5 More Skodas Launching Soon: Octavia RS To Kylaq Sportline
Skoda’s latest launch in the Indian market has been the facelifted Kushaq. Its best-seller, however, continues to be the Kylaq. The carmaker seems to be having a good time in the country and has plans to expand its footprint further in our market. It will bank on a handful of interesting product launches to achieve this. Here’s a closer look at those plans.
The Kylaq continues to be a hot-seller in India. Its compact size, smart packaging and powerful engine are all reasons for the widespread acceptance. Skoda now has plans to add a new Sportline variant to the Kylaq lineup. It will bring more sporty design elements to the vehicle.
The powertrain will remain the same- 1.0 TSI 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol producing 113hp and 178Nm. Two transmission options are offered on the sub-four metre SUV now- manual and six-speed torque converter automatic. On the Sportline, the latter is expected to be replaced with a new 8-speed automatic unit.
There are also reports of Skoda developing a CNG version of the Kylaq. It is unclear if this will have a dealer-level CNG kit or a factory-fitted unit. What we know is that it will be positioned toward the affordable end of the lineup.
The CNG version will see a dip in power and torque. It is likely to make around 100 hp in CNG mode. The fuel efficiency will be around 25 km/kg. The CNG version may also be around Rs 1 lakh dearer than corresponding petrol variants.
Another expected launch from the carmaker is the Slavia facelift. Spy sightings indicate that it will get noticeable changes to the front fascia and the rear. The car is likely to get a revised front end, refreshed rear, and new wheels.
Inside, the colour scheme is expected to be updated. Features like a larger touchscreen, bigger driver’s display (virtual cockpit), and possibly massage function for the rear seats could be added to the package. We have seen many of these changes on the facelifted Kushaq.
Even the facelift will be underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform and will come with the two familiar engine options- 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol and 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol. On the facelift, the smaller engine will come with a 6-speed manual and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5L engine, on the other hand, is likely to be offered with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission alone.
The Octavia RS is the sportier, faster version of the Octavia sedan. The carmaker launched the latest generation of this performance sedan here in October last year, as a CBU import limited to just 100 units. The second batch is expected to arrive on our shores during Diwali this year.
Based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, the Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. It makes 263hp and 370 Nm and the car can do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 6.4 seconds. In 2025, the RS had an ex-showroom price of Rs 49.99 lakh. It could see a slight upward revision this time.
Skoda will also launch the diesel-powered Kodiaq in India. This will also be a limited-number CBU import. The diesel Kodiaq will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged diesel engine making around 190hp and 360Nm. It will have All Wheel Drive (AWD) system as well.
Adding another feather to its performance crown, Skoda also plans to launch the Kodiaq RS in India sometime this year. It is the performance-oriented version of the SUV and comes with a 265hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. This powerplant can make 370Nm of peak torque. The Kodiaq RS will also have sportier design elements like a tasteful use of Black trims, RS-specific bumpers, and other enhancements.