Czech-based automobile manufacturer Skoda has been in the news recently due to the unveiling of the third generation Octavia, which is expected to be launched in the upcoming festive season. The Volkswagen Group owned auto maker has not been able to establish any sort of stronghold in the Indian car market since its entry. However, the firm would be looking to change this scenario with the launch of the new Skoda Octavia. A recent development has revealed that the car maker is expected to introduce a new model of Yeti, which has been given a facelift.
A compact premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the new Skoda Yeti will feature a redesigned exterior, which includes both the front and rear. The design of upcoming Skoda Yeti is somewhat similar to the Vision D concept. In comparison to the current model, which has fog lamps on top of the bumper, the new Yeti will sport it at the bottom of bumper. Featuring a new Skoda badge at front, the Yeti SUV gets new headlamps, rear bumper and tail gate. As far as interiors are concerned, the colour has been changed to chocolate brown from black/beige. Industry experts believe that the Yeti SUV will get a premium appeal through these interiors. Among other additions, the new Yeti is likely to feature new upholstery along with a new steering unit.
However, the specifications of the new Skoda Yeti are likely to be same as the current version. As expected, the Yeti from Skoda will come with petrol and diesel variants, which will be powered by turbocharged powertrains. Specifications of these units are slated to be carried over, which means that the output and torque would be similar to the current model of the Yeti. In the international market, this utility vehicle comes in both, manual and dual-clutch automatic transmission systems. Also, customers have the choice of purchasing either the front-wheel or all-wheel drive options. It is believed that Skoda will be launching only the diesel version of Yeti in India due to the preference of buyers.
Experts believe that launching the Skoda Yeti might be risky yet intelligent move by the Czech auto maker. Since the price of this utility vehicle will be high, it is not going to be marketed for mass buyers, which automatically shrinks the size of its targeted base. However, the rise of the SUV segment in the country is going to benefit the prospects of the Skoda Yeti. On the other hand, all the current reports and discussions about the Indian launch are solely based on rumours and speculations as nothing has been officially confirmed by the auto maker. Currently, Skoda, apart from the launch of the new Octavia, is working on the testing of the Superb saloon, which it expects to introduce in the near future. It must be noted that this high level of activity coming from Skoda is primarily due to its attempt at sustaining itself in the Indian car market.
