the torchbearers of that segment, and the Slavia facelift will have its role in the company’s India portfolio while also appealing to a wider customer set,” he added.

Skoda Slavia facelift front — The Slavia occupies the mass-market sedan segment in India.

According to Gupta, the Slavia offers buyers a blend of performance and understated elegance. “There are good reasons the charm of a sedan hasn’t gone away. There’s the superior driving dynamics and pure elegance that sedans exude. One would love to arrive at an event in a sedan, or go for a fun drive during the weekend. So I think sedans will continue to have their fans and people who would still want to own one.”

However, the brand director isn’t expecting the segment to make a strong comeback in the near future. “I think the sedan segment will continue to remain a smaller part of the market – that much is very clear,” he remarked while citing the current trend in the industry. “Most of the new product launches and introductions are happening in the SUV segment and other body styles.” He thinks the growth potential is primarily hindered by automakers ignoring sedans and instead doubling down on SUVs. “We, as manufacturers, should take the responsibility for this, as we have not focused on the sedan segment.”

Gupta was quick to point out that Skoda is one of the few automakers worldwide that maintains a focus on the sedan space as well. “Perhaps we are among the few brands who still have a large sedan portfolio, which continues to do well.”

SUV saturation to help revive the sedan

Gupta expects the market to eventually reach a saturation point when it comes to SUVs

According to Gupta, the market will eventually grow tired of the SUV body type, making the case for sedans even stronger. He added that first-time buyers have been contributing to the sales numbers of sedans, while more demand is expected to come from families who want to own more than one car. “Sooner or later, families wanting to have multiple cars would like to have differentiated kind of cars. So that is an opportunity for the sedan and one which will continue to evolve in India as the market matures,” he explained.

Skoda sedans in India

The brand’s sedan line-up in India includes three models

2027 Skoda Superb diesel front — The Superb is targeted at buyers who prioritise luxury over outright performance.

The Slavia remains the entry point into Skoda’s sedan portfolio in India and is the Volkswagen Virtus’s chief rival. However, VW only has this one sedan in its entire India portfolio. Meanwhile, Skoda is also planning to introduce a CNG option for the Slavia, which could interest buyers seeking premium features and lower running costs. Joining the line-up in 2027 will be the Superb diesel in its top-spec Laurin & Klement (L&K) trim – this will be Skoda’s first new diesel car in India since abandoning the powertrain type in 2020. The Superb occupies a space beneath the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 5 Series in India.

Skoda Octavia RS front quarter — The sportier Octavia RS will continue to be for the enthusiast.

The Octavia RS is also returning to India, with deliveries expected around the upcoming festive season. It’ll once again arrive as a full import and will be limited to just 50 units this time. With the previous 100 units allocated for India reportedly selling out in 20 minutes, the second batch is likely to find takers just as easily. Gupta said customers who had shown genuine interest in the Octavia RS will be given early access. In all, Skoda will be able to cater to mass-market sedan buyers with the Slavia, premium sedan buyers with the Superb and driving enthusiasts with the Octavia RS.

Skoda and the upcoming India-EU FTA

Then there’s the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will have an impact on fully imported models such as the Superb. “The FTA has kind of given us a good choice between what makes better sense for us and for the market as well. The whole idea is to start deliveries towards Q2 of next year. We are hopeful that by that time, the contours of the FTA will be decided, and we will have clarity on what kind of duty structure to apply to our imported models,” said Gupta. The proposed reduction in import duties could make bringing in more batches from Skoda’s global portfolio to India easier, though Gupta expects currency fluctuations to have an impact on the final price.

Also read

Skoda opens bookings for second batch of Octavia RS

Skoda Superb diesel revealed in India ahead of 2027 launch

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Skoda Kylaq Sportline launched at Rs 11.32 lakh

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by admin

Skoda Kylaq Sportline launched at Rs 11.32 lakh

Skoda has launched the Kylaq Sportline in India with prices ranging from Rs 11.32 lakh to Rs 12.32 lakh (ex-showroom). The launch follows our June 2026 report about a sportier-looking Sportline variant joining the Kylaq range. The Kylaq Sportline is positioned between the mid-spec Signature+ trim and the higher-spec Prestige trim, and is offered with a few blacked-out exterior and interior elements for a sportier look.

Skoda Kylaq Sportline: What’s new?

