Shud Skoda get Fabia sedan along with hatchback

[v12]

Skoda is planning to launch the Fabia sedan against the likes of Esteem, Accent, City, Siena, Indigo etc. The Fabia looks good and will easily be a hit in the market if priced right.


Skoda Fabia
Now what if Skoda launches the hatchback version of the Fabia too. I'm sure it will be much better than the Indica, Palio, Zen. And it will be on par with the Hyundai Getz. The Getz isnt gonna come with a diesel version initially. And if the Fabia comes with a diesel, it'll really rule the market.


Skoda Felicia
Skoda's initial plans were to launch the Felicia in the Indian market. But it was cancelled cos it was too outdated compared to other cars in the same segment. I'm sure that Skoda will be able to price the Skoda Felicia under 4 lakhs if they start mnufacturing it in India. They already have a plant in Ahmedabad. Agreed that from the front it looks like the Octavia and that will put many 10L Skoda Octavia owners off. Skoda cud change to a contemporary grille which will make it look different from the Octavia.

What say guys??? Put in ur views.

[Rtech]

I don't think launching the Felicia would be advisable for Skoda. Price alone does not sell (unless its an 800) anymore. Look at the Fiat Uno, good sturdy car no doubt, but it won't sell. Indians no longer want outdated vehicles (unless its a Qualis!!). While they could freshen up the looks of the Felicia, theres no getting away from the fact that it is an OLD platform. For a new company like Skoda, who also have upmarket plans with their Superb, it just does not make sense for them to launch this model to dilute their name and brand image.

The Fabia is the perfect car for their lineup. Start with the sedan and move on to the hatch after a year. I personally prefer the hatch for its looks though. Their build and terrific diesel engines will make it a winner no doubt. Even the Honda City should be worried if Skoda prices it right.

[Dippy]

The Fabia will be a surprise packet I'm sure. They could launch a hatchback version after the sedan runs for sometime. With a good diesel engine and a killer price it should shake up the market like Honda did when it introduced the new City. And seeing the waiting list for the City prospective City customers might well turn to Skoda.

Cheers

[GTO]

Well said, Rtech.

One of the advantages (or disadvantages..depending on your opinion) that Skoda had with starting off in India is that no one had heard of them. They could thus start with a CLEAN slate...and Skoda has done a wonderful job of building their brand and associating it with Luxury, Value, reliability and awesome after-sales service.

As such, launching an out-dated product does not do any manufacturers image good...even if it results in an additional sales figure.

GTO

[v12]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]launching an out-dated product does not do any manufacturers image good

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]it just does not make sense for them to launch this model to dilute their name and brand image.

You r right guys. I completely forgot abt that.

[RJK]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (v12 @ April 14 2004,10:43)]Now what if Hyundai launches the hatchback version of the Fabia too.

hey V12..

last i heard fabia belonged to skoda ...too much research abt hyundai or what !!

M3

[v12]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Now what if Hyundai launches the hatchback version of the Fabia too.

OOOPS. Corrected.