Volkswagen and Skoda are preparing to breathe fresh life into the sedan segment. As many as four launches are expected from the duo in the near future, spanning segments and price points. From affordable models like the Slavia and Virtus to high-end and performance-centric models like the Superb and Octavia RS- there is a handful to expect. Here is a closer look.
The facelifted Skoda Slavia has already been unveiled in India. It gets notable styling changes, meaningful feature additions and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Pre-bookings are now open and the price announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
It will come in six variants (including the Monte Carlo) and in 10 colour options. The facelift comes with a familiar silhouette. The base variant gets 15-inch wheels while the higher ones come with 16-inch units. Talking of the changes, the facelift gets a redesigned grille, revised LED DRLs, updated LED tail lamps and more. The overall design has evolved into something sharper and more appealing.
Inside, the basic dashboard layout has been retained. However, the facelift gets features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an AI assistant, a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and a massage function for the rear seats.
The engine lineup remains familiar- 1.0-litre TSI making 115PS and 178Nm, and 1.5-litre TSI producing 150 PS and 250Nm. The smaller engine is available with a six-speed manual and a new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre engine is only available with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Another expected launch in the near future is the second batch of Octavia RS. The company has already started accepting pre-bookings for the performance sedan. The first batch received overwhelming acceptance in India and were sold out quickly. The second batch will be limited to 50 units.
There will be no change in the powertrains. It will also be powered by the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 265 PS and 370 Nm. It will be paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The car will have a front wheel drive (FWD) configuration. Performance remains the biggest strength of the Octavia RS. It does the 0-100kph sprint in just 6.4 seconds and has a claimed top-speed of 250 kph.
Skoda is bringing back diesel models to India, and the Superb will be one of the first diesel-powered models to make a return. It will be the fourth-generation Superb that will be brought to India.
The sedan, manufactured at the Volkswagen Group factory in Bratislava, will be brought as Completely Built Unit (CBU) imports, in limited numbers. The company will likely capitalise on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to price it effectively in India. Under the treaty, the import duty will be heavily reduced. At present, a Superb CBU would face 110% duty. This will decline dramatically under the FTA.
The diesel-powered Superb will use Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine. It will make around 193 PS and 400 Nm and come with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and all wheel drive (AWD) system. Being Skoda’s flagship sedan, the diesel powered Superb will have a modern, tech-heavy cabin. However, our sources have indicated that the laurin and klement (L&K) will be brought to our shores, omitting some of its features.
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The final one in this list comes from Volkswagen. The Virtus is currently a hot-seller in its segment. It will soon get a facelift, just like the Slavia. The updated sedan is expected to receive styling changes, more features and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. On the outside, the facelift will get a redesigned grille, revised LED headlamps and DRLs, new wheels and slightly tweaked bumpers. The silhouette will likely remain identical to the outgoing model.
The engines will remain the same- 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol and 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol. The smaller one will come with two gearbox options- 6-speed manual transmission and a new, 8-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful, 1.5L powertrain is expected to only come with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.