Gets blacked-out elements outside, ‘Sportline’ badges and a new spoiler

Like the Sportline variants of the Kushaq and Slavia facelift, the Kylaq Sportline gets several blacked-out elements that give it a sportier appearance. These include the 17-inch alloy wheels, ORVMs, faux skid plates on both bumpers, and the roof. It also features a roof-mounted spoiler with vertical strips. The C-pillar and tailgate carry new ‘Sportline’ badges, while the Skoda wordmark between the taillights is finished in black for a more distinctive look.

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First India-made Skoda EV expected in 2028

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by admin

In a rapidly evolving and diversifying market like India, Skoda’s lineup has strictly been limited to just petrol models until now, with petrol itself shrinking and currently making up less than 50 percent of the overall market. The Czech carmaker is now finally looking to diversify, having announced an aggressive CNG plan, a return to diesel with the Superb and also EVs, but in limited batches of fully imported models. However, a locally made EV is still crucially missing from the lineup. Autocar India understands that this gap is expected to finally be addressed in 2028 with a locally produced EV.

India-made Skoda EV details

Having announced a fresh barrage of products, Skoda has now moved on to what it is internally referring to as the India 3.0 programme. The programme is expected to support a CNG-powered Kylaq in 2027 and two locally manufactured battery electric vehicles starting in 2028 – the first will be a 5-seater, followed by a 7-seater at a later stage.

“We know we have to do electric, so we are now thinking about what would be the best option for an electric car in India,” Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto board member for sales and marketing, told Autocar India on the sidelines of the updated Slavia’s launch.

While Jahn did not disclose specific details about the EVs, as we’ve reported previously, the EV programme is likely to use an adaptation of the Volkswagen Group’s China Main Platform, or CMP. The version being developed for India is referred to as the India Main Platform, or IMP, and will be tailored to local costs and market requirements.

The group intends to leverage an existing electric architecture while localising the platform, battery system and key components. A high level of localisation will be essential to price the models competitively in India’s mainstream EV market. Speaking to Autocar India, Skoda India brand director Ashish Gupta also acknowledges saying, “The volume EVs are going to come when there is localisation, and that is something which we are working on heavily.”

Where will the investment for the new EVs come from?

That’s the most important question, with new investment being key to designing, developing and engineering Skoda’s locally-made EVs. We understand the carmaker is close to finalising its next phase of investment in India. The company hasn’t officially disclosed the size or structure of the proposed investment, but sources say it could be around one billion euros.

Skoda is examining different ways to fund and execute the EV programme, including bringing in a strategic partner. As previously reported, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is in the final stages of discussions for an alliance with the JSW Group. The proposed structure is likely to give the Indian conglomerate a majority stake and bring in the much-needed capital for the EV programme.

The discussions have yet to reach a formal conclusion, and the final structure and scope of the proposed alliance are still to be announced. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is also examining other funding routes if the partnership does not materialise.

With inputs from Hormazd Sorabjee

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7 improvements Skoda Slavia facelift gets over its predecessor

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

7 improvements Skoda Slavia facelift gets over its predecessor

The Skoda Slavia has received its first facelift in India since its launch in 2021. The facelift has given it a slightly revamped exterior and interior design, while also introducing a new automatic gearbox and some comfort and convenience features. Here are all the improvements the new Skoda Slavia facelift offers.

New automatic transmission

The 1.0L TSI engine Slavia facelift is offered with a new 8-speed AT

The Skoda Slavia facelift continues with the 115hp, 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol and the 150hp, 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engines. However, the smaller engine is offered with a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission (AT) which replaces the predecessor’s 6-speed AT. The 1.0L TSI is also offered with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the larger 1.5L TSI engine gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) only.

Rear seat massager

Top-spec Slavia facelift gets a massager on the rear outboard seats

A massage function has been added to the rear outboard seats of the Slavia facelift, making it the only sedan in its segment to offer such a feature. It borrows this rear seat massager feature from the Skoda Kushaq, which is also the only midsize SUV in India with such a feature. On the Slavia facelift, Skoda will be offering this feature on the top-spec Prestige and Monte Carlo trims.

Larger digital driver’s display

It gets a larger 10.25-inch digital driver’s display with the facelift

With the facelift, Skoda is replacing the predecessor’s 8-inch digital driver’s display, which featured massive bezels around it, with a newer 10.25-inch unit. This screen, along with showing the digital feed of the speedometer and tachometer, will also offer turn-by-turn navigation. However, the 10.25-inch driver’s display will be offered only on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims, while the mid-spec Signature and Sportline will continue with the smaller 8-inch display, and the entry-spec Classic and Classic+ will sport analogue dials with a multi-information display (MID).

