Skoda’s decision to stop Fabia comes in lure of the huge loss company has been witnessing over Fabia. Regular price cuts over the year on Fabia have forced company to cut its price almost by 40 percent of its original price in 2008. This price reduction has badly affected the margin on the vehicle. Fabia with very little local component was quite costly to produce and the problem was amplified with the declination of the value of Indian rupee by 36 percent since 2008, which uplifted the cost. According to the sources company was losing as much as about Rs. 1.5 lakh per car, which restricted the company from taking any aggressive marketing strategy for Fabia. Fabia was sold only 3,343 units in the fiscal year 2012-13. Last month Skoda sold only 115 units. Earlier this year Honda too refrain Jazz from production as it was becoming too costly to produce and the sales were not adequate.

Skoda is likely to re-launch Fabia before the end of 2015 but company has not made it clear if the new vehicle will be the modified version of the existing one or it will be an all new Fabia that is also due for an international launch for next year. However, in lure of the low demand of the Fabia in Indian market all the plans for re-launching of Fabia in Indian market has been put on hold for sometime.

The decision to discontinue the loss recurring Fabia will now help Skoda to focus mainly on the current product and the launch of new products in Indian market. Skoda is riding with high hopes on its new Octavia that company believes will become the segment leader once it is released in August this year. According to one of the company officials Skoda will now concentrate its resources on brand building and network expansion rather than on loss making Fabia.

The gist of this dragged subject is Czech carmaker now had to go down the line to gain maximum conversion rates instead of dwindling with the only exclusivity in the badge rather than the fat profit margins on sales sheet.

To an extent one can say that, being a down the line player, Mahindra had outdone others in the up market with XUV 500 and hence, now globally acclaimed Renault Duster had took over the Indian rigidity in the SUV stride just last month. If this the top-to-bottom fluency can happen then why not the vice versa.

Looking at present scenario, Yeti had not given those desired results due to the high priced segmentation, where the rivals took an advantage of this and vroom their own sales, leaving such international product scuffling with overcoat on backseat. No the disappointment, we seem something fishy going under the hat of Skoda which may come out neat in the near future in form of affordable SUVs to stand frugal in our market.

Plotting the imagination on extended pitches, we expect MQB platform to be pinned underneath, and about designs, no issues the parent company would help its sophisticated rich brat in the making, even the automaker also had a lot of engine in its kitty, both petrol as well as diesel, so dropping us a new bug at near future is for sure.

Lastly, we had also mentioned a couple of days back, Volkswagen may launch luxurious compact SUV by 2016, seems may share some of the cues with this one as well. If one can remember, then we all had learnt that Skoda announced to roll out around six cars every year in all the market, which this SUV may pose as a part of the same, and this briefing was made at the time of 2013 Skoda Octavia revelation, on which we are claiming this metal to be on board soon.

Before you question what the company has done to the pattern of the vehicle, let’s clarify this. The test drive is disguised to present the impression of the Suzuki Grand Vitrara.

The vehicle on trial is the Chinese edition is expected to be slightly different as compared to the international model.

As the readers can witness from the secret shots, the back outlook of the vehicle is completely different compared to the rest of the vehicle. However, with support from previous secret shots, we assume that the extra wheel will be positioned at the back even on the production vehicle.

Unlike the confusing rear side, the front portion of the vehicle, in spite of the mirrored Suzuki symbol on the radiator framework, is instantly identifiable. The headlights obtain a bit more restive as well as the distinctive middle ridge on the bonnet is more emphasized at the present.

Total appearance is surely a bit tougher than now.

Additionally, the Chinese edition is slightly larger than the European edition because of a longer wheel base.

The registration plate area has progressed to the bumper whilst the extra wheel has been shifted to the back door.

The existing Chinese spec vehicle is catered by 1.4 litre and 1.8 litre TSI petrol engines. The preceding is obtainable with a six speed instruction booklet or a DSG mechanical transmission whilst the last features a DSG only.

The facelift is likely to carry on making use of the identical alternatives.

The 2014 Skoda Yeti facelift will hit markets later 2013 in the Chinese market.

We can anticipate Skoda to disclose this production vehicle at the highly anticipated Frankfurt Motor Show 2013.

Image Courtesy – Auto.sohu.com

As per reports, this is the third generation of the sedan and brought out for the international zones during the month of October 2012.

The brand-new Octavia will be rolled out in the domestic market after 2013, and has already been spotted examining in the cities of Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The much awaited 2013 Skoda Octavia is based on its parent firm Volkswagen’s MQB podium and shares a lot of its constituents with the recently introduced Mk7 Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, in addition to Seat Leon.

The design cues of the sedan are however based on the Czech automaker’s Vision D concept.

Skoda will be introducing this innovative vehicle with option of 4 petrol engines comprising 1.4TSI in 2 shapes of tune – 120bhp and 138bhp. The larger units comprise the 1.8TSI pumping 177bhp and 2.0-litre TSI for the vRS edition, though we suppose that this mill is doubtful to reach the domestic zone (India).

On the other hand, the diesel choices consist of 1.6-litre TDI formulating either 103bhp or 108bhp, together with 2.0-litre TDI obtainable in 181bhp guise as well as 147bhp.

The 2013 Octavia is projected to put back the D-section sedan Laura to challenge the likes of Renault Fluence, VW Jetta, Chevy Cruze, Hyundai Elantra as well as Toyota Altis.

It will also debut the Czech car manufacturer’s new design idea in addition to its novel symbol in the domestic market.

Image Courtesy – www.team-bhp.com

Limited Rapid comes loaded with additional features like navigation, parking sensors, wind visors, textile floor mats and many more. More to the title of “Limited”, it is bounded by a limited period only, henceforth no sales of particular model after that point.

