Goodbye Skoda Octavia & Superb? Not Exactly

• Skoda Octavia and Superb discontinued.

• More stringent BS6 phase 2 norms are the reason behind the termination.

• Octavia will be back in its performance-oriented RS245 hybrid avatar.

• Superb’s new generation model is due for global reveal this year.

• The Octavia was priced from Rs 27.35 lakh to Rs 30.45 lakh (ex-showroom).

• The Superb was retailed between Rs 34.19 lakh and Rs 37.29 lakh (ex-showroom).

The new BS6 Phase 2 norms, which got implemented on April 1, claims two more victims in the form of the Skoda Octavia and Superb. Both D-segment sedans have been chucked from the Czech marque’s Indian lineup and there’s no news on their comeback as of now. This marks the end of the two iconic nameplates from Skoda, that’s until their next hybrid or electric iterations make their way to our shores.

Reason

Considering that both the Octavia and Superb weren’t exactly affordable sedans to begin with, they weren’t topping the sales chart for the carmaker. And the new norms require the powertrains to be updated, which comes at a cost – one that is borne by the customer more often than not. So, it didn’t really make sense for Skoda to update them. 

A rewind

The Octavia probably had one of the most significant impacts on the industry in terms of being a relatively budget-friendly enthusiast car through its vRS iterations, which were genuinely underrated, often flying under the radar, thanks to their sleeper-like demeanour. 

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The first-generation model redefined what real performance, one that’s financially viable, meant for us, while on the other hand, the Superb laid down the standards for offering luxury that was equivalent to the Germans. Both had different roles to play and they really did come into their own when they did. 

Needless to say, both the Octavia and Superb will be dearly missed, but the time to hang up a picture with flowers around them isn’t here just yet. The Octavia’s performance variant. ie., the RS, has been confirmed for launch in India in its latest plug-in hybrid avatar. On the other hand, the Superb is due for a generational update, which could debut globally this year.

Skoda used to retail the Octavia in two variants priced at Rs 27.35 lakh and Rs 30.45 lakh, while the Superb’s two trims were sold at Rs 34.19 lakh and Rs 37.29 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).