New 360-degree camera and front parking sensors

Skoda has yet to reveal which variants will be equipped with these new features

The Skoda Slavia facelift also gets a 360-degree camera and new front parking sensors in addition to the rear parking sensors, which are definitely expected to make navigating tight lanes and parking in tight spaces easier. However, Skoda has yet to reveal which variants these features will be offered in.

Improved AC performance

Skoda now uses a variable-geometry compressor to boost the AC performance

One of the major criticisms of the Slavia was the climate control performance, which the manufacturer claims to fix with the facelifted model. What Skoda has done is replace the previous model’s fixed-geometry AC compressor with a variable-geometry unit, thereby making the climate control more powerful than before.

Introduces a Google Cloud-based AI assistant

The AI assistant provides real-time information and enables hands-free controls

While the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the same as before, it gets a more modern user interface and gets an AI companion powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. Skoda says that the AI assistant is “developed to recognise Indian English accents” and “provides real-time access to information via voice commands and enables hands-free control of music, calls, climate settings and other functions.”

New exterior lighting elements

Lighting elements in the DRLs, fog lamps and taillights have been revamped

With the facelift, Skoda has made some design changes to the Slavia, including fresh lighting elements. At the front, the headlight housing is the same, but is offered with segmented LED DRLs. The front fog lamps have also been redesigned to have a pixel-like shape. Like the headlights, the taillight housing is the same as the older model, but it sports new LED elements that make it look sharper and more modern than before.

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2027 Hyundai Tucson image gallery

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

Hyundai has showcased the next-gen Tucson’s exterior and interior design. A full unveil with complete technical specifications is still sometime away. However, the 2027 Hyundai Tucson is larger and more feature-packed than the model it’ll replace once it goes on sale sometime later this year. It remains to be seen if Hyundai will bring this next-gen Tucson to India, with the outgoing model discontinued in 2025.

Also see

Skoda Slavia facelift image gallery

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler in pictures

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Skoda Slavia facelift Monte Carlo colours gallery

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

Skoda Slavia facelift Monte Carlo all colours

Along with the Slavia facelift, Skoda has also introduced its sportier-looking Monte Carlo versions. These versions sit at the top of Slavia’s trim lineup, beside Prestige and bring in several cosmetic upgrades. These include a gloss black finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, red accents on the grille, and Monte Carlo badges. The interior comes with an all-black theme with red accents and red stitching for the seats. Additionally, Monte Carlo versions exclusively get a dual-tone paint job with a black roof for certain colours. Paint choices for the Skoda Slavia facelift Monte Carlo include Lava Blue, Deep Black, Cherry Red, Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Steel Grey, Shimla Green and Cappuccino Beige.

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Skoda Slavia facelift colours gallery

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

Skoda India has debuted the Slavia facelift, which brings revisions to the soft parts, feature updates and a new automatic gearbox. Additionally, two new colours, namely Arctic White and Cappuccino Beige, have been added to the Slavia’s colour palette. Apart from the new options, the Slavia is offered in eight other colours that include Shimla Green, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Steel Grey, Lava Blue, Cherry Red, and Deep Black. The mid-size sedan can be had with either a 115hp, 178Nm, 1.0-litre direct-injection, turbo-petrol engine, or a 150hp, 250Nm 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol mill. The former is available with either a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, while the latter is exclusively paired with a 7-speed DCT. Prices of the Slavia facelift are awaited, while pre-bookings have already commenced.

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Skoda evaluating CNG with 1.0 TSI-powered Slavia, Kushaq, Kylaq

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

Skoda evaluating CNG with 1.0 TSI-powered Slavia, Kushaq, Kylaq

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.

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Skoda-VW close to finalising Indian partner this year: Klaus Zellmer

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

Skoda expects to finalise its search for an Indian partner this year, global CEO Klaus Zellmer said on the sidelines of the new Slavia’s launch in Mumbai on Tuesday. “We are in discussions. I’m deeply convinced that our momentum can be much stronger if we have a local partner with strong roots…But I’m confident that this year we are going to nail it,” he added.

This comes a few weeks after we exclusively reported that Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWPL), which oversees both VW and Skoda brands here, and the JSW Group are in the final stages of talks for a manufacturing joint venture. We also reported that the two companies are likely to sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding within the next two months. Zellmer’s latest comments are the clearest sign yet that Skoda expects the partnership talks to be wrapped up in 2026.