[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 But it was cancelled cos it was too outdated compared to other cars in the same segment.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 Indians no longer want outdated vehicles (unless its a Qualis!!).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.

[volkman10]

"As Frankfurt Motorshow draws closer, Skoda India’s C-Segment Fabia sedan program has shifted into high gear. Although the Skoda Fabia sedan will use the hatchback’s underpinnings, it does not look like a ‘Bolt-on’ Job like the Swift Dzire.
The skin of the Skoda Fabia sedan is based on the VW Vento which in turn is based on the Polo. However, just like the Vento, the Skoda sedan will feature a streamlined body. Because the wheelbase is extended, we can expect more rear legroom and boot space in the sedan"
Going by the Volkswagen Group hierarchy, the price range of Fabia sedan will be in the 6.5-10 lakh price bracket with each variant price lower than the corresponding variant of the Vento. The Fabia sedan’s branding will be revealed during the Frankfurt Motor show and it will be presented to some global markets in 2012. But India might get it in 2011 with bookings beginning presumably in November.


Cheers!



Skoda Fabia sedan - Comes this year to India

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Thats a VENTO with a Fabia nose! Side profile is exactly same as the Vento!

How are they planning to differentiate Fabia sedan from Vento hatch? Even less features? (Vento already has less features compared to competition!)

[headbanger]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Although the Skoda Fabia sedan will use the hatchback’s underpinnings, it does not look like a ‘Bolt-on’ Job like the Swift Dzire.
The skin of the Skoda Fabia sedan is based on the VW Vento which in turn is based on the Polo. However, just like the Vento, the Skoda sedan will feature a streamlined body. Because the wheelbase is extended, we can expect more rear legroom and boot space in the sedan"

For a moment, if you just ignore the front, the Fabia sedan looks exactly like a Vento- understated look, clean and proportionate design.

Regarding the legroom and general ergonomics, I remember while choosing the second hatchback for our family, Fabia ticked the most number of rights. But the brand kept us away from the product. Nevertheless, its an excellent product and hopefully the sedan should also be in the same line.

[ghodlur]

What prompted Skoda to bring out the Fabia sedan when the Fabia hatchback itself isnt selling in good numbers atleast in India. Why does Skoda want to put up an alternative to Vento which considerably is selling good numbers, why botch up the segment.

Before they introduce the Sedan to the market they need to improve their brand image.

[avisidhu]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

What prompted Skoda to bring out the Fabia sedan when the Fabia hatchback itself isnt selling in good numbers atleast in India. Why does Skoda want to put up an alternative to Vento which considerably is selling good numbers, why botch up the segment.

Before they introduce the Sedan to the market they need to improve their brand image.

Would disagree with you on this. the Fabia has been garnering decent numbers ever since the price cut was introduced. If priced sensibly, this sedan does have a potential to carve a niche for itself, IMO.

At least in the looks department it seems to have got its act right, as opposed to the Dezire or Manza, which should be its prime competitors.

[shankar.balan]

the fabia station wagon / combi would be nice in my opinon. It will effectively become like a large hatch which should do a lot of people a lot of good!

[mxx]

A fabia sedan, if developed, might have to be priced too close-going by the hatch pricing- to the upcoming rapid, which makes no sense.

Fabia combi is a good candidate, but manufacturers are too scared to introduce it due to poor sales performance of sation wagons here. Skoda itself could not sell good numbers of octavia combi.

[Vid6639]

Guys, this Fabia sedan is nothing but the Skoda Rapid, which is already been discussed in another thread:

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...ml#post2455392

Please continue the discussion there. This thread is closed.