1.6L TDI diesel engine is chalked to be held under the bay of Prestigious Rapid which works out prominently the power of 105PS @ 4400RPM with a maximum torque of 250Nm@1500–2500rpm, under the manual transmission guise.

Well over here one can utter that, does Skoda Rapid facing the heat of Honda Amaze? But our answer to the bespoken  question would definitely be ‘No’, because Rapid is positioned above the conventional class, and its pricing also doesn’t matches acclaimed criteria, whilst of Renault Scala limited edition and very adjacently placed Swift Dzire Regal may have turned it up to make such sort of amendments in  brief.

The service will continue till 15th May and offer Mumbai based Skoda owners a drive to home from their venue – be it the stadium, pub or a restaurant. But in order to avail this service one has to register themselves. After Skoda carries out a check of your credentials, it will provide you with a driver who will drive you home in your own Skoda after the games. The drawback is that the service is available for Mumbaikars only.

So if you are someone who enjoys a few drink while watching his favorite team play then you must log onto www.Skoda-auto.co.in or call at +91-9769-110022 / 9819-110022. Just remember this service is for people living in Mumbai only.

Just recently it also has introduced some of the schemes, inclusive of a new TVC as well, but that doesn’t seems to be working out very efficiently, therefore this time now it has given the 100% finance scheme on Rapid, where one can avail this benefit only for a limited period, and to be specific, for the tinting start of summer itself.

Coming more clearly to the point, it is revealed, this offer is valid till 18th April 2013, since only a week from now.

In addition to the 100% loan scheme on ex-showroom price, customers will also be bestowed with low interest options; henceforth we say that automaker is really luring all the Indian fan base, missing out this opportunity may not lend you on another one, not at least in this season.

Commenting on the new package, Mr. Kamal Basu, Marketing Head, SKODA Auto India said, “Continuing with our strategy of keeping consumer interests at the forefront, we have introduced innovative and exciting schemes in the recent past. Our latest offer on SKODA Rapid covers 100% of the ex-showroom loan amount which in itself is significant and makes the buying experience easy and convenient. We are also extending the Rapid EMI Holiday offer for an additional month owing to the great response from the customers.”

The brainchild behind this workout is SKODA Finance, a brand of Volkswagen Finance Private Limited, and had made available across all the dealerships of India.

So guys, just rush to your nearest Skoda showroom for beating this summer with new Rapid; and please don’t wait a minute!

2013 Octavia is fleshed over the VW’s new platform called as MQB which is known for excellent strength due to usage of steel and other such components, and is expected to pin other forthcomings in the future as well, whereas a 1.8 liter TSI petrol and 2.0 liter TDI diesel looks fit for this king sized beauty; and moreover it is also said that new Octy will be a bit longer than the present generation Laura, competing strongly against Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Jetta.

Lest of all, posted here are the couple of images that have gained our confidence for the launch rounding nearby, and MH20 number plate makes us to go for the Aurangabad facility for this one too.

However, this Czech carmaker had already rolled out 2013 Skoda Octavia in many of the countries and India is now in the hit list for their next launch.

In spite of heavily priced and not a so well known moniker to large chunk of buyers, it still managed to make well through the crumbling paths in start point, and frankly speaking VW had lent an ample amount of support in establishing their legacy. Lest of all, it is to inform you that a 2013 Octavia is seen doing test rounds in India that too without any covering, amid the hectic traffic of Bangalore; but our luck wasn’t as good as Skoda, so we couldn’t come up with the fully fledged stills. Yet there is also a video being posted down this blog where one can see more of the things, but overall it is restricted to limited sneak peeks only. In actual, the traffic signal had turned red and became a barrier in-between two of us, and so the Red-painted new Octi flung in all its glory leaving us craving for more of the bits.

It is also said, 2013 Octavia will be longer than the previous generation model Laura, must say, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta and new Hyundai Elantra should brush up their skills, as a globally applauded rival is on its way and may soon take over all the market share within a flick, like it had punched same sort of seriousness in the European countries.

Going with speculations for now, 1.8 liter TSI turbocharged petrol and 2.0 liter TDi diesel would engulf its bay, and no more shorter jag meant to be in the pipeline, as it is a king size sedan so the jags must also complement the same, while 1.6 liter TDI seems smaller for it.

The facelift model is done with the cosmetic tweaks only, rather than technical ones, like its many other rivals.

Taking on the changes first, it lends us new front grille, refreshed logo, head- and fog –lights, crisper bonnet, and the very new headlamps and tail lamps with day time running LED inputs, on the outer tweaks. And for inside, four spoke steering rim, brand new gear knob and the fresh color scheme makes it stand out with some niche sort of offerings. On the very minute technical proportion, reverse parking system and electronically front passenger seat covers remaining glitches very carefully.

As said no changes on the drivetrain, it remains same with options of 1.8-litre TSI petrol, 2.0-litre TDI and a 3.6-litre V6 petrol. The latter two cubics are assimilated with six speed DSG while the first one i.e. 2.0 TSI bestows options of six speed manual and a seven speed DSG auto.

Confronting some additional bits to the mentioned one, Skoda CEO says, “The Skoda Superb offers comfort beyond the middle-class standard. This means lots of room, excellent functionality, high comfort, top safety, great value for money and timeless elegance. We are always intent on offering our customers a little bit extra car.”

On our part we found new Superb inclining to the family of Audi, just like it seems that all of the models being driven to one and very same platform of their parent company Volkswagen, while wee too loved it at the same time.

Oops, forget to tell you, facelift Superb will make to our Indian shores by end of 2013, just be ready to get your hands on this new yet timeless piece of metal.