The Return of the Superb 4X4!

One of the hottest news of the month is surely Skoda’s intention to bring back diesel engines in India. The Czech automaker showcased the diesel-powered new Skoda Superb 4X4 sedan at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show, which will soon go on sale in India. Petr Janeba, Head of Skoda India, revealed that the company has a strong diesel vehicles’ history and considering the market demand for diesel cars, Skoda is “definitely looking to fulfil the demand.”

Also Read: New Skoda Octavia RS – Will It Launch In India?

The new Skoda Superb will come via CBU route with the 2.0L diesel engine, pushing out 193bhp with 400Nm of torque for the 4×4 variant, and 148bhp for the FWD variant. Both variants will come with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. This diesel executive sedan might soon be followed by the new Skoda Kodiaq. At the Auto Expo, however, the carmaker showcased the SUV with the 2.0L turbo petrol engine.

Skoda Diesel Engines In India: A Look at the History

Skoda Auto’s history with diesel engine in India played a key role in its strategy to tap the market by offering a wide range of vehicles serving performance, fuel efficiency and powerful powertrains, including 1.3L TDI, 1.5L TDI and 2.0L TDI. The brand’s diesel vehicles were renowned for their high torque, refinement, low NVH levels and performance. However, the Czech automaker transitioned to a petrol-only lineup in April 2020 due to the enforcement of the stricter BS6 emission standards. This decision was also influenced by the global move away from diesel engines and the cost involved in developing BS6-complinat diesel engines.

The Dieselgate Scandal

As we all are aware, Volkswagen Group (Skoda’s parent company) was caught in the Dieselgate scandal. The firm was being accused of installing software in its diesel vehicles to manipulate emissions levels during testing. This not only resulted in significant fines and legal actions against the company, but also damaged its market reputation. The scrutiny affected Skoda, leading to several regulatory challenges.