Bad news for Skoda fans in India. As per the latest reports, the Czech carmaker is planning to axe the Superb and Octavia from its stable. Further, the reports claim that Skoda will stop the production of these D-segment sedans by February 2023 and then sales ceasing by March 2023.
Phase 2 Of BS6 Emission Regulations
The upcoming Phase 2 of BS6 emission regulations will require carmakers to achieve emission targets in real-world conditions (RDE – Real Driving Emissions). Phase 2 will come into effect from April 1, 2023. The current EA888 evo3 DQ381-7F drivetrain that drives the Superb and Octavia is near the boundary line of the emission requirements. And to achieve the Phase 2 regulation norm demands an evo4 engine to replace the current drivetrain.
Road Ahead For Skoda And VW
Skoda will have to do this only for the Indian market. This, swapping evo3 with the evo4 for a single market will pump up the cost significantly. The other option on the table was to use the Russian market’s EA888 evo4 DQ381-7A drivetrain (where ‘A’ stands for AWD). But given the characteristics of an AWD of being poor in the fuel efficiency department, Skoda chose not to opt for this route. With the increase in ownership cost, the sales of these sedans will go further down. Thus, it does not really make sense to upgrade.
Tiguan And Kodiaq To Continue
As evident, the upgrade to the evo4 AWD doesn’t make sense for the Superb and Octavia. But interestingly, the Kodiaq and Tiguan will get the EA888 evo4 DQ381-7A drivetrain developed by Audi AG from February onwards. Both the SUV titles are selling in good numbers. Yet again, we see the prevalence of SUVs over sedans.
Furthermore, with the axing of the Superb and Octavia, Skoda and VW India’s product portfolio will only have 3 models each from April 1, 2023. This is because the Kodiaq and Tiguan will continue as halo products.
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