Skoda Auto India is gearing up to reintroduce diesel powertrains to its lineup in 2025. Five premium models, including the Superb, Octavia RS, and Kodiaq, are planned for India via the completely built unit (CBU) route. The move marks a shift in strategy as the Czech carmaker explores demand from enthusiasts and responds to a growing global resurgence in cleaner diesel offerings.
“We already have in-principal clearance for the Kodiaq, Superb, and Octavia diesel variants. In a recent interaction, the cars are ready for India,” confirmed Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India. The company plans to open bookings by the second half of May, with initial deliveries expected soon after. However, timelines remain fluid as logistics and customs duty considerations are finalised.
Skoda is working on a “unique retail model” where bookings will be opened quarterly, and vehicles will be imported based on confirmed demand. “It makes no sense to bring 100 Superbs and leave them standing. We’ll take bookings and bring them in batches — likely several tens of cars, depending on the duty situation,” Janeba explained.
As part of its India strategy, it has expanded its premium portfolio with the launch of the all-new generation Kodiaq, a luxury 4x4 SUV priced from Rs 46.8 lakh (ex-showroom). For Janeba, the second-generation Kodiaq underscores Skoda’s ambition to strengthen its foothold in the premium segment. “The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb,” said Janeba, Brand Director, adding that the launch highlights the brand’s focus on luxury, technology, and driving versatility.
Demonstration vehicles for test drives, including the Octavia RS and Superb diesel, are already available in India, with the Kodiaq diesel expected shortly.
The five models planned for CBU introduction include the Kodiaq diesel, Superb diesel, Octavia diesel, Octavia RS, and Kodiaq RS, with total annual volumes likely to remain niche. “We're talking about several hundred cars a year, potentially going up to 1,000 depending on how the customs duty story evolves,” Janeba added.
The final import volumes and pace of rollouts will be directly linked to any change in India’s import duty structure, which is currently under scrutiny. The government’s new EV policy, global tariff discussions — especially with the US and European Union — and local lobbying from automakers may all impact Skoda’s CBU roadmap.
Janeba acknowledged that the Octavia RS could face ground clearance challenges in India’s driving conditions. “At 129 mm, it’s tough. You can’t enjoy an RS by raising the height. Some cars are just too low,” he said, adding that these cars are ultimately intended for enthusiasts.
While the company remains bullish about long-term localisation, the CBU program provides a platform to test the waters with niche performance and diesel products before committing to broader-scale investments. “We're watching the policy environment closely. Something is bound to change, and we want to be ready,” Janeba concluded.