Skoda Auto Crosses 6 Lakh Units Global Sales Milestone in First 9 Months of 2023

Skoda Auto has released sales figures for the first three quarters of 2023, according to which,  the Czech manufacturer sold over 6 lakh units (6,42,200 to be precise) during the period, – a year-on-year increase of 97,700 units. The brand's bestseller, the Octavia, emerged as a key contributor with 1,45,000 units, achieving a year-on-year increase of 35.8 per cent. Other models, such as the Fabia and Kamiq, Kodiaq and Karoq SUVs, also experienced strong demand. Besides, the automaker's operating profit stands at € 1.26 billion, which is a 47.2 per cent increase in comparison to the corresponding period last year. The return on sales increased to 6.4 per cent (2022: 5.6%). A key contributor to this positive trend has been the robust sales performance of the all-electric Enyaq series.

Skoda India, on the other hand, recorded a 7.1 per cent de-growth in the January-September 2023 period. The Indian arm of the Czech manufacturer sold 35,600 vehicles in comparison to 38,300 units sold in the same period last year. The total sales of the company were dominated by the Skoda Kushaq, which contributed 54 per cent of the sales volume. Meanwhile, the Slavia became the second model on the list with 14,100 units, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the total volume. The company's premium models, which include only the Kodiaq as of now, accounted for the rest of the sales during the nine months. For those not aware, the Octavia and the Superb (outgoing generation) were discontinued in India in April and October, respectively.

Also Read: New-gen Skoda Superb Marks Global Debut, Gets 'Modern Solid' Design Language and Updated Features

Skoda Kushaq, Slavia: Updated Feature List

In recent news, Skoda has reinstated the larger 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system for both the Skoda Kushaq SUV and the Slavia sedan, which was replaced by a smaller 8.0-inch unit in May last year. Consequently, the top-spec Style variants of both the Slavia and the Kushaq now come standard with an improved 10-inch touchscreen display, along with electrically adjustable front seats and illuminated footwells. Other bits include a subwoofer, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a single-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, and an 8-inch digital driver's display.

The top-spec variant of the Slavia carries a sticker price of Rs 19.12 lakh, while the Kushaq SUV has a maximum price of Rs 20.01 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.

2024 Skoda Kodiaq India Launch Likely Next Year

In early October, Skoda Auto pulled the wraps of the 2024 iteration of the Kodiaq. While there is no official word from the automaker, market reports suggest that the new Kodiaq will arrive in India next year, and here's what you can expect.

The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq gets an updated design, added features, and a new set of drivetrain options. The updated model features fresh matrix LED headlights with crystalline-effect DRLs. These headlights provide 50 per cent more light elements and 15 per cent increased light output, according to the automaker. The SUV also offers 17-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels and connected-type LED taillamps at the rear. Additionally, the car comes in nine colour options, including the new Bronx Gold Metallic colour.

Inside, the vehicle now gets a 13.0-inch infotainment system, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a two-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, climate control, wireless charging, powered front seats, and ADAS. The car is available in both 5- and 7-seat configurations.

Also Read: 2024 Skoda Kodiaq with 201bhp Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Makes Global Debut

The new-generation Kodiaq is offered with a range of powertrain options – a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology producing 148bhp, a 2.0-litre TSI engine with an all-wheel drive setup producing 201bhp, and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel mill that is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, producing 151bhp and 201bhp, respectively.

On offer is also a plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a 1.5-litre TSI engine paired with an electric motor, churning out a combined output of 201bhp and offering a pure electric range of more than 100 kilometres.