Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Skoda Doubles Down on Sedans With Slavia Facelift, Superb Diesel
Skoda has improved its Slavia sedan instead of replacing it with a completely new car.
The company says many drivers still like sedans even though SUVs are very popular.
The Slavia now has more technology and comfort features.
It also gets a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with its smaller turbo-petrol engine.
Skoda says most Slavia and Kushaq buyers choose automatic versions.
The company also plans to bring back the Superb Diesel to India.
People can register their interest online, but the price and number of cars have not been announced.
Skoda is also expanding its service network and preparing more new models.
Skoda has unveiled a refreshed Slavia with new technology and an eight-speed automatic for the 1.0-litre TSI engine.
The updated sedan adds features including a 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster, AI voice assistant and rear-seat massage.
Ashish Gupta said automatic variants account for about 65–70% of Slavia and Kushaq sales.
Skoda says the Slavia holds nearly 30% of India’s premium sedan segment despite SUVs’ growing popularity.
The Superb Diesel will return to India as a fully built unit, with expressions of interest opening August 18 and deliveries targeted for Q2 next year.
- Who
- Skoda Auto India and Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Skoda Auto India.
- What
- Skoda unveiled the refreshed Slavia and announced the return of the Superb Diesel to India.
- When
- The refreshed Slavia was unveiled in 2026; Superb Diesel expressions of interest begin August 18, with deliveries targeted for Q2 of the following year.
- Where
- India; the Superb Diesel will be imported as a Completely Built Unit from overseas markets.
- Why
- Skoda aims to strengthen its premium sedan lineup, respond to demand for automatic cars and serve customers seeking a diesel-powered flagship sedan.
SUV-First Market View
Skoda’s Sedan Commitment
Market direction
SUV-First Market View
SUVs dominate showroom floors and sales charts, while sedans represent a smaller share of the passenger-vehicle market.
Skoda’s Sedan Commitment
Skoda says premium sedan buyers remain a dedicated audience and considers sedans central to its brand identity.
Future product strategy
SUV-First Market View
The broader industry is increasingly focusing on SUVs, petrol vehicles, hybrids and electric powertrains.
Skoda’s Sedan Commitment
Skoda is maintaining its sedan portfolio, updating the Slavia and bringing the Superb Diesel back for customers seeking long-distance diesel touring capability.
- Model update
- The Slavia receives technology, convenience and transmission upgrades while retaining its existing turbo-petrol engines.
- New transmission
- An eight-speed automatic is added to the 1.0-litre TSI engine.
- Automatic sales share
- Automatic variants represent approximately 65–70% of Slavia and Kushaq sales, according to Ashish Gupta.
- Slavia segment share
- Skoda says the Slavia has nearly 30% of the premium sedan segment.
- Superb Diesel format
- The returning Superb Diesel will be imported as a Completely Built Unit.
- Expressions of interest
- Registrations are scheduled to open through Skoda India's official website on August 18.
- Service network
- Skoda reports more than 340 customer touchpoints across 190 cities and 200 workshops in India.