Skoda Auto has dropped prices for its flagship sedan – Superb by Rs 1.6 lakh. This move comes with the introduction of a new cheaper variant ‘Ambition'. The Superb is the segment leader in premium sedans.
Prices now start at Rs 18 lakh (petrol) in Delhi, as opposed to the previous entry price of Rs 19.6 lakh for the ‘Elegance' variant. This will help the Volkswagen Group compete more aggressively with new rival Hyundai Sonata (Rs 18.52 lakh), apart from the pricier Honda Accord (Rs 20.28 lakh) and Toyota Camry (Rs 21.58 lakh).
Mr Kamal Basu, Head of Marketing at Škoda Auto India said, “We are now extending the model line with greater accessibility while retaining Superb's class values in comfort, safety and efficacy”.
Another official said that the variant is focussed more at the chauffeur-driven market, so backseat features have been retained. What has been taken out is the sunroof, cruise control, touch-screen audio system and adaptive front lighting.
The Superb sold 3,080 units in 2011-12, compared with 1,564 units of the nearest rival Volkswagen Passat. Skoda's advantage is the availability of a diesel engine, which the Accord, Camry and Sonata do not have.
The Ambition variant will be available with either the same 1.8 TSI petrol engine with 6-speed manual transmission, or the 2.0 TDI CR diesel engine with automatic transmission.