Skoda Octavia replacement based on Volkswagen Vento?
2011 Skoda Octavia
Skoda is Volkswagen’s subsidiary and the whole world knows that. What most folks don’t know is that the Skoda Laura and Superb share plenty of components with Volkswagen cars ranging from DSG gearboxes to Volkswagen TSI engines. After the tank like Skoda Octavia was finally discontinued in India, it left Skoda India with a gaping hole in it’s product portfolio. Read more
2012 Skoda Fabia Sedan: Octavia Replacement?
Skoda Octavia
When Skoda set shop in India ten years ago in 2001, their ex-managing director, Imran Hassen operated from a hotel room in Aurangabad. Such was the small size of the initial operations, which started with the Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI and dealerships too were few and far in between. Read more
Skoda Fabia vRS: Possible launch at Auto Expo 2010
Skoda Fabia vRS
Just yesterday, we just brought you a scoop about Fiat Bravo making it to India shortly. Now we have a Skoda Fabia vRS that could drive into desi shores. Skoda Fabia is one upmarket hatchback that oozes plenty of class, but it just hasn’t been able to get the cash registers ringing for Skoda. Though the Fabia has been a contemporary drive so far, it’s engine options have left it wanting. So, now Skoda India is contemplating positioning it as a hot hatch and could pull off a surprise by launching a vRS version of the Skoda Fabia. And, this could happen as early as the Auto Expo 2010. So, let’s hope that Skoda India does pull off this very welcome surprise.
Under the bonnet, the Skoda Fabia vRS will probably feature the 1.9TDi powerplant from the Octavia. To be honest, this engine is pretty low tech to say the least. But once inside the light Fabia, it will be blisteringly quick, well relatively speaking of course. Expect a nought to hundred in less than ten seconds and a top speed close to 200 Ks. Fuel efficiency too shouldn’t be too bad considering the fact that it is a diesel. That said, Skoda needs to quickly pull up it’s socks in the after sales department if it is serious about gaining major ground in the Indian car market. Car enthusiasts in the market for a hot hatch are advised to hold on to their monies for the time being.
