At evo India, we're no strangers to Skodas. The Kushaq and Slavia have served on the fleet for over a year each, and the Kodiaq is the latest entrant. It is these three cars that have been the cornerstone for Skoda’s success in India. The Kushaq and Slavia have democratised the core of Skoda with its solid European build quality, great performance and fun-to-drive nature. It is no surprise then, that Skoda has sold a total of 1 lakh cars over the last two years, which is the fastest time they’ve ever taken to hit that magic 1 lakh number in sales.
The Skoda Kushaq joined the fleet back in 2021. Assistant Ed Aatish lived with the car following that and used it on the daily commute, spent time with family and friends in it, and took it on an extended work-from-home trip to Goa for three whole months. “It genuinely fit so perfectly into my life,” he says. Our test car had the 1-litre TSI with the manual. That punchy engine combined with its handling chops made it appeal to the enthusiasts on the team. Mid-size SUVs before this were always a compromise on driving dynamics but this raised the bar. 2022 saw the launch of the Skoda Slavia, which eventually joined the evo India fleet as well. The test car was in the stunning Crystal Blue, this time with the 1.5 TSI manual. Skoda provided manuals across their drivetrain options right from launch and allowed the 1.5 TSI to reach a far wider audience.
The Slavia was brilliant in many ways. The SUV-rivalling ground clearance made it perfect for Indian conditions. With smaller wheels and softer springs, it rode better than the Kushaq making it more comfortable around town. That 1.5 TSI was so smooth, so powerful and it loved to be pushed hard. Just the kind of car we love at evo India. Plus, like the Kushaq, it had the right amount of creature comforts with its wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, ventilated seats and wireless phone charger,
The Kodiaq has been as big a success for Skoda as the other two — getting a 100 per cent increase in sales in 2023 over 2022. You’ve got practicality with seven seats, the three-zone climate control and Canton Audio uplifts the in-car experience, as do the heated/cooled ventilated seats. Plus it can handle well despite being such a big car — no little help thanks to the dynamic dampers and 4x4 systems! Oh, and as with every other Skoda here, the engine is a gem. And not to forget the neat touches like the nap package and the door protector!
In the last two years, Skoda has been rejuvenating its lineup. The Kushaq in Monte Carlo trim, with the red paint and blacked out elements looks very cool. The Slavia got a new Lava Blue colour, the Elegance Edition in Deep Black, and even a Matte edition. The Slavia and Kushaq have also been given updates for 2024 with illuminated footwells and power adjustable driver and passenger seats.
A lot of Skoda’s success is down to its network too. The number of touch points has grown from 120 in 2021 to 260 in 2023. The Slavia and Kushaq are localised by up to 95 per cent so cost of parts is reduced, as is turnaround time. There’s also a lot of effort being taken to make the service experience more transparent. Late last year, Skoda launched the service cam initiative that allows service personnel to send video evidence of findings and lets the customer digitally approve or reject jobs. All this allows Skoda to promise a 4 years/1 lakh kilometres and optional packages up to 8 years/1.5 lakh kilometres.
After a solid three years since sales of the Kushaq kicked off, followed by the Slavia, Skoda is all set to take 2024 by the horns. There’s plenty more planned including more special editions and electric cars. What you’ve seen so far, is only the start.