Skoda plans green Fabia

NEW DELHI: Czech carmaker Skoda will introduce an all-new low-price "successor" to its Octavia sedan in the Indian market that would be priced below Rs 10 lakh and roll out its low-emission environment-friendly 'greenline' Fabia range, currently being sold in major European markets.
The company, a part of the Volkswagen group, has been making efforts to increase its share in India and wants to position its cars as a "lifestyle" brand, Thomas Kuehl, director at Skoda India, said.
Skoda made an entry into India in 2001, though restricting its run to luxury sedans like Octavia and Laura. However, it made a plunge into the hatchback segment early this year with Fabia.
Skoda sold 14,187 units in the last fiscal against domestic industry's volume of 12.03 lakh units. Kuehl said the new products would not be introduced in the volume segment, but would be loaded with style quotient. "We want to create products that are more niche."
Skoda also plans to get in the 'greenline' range, that sport engines which are less taxing on the environment but give higher fuel efficiency. The first greenline to be assembled in India could be on the Fabia, Kuehl said.
The Octavia successor, that will be out in one to three years, could sport the 1400cc petrol TSI and 1400cc TDI diesel engines. Currently, the luxury sedan comes strapped with a 1800cc petrol and 1900 diesel engine, and its on-road price is Rs 11.19 lakh (for petrol) and Rs 12.05-14.55 lakh (for diesel variants).
Skoda, that is eyeing sale of 20000 units in India this year, is also developing an all-new small car. "This would be out in three to five years and would be positioned below the Fabia, or in the Rs 3-5 lakh range," Kuehl said.
The company is also looking at launching its multi-purpose vehicle Roomster, apart from an estate version of the Fabia called Combi. Also in the pipeline is its SUV Yeti and the Octavia Scout (lifestyle, all-terrain version).