The Hindu Business Line : Skoda Auto may roll out 1.6-litre Octavia variant

Mumbai, Oct. 24 Skoda Auto India may introduce a 1.6-litre variant in the Octavia range that now has the 1.9-litre diesel and 1.8-litre turbo petrol variants.

Mr Karsten Bogun, Managing Director of the company, said: “We are looking at various updates on the Octavia, it ranges from style to powertrain but it would be premature to talk about it; we have not finalised anything on it as yet.”

One of the key reasons for the possible launch of the 1.6-litre Octavia is today’s launch of the Laura Ambiente, the new variant in the Laura range. It is now available at Rs 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane).

Introduction of the new variant at that price could cause cannibalisation of the Octavia rangepriced between Rs 11.61 lakh and Rs 14.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane). The Laura has features that are not present in the Octavia range.Being a contemporary design backed with value for money proposition, experts believe that the Laura would eat into the market share of the Octavia. However, senior officials of the company say that the Octavia range has its own distinction and would sell in good numbers due to the overall brand image it shares over the past six years.

Fabia launch

The company is also preparing for the Fabia’s launch, its maiden entry in the volume segment (mid-size segment).

Currently, the company has a production capacity of 15,000 units that could be doubled to 30,000 units on a three-shift basis, said Mr Bogun.

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