Skoda is planning to launch a premium mid-size sedan in India by year-end to further challenge the Honda City which has led the segment for more than a decade.
The segment is hotting up following the recent introduction of the Volkswagen Vento [aka Polo sedan], Hyundai Verna and, soon, the Ford Fiesta.
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The Hindustan Times said Skoda’s car is being developed on the Vento platform and will offer petrol and diesel engines.
Thomas Kuehl, sales and marketing chief at Skoda Auto India, told the paper: “Our new entry-level limousine will offer the best value for money in the segment and we are looking at topping the category in sales and leaving everybody behind.
“In every premium segment where we are present, the Laura and Superb give better quality, design, driveability and equipment over competitors and our new car will do the same in its segment.”
The segment is considered the stepping stone to premium cars in India. Competition has become more fierce since since the launch of the Vento last year. The growing differential in the price of petrol and diesel and the City’s lack of a diesel option is being exploited by competitors.
Kuehl added the Skoda will be a brand new car, not a replacement for the Octavia, and that India will be one of the first markets to get the model following its launch at the Frankfurt show in September.
