Delhi Auto Expo 2012: Skoda showcase plans

Skoda is looking to step up its game in India with a bunch of new cars for India. Foremost among them is the MissionL. Inspired from the VisionD concept, the MissionL concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Skoda is now ready with a production-ready model that will be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012. The compact sedan will don a different look and spec depending on the market it’s sold in. So Indians would drive the four-door avatar (as against the liftback version for European and Russian markets). 

The MissionL will straddle Skoda’s Fabia and Laura models, giving the Czech carmaker the ammo it needs to slug it out in the fiercely battled midsize sedan segment. Details regarding its features are still sketchy, but two engines could be on offer: 1.6-litre petrol and diesel units borrowed from its cousin, Volkswagen Vento. In fact, the MissionL may just end up competing with the Vento if Skoda prices it in the Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh bracket. 

Skoda may also showcase the Citigo, which is based on the Volkswagen Up and hence resembles it closely. The Citigo will be the first among the many cars Skoda plans to launch every six months. The compact hatchback may pack in a 1-litre engine that will deliver 60 PS and 75 PS based on the model you buy. Expect both manual and automatic transmissions. However, an India launch is not in the offing until 2013.

Cars to Watch Out For : MissionL, Citigo

Expected Price Range : MissionL : Rs. 8 lakhs – Rs 10 lakhs

   Citigo : Rs. 3.5 lakhs – Rs 5.5 lakhs  

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