The Impact of BS6 Phase II Emission Norms: Farewell to Skoda Octavia and Superb
The implementation of the new BS6 Phase II emission norms for vehicles in India, which took effect from 1st April 2023, has brought a wave of discontinuations in the automotive industry. Certain car models, including the popular Skoda sedans – Octavia and Superb – have stopped production due to the infeasibility of updating the vehicles in line with the new norms. Previously, several other car models, such as the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Hyundai i20 Diesel, Fourth Generation Honda City, Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Toyota Innova Crysta, Honda Jazz, Honda WR-V and Nissan Kicks, have been discontinued as well.
Skoda’s Future Plans: New Sedans and SUVs in the Pipeline
Despite the discontinuation of Octavia and Superb, Skoda Auto India has plans to introduce new sedans and SUVs in the Indian market. Information related to Octavia and Superb has been removed from the company’s official website, indicating their phased-out status. If media reports are to be believed, the new-generation Skoda Superb may be launched in the coming times. Also, Skoda Octavia RS and an electric SUV named Enyaq are potentially in line for the Indian market launch.
Remembering Skoda Octavia: A Favourite Among Sedan Lovers
Skoda Octavia was a favorite amongst sedan lovers, earning a reputation for its performance, styling, and handling. Equipped with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine generating 190bhp power and 320Nm torque, the Octavia was impressive not only in terms of power but also for its range of features.
Skoda Superb: A Symbol of Comfort and Performance
Skoda Superb, known for its comfort and performance, held a significant place in the luxury sedan segment. As the brand’s flagship sedan in India, the Superb boasted a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and came equipped with a host of features including an 8.0-inch Amundsen touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, 360-degree cameras, and a hands-free parking function, amongst others.
This move is reflective of the auto industry’s shifting priorities and response to evolving emission norms. Even as we bid farewell to these iconic sedans, there’s eager anticipation for the new launches planned by Skoda and other auto giants in their effort to meet the stringent environmental standards while delivering exceptional driving experiences