Skoda Superb Returns to Diesel Power with 150hp TDI in India
Skoda has announced the return of diesel power to the Indian market with the fourth-generation Superb, powered by a 2.0-litre 150-hp TDI engine.
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Media additions
In a move that surprised many in the premium sedan market, Skoda Auto India has announced that its new fourth‑generation Superb will be powered by a 2.0‑litre, 150‑hp TDI diesel engine. The decision marks the brand’s first diesel launch in India since 2020 and comes after a six‑year gap during which Skoda had focused on petrol and plug‑in hybrids.
The announcement, made on 19 August 2026, follows the unveiling of the 2026 Skoda Slavia facelift sedan that same day. Skoda said it is now taking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential buyers and that deliveries of the diesel‑powered Superb will begin by June 2027. The model will be imported fully built (CBU) and will be available only in the high‑trim Laurin & Klement version.
According to Cardekho, the new Superb retains the restrained design language that has become synonymous with Skoda in India. A large “butterfly” grille, chrome surrounds, a low roofline with a pronounced crease, and 18‑inch silver alloy wheels give the sedan a dignified stance. Inside, a dual‑tone Cognac‑black cabin mirrors the layout of the Kodiaq, with a floating infotainment screen, two‑spoke steering wheel, and rotary dials for climate control, AC, and infotainment. The centre console hides storage, features a front centre armrest, and offers a wireless phone charger.
Safety has been given top priority. The Superb is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, 10 airbags, electronic stability control, tyre‑pressure monitoring, a 360‑degree camera, hill‑hold assist, and front and rear parking sensors, all of which earned the sedan a 5‑star rating in the recent Euro NCAP crash tests. The 12.9‑inch touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a 13‑speaker Canton sound system and a 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster.
Newsbytesapp reports that the 150‑hp TDI will be mated to a 7‑speed dual‑clutch automatic gearbox, enabling the Superb to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. The source also notes that the model will carry a price tag of roughly ₹55 to 60 lakh, although the exact figure could drop if the India‑EU free‑trade agreement is finalised.
Timesnownews adds that the diesel variant will only be offered in the Laurin & Klement trim, reinforcing that the Superb is positioned as a low‑volume flagship rather than a mass‑market challenger to the Toyota Camry. The article confirms the 150‑hp TDI and 7‑speed DSG and states deliveries are expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Skoda’s return to diesel comes at a time when the Volkswagen Group is re‑evaluating its strategy in India. The group has been open to ceding majority control of its Indian operations to a local partner, and the diesel launch is part of a larger “India 2.0” push that includes the Kushaq, Slavia, and Kodiaq models. Economictimes notes that Skoda last year sold 70 000 vehicles and that its network has expanded to 175 touchpoints, with a target of 225 by year‑end.
Skoda’s diesel strategy is also a response to shifting consumer preferences. The brand has seen record sales in 2025, with 72 665 units sold, a rise of more than two‑fold over 2024. The Superb, positioned as a premium executive sedan, is expected to tap into the high‑margin segment that typically enjoys diesel power in India.
The 7‑speed DSG provides smooth gear changes, and the Laurin & Klement trim adds luxury features such as ventilated, massaging, and heated front seats, a powered tailgate, and a wireless phone charger.
Skoda is inviting customers to register their interest now. The company is taking EOI for the diesel Superb and will start deliveries in June 2027. The price is expected to be around ₹50 lakh ex‑showroom, according to Cardekho, though Newsbytesapp suggests a slightly higher range that could be moderated by trade‑deal incentives.
Below is a quick timeline of the major milestones announced so far:
- 19 Aug 2026 – Skoda unveils fourth‑generation Superb with 150‑hp TDI diesel.
- 19 Aug 2026 – Skoda takes Expressions of Interest for the diesel Superb.
- Q2 2027 – Expected start of deliveries for the diesel Superb.