Considering demand for the same, Skoda is preparing to bring back diesel cars to India. The carmaker’s portfolio here has remained petrol-only since 2020. Before that, the brand used to sell several diesel products, most of which were in good acceptance. Fast forward to the present day, and two diesel-powered products- Superb and Kodiaq, are being readied for India. Here is everything we know about these plans.
Skoda Kodiaq Diesel Coming In 2027
The Kodiaq SUV is now available only with a petrol engine. Even the limited-number, performance-oriented Kodiaq RS came with a petrol engine. Our sources tell us that this is set to change soon. The carmaker will launch diesel-powered Kodiaq in India in 2027. The strong presence of diesel-powered rivals in the premium SUV segment has reportedly influenced this decision. The Kodiaq competes with models like the Majestor and Fortuner, which offer strong diesel engines.
Skoda will bring the diesel-powered Kodiaq in limited numbers as Completely Built Unit (CBU) imports, like the RS version launched earlier this year.
The diesel-powered Kodiaq is expected to retain the basic design and packaging of the current-generation SUV. Minor changes to the bumpers could differentiate the diesel version, while the rear is expected to retain the C-shaped connected LED tail-lamp cluster.
Inside, the diesel-powered Kodiaq will continue to feature a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-inch digital driver’s display along with a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charger, and more. Additionally, the regular Kodiaq’s signature features like the door-mounted umbrella, reversible boot mat, touchscreen cleaner, parking ticket clip etc will be retained on the diesel version as well.
The SUV will be powered by Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. It will produce around 193 hp and 400 Nm, and will be paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. It will also come with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The combination of a high-torque diesel engine, quick-shifting DSG transmission and AWD could make the diesel Kodiaq attractive for premium SUV buyers, especially those who travel long distances. The Kodiaq is already famous for its sharp driving dynamics. The same is likely to be kept safe on the diesel version.
Skoda Superb Diesel To Return In 2027
The other diesel model expected from Skoda next year is the Superb. The carmaker had previously showcased the diesel-powered Superb at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The market launch is expected to happen in the first half of 2027 and like the Kodiaq, this will also be a limited-number CBU import. It will also mark the Superb’s glorious comeback after a two-year absence.
The fourth-generation Superb that made its global debut in 2023 will be brought to India. When launched, it will sit at the absolute top of the company’s sedan lineup here. The diesel-powered Superb will also use the 2.0L TDI engine, capable of producing 193 hp and 400 Nm. This could become the car’s biggest selling point as there are very few premium diesel sedans left in India.
Image source: Team BHP
Previously, a Superb with ‘4×4’ badging was seen on Indian roads, indicating the possibility of AWD being offered on the diesel sedan. The Superb is the model that played a key role in shaping Skoda’s premium image in India, and its return is indeed an important moment.
The sedan will have a modern, feature-rich cabin. Expect the likes of ventilated front seats with massage functions, a large touchscreen, digital driver’s display, Matrix LED headlamps, connected car features and ADAS. Being a liftback, it will also offer a boot space of up to 645 litres.
When launched here, the Superb diesel will compete primarily with the Toyota Camry. Interestingly, the Camry is only available with a (hybrid) petrol engine here. The CBU nature of the Superb, however, could turn out to be a challenge.The Camry is a CKD product, assembled at Toyota’s Bidadi plant. For Skoda, however, choosing the CKD route seems difficult. This is because its Bratislava facility does not have the capability to produce CKD kits for export.
The India-EU free trade agreement could, however, improve the business case for importing the Superb. It could bring about a substantial reduction in import duties. If so, the carmaker would be able to price the sedan competitively. Speculations point to the diesel-powered Superb sitting around the Rs 55-60 lakh price range.