Scoop! Skoda Superb & Octavia production to end in Feb 2023

The Kodiaq and Tiguan will get the EA888 evo4 DQ381-7A drivetrain developed by Audi AG.

The Skoda Superb and Octavia are among the last remaining D-segment sedans in India and soon, they will be axed. Sources tell us that Skoda will stop producing these models in India in February 2023, with sales ceasing by March 31, 2023.

Phase 2 of BS6 emission regulations, which will require carmakers to achieve emission targets in real-world conditions (RDE - Real Driving Emissions), will come into effect from April 1, 2023. The current EA888 evo3 DQ381-7F drivetrain will be near the boundary line of the emission requirements and would need to be replaced by the evo4 engine.

Swapping the evo3 with the evo4 for a single market will be a costly affair and does not make a valid business case. The other option that was said to be on the table was the Russian market EA888 evo4 DQ381-7A drivetrain (where ‘A’ stands for AWD). However, this was rejected by the Indian product planners due to fuel efficiency and price consideration, as the volume would have been minimal.

While the upgrade to the evo4 AWD doesn’t make sense for the Superb and Octavia, the Kodiaq and Tiguan will get the EA888 evo4 DQ381-7A drivetrain developed by Audi AG from February onwards.

With the axing of the Superb and Octavia, Skoda and VW India’s product portfolio will be limited to 3 models each from April 1, 2023. The Kodiaq and Tiguan will continue as halo products.

Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!