Currently, Skoda sells only gasoline-powered vehicles in the Indian market, but the company plans to introduce various powertrains in the future. The brand confirmed that a diesel-engine Superb will be released next year, and it is also preparing to launch an electric vehicle that will appear in India in 2027.
In parallel, Skoda is actively working on implementing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) equipment. The company plans to equip the CNG powertrain with a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine is used in the Kodiaq, Slavia, and Kushaq models, meaning that the CNG option could appear in all three of these vehicles. The introduction of the CNG engine will allow Skoda to compete with Tata, Maruti, and Hyundai in the Indian market.
According to AutoCar Professional, Aashish Gupta, Director of Skoda India, stated that the 1.0-liter engine and the MQB A0-IN platform are common to the Kodiaq, Slavia, and Kushaq, which opens up possibilities for all three products. Discussing the topic of CNG, he noted that the crisis in the Middle East and the blending of ethanol have undermined consumer confidence in gasoline, leading to a decline in market share. To remain competitive, companies need to offer alternatives. He emphasized that the Kodiaq segment is key for them, and this is where they aim to introduce the CNG option.
The main goal for Skoda in introducing CNG is to maintain performance while ensuring fuel efficiency. Gupta reported that consumers are willing to accept a 10–15% reduction in performance compared to gasoline counterparts when using CNG. Skoda's 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine produces 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque.
Aashish Gupta believes that buyers can purchase CNG vehicles even at a higher price because every car has its place. He also mentioned the presence of premium customers who are interested in CNG vehicles for economic benefit. Currently, the price of the Kodiaq ranges from 7.59 lakh to 12.99 lakh rupees, and the Kushaq starts from 10.99 lakh and reaches 18.99 lakh rupees. The company has not yet announced prices for the Slavia Facelift, and it will be interesting to see how Skoda integrates the CNG engine into these models.