Skoda Plans Small Car (Rs 3-5 Lakhs) for India

[architect]

As per a news item in the Times of India today, Skoda is planning a small car for India. It will be priced between Rs 3-5 lakh and India will be the first country in which it will be sold. At present Skoda has a localisation of 15% which they plan to increase to 50%. Also on the cards for next year are the new Laura, the new Octavia and the Fabia Combi as well as an SUV in 2009. Company sources have said the compact car will be launched "in the Rs 3-5 lakh segment, below the Fabia" and will be built on a "completely new platform".

No dearth of Skoda owners and Skoda Lovers here. I am sure the small Skoda will mean more bad news for Maruti and Hyundai. However, I hope there is no reduction in Skoda's most-loved quality: Build. I hope their Service improves as well. 2009 is going to be a good year for people buying small cars, what?

[dipen]

Isnt the Indian Laura the Octavia abroad. Just curious if they come with with a new Laura. What will be the new Octy ?

[LLL]

I cannot help laugh at this news. Skoda royally blew up an opportunity by launching an overpriced fabia. Also there are legions on skoda's costly maintenance. I dont think a buyer looking to buy his first car will even look at a skoda.

[arunmur]

I am wondering from where will they source such a platform, i hope they do not sell the Volkswagon UP! based car at 3-5 lakh, in order to keep the premium brand image.

[mezereo]

hope atleast skoda keeps up the word this time well.
but i cant stop

[phamilyman]

Smart people - hasn't Skoda heard the word localize?

That itself could reduce costs for Fabia significantly!

[Steeroid]

Maybe this is Skoda's version of a 1-lakh car - their pricing strategy for a 1 lakh car would naturally put it at between 3 and 5 lakhs.

So if you cant afford a car and still want brand value (and SNOB value), you buy a Skoda 3 lakh car as a starter....

[Rahulkool]

i just can't believe this after looking at the price of fabia, maybe they will power the car with 600cc engine and with 28BHP lol then only its possible

[jerish666]

I think they gone mad after the lauch of fabia.They had lot of expectations but all shattered.

[hrman]

The legendary Skoda after sales and spare parts cost should be enough to keep customers off their stable. If I were Maruti/ Hyundai, I would not be worried.

[Karandeep81]

yeah pay 3 lacs for a new skoda and keep paying 1 lac every year for maintenance ... wake up Skoda wake up

[FERRO]

is it from Skoda ? how come 3 lacs ? the price is just right if its Skoda bicycle. lol

[aaggoswami]

With the Skoda Fabia Dreams shattered, they are now mad and insane. What about the sky high prices of spares and the overall maintainence costs?
They dont know what they are talking about.

[LLL]

Also guys did you notice they wanna launch a SUV? any clues on what it might be and what it may cost (its existing cost abroad + 200% markup)?

[GTO]

The day Skoda launches a 3 lakh car, pigs will fly! However, their service standards are certainly ahead of their time.....why? Because as of today, the shoddy Skoda after-sales is fitting for a 3 lakh car only.