Skoda Bringing Back Diesels To India: Superb Diesel Luxury Sedan Confirmed For 2027
Written By: Kailash Jha
Published: August 16, 2026
Updated: August 16, 2026
Skoda is gearing up to reintroduce the Superb in India in the first half of 2027, and the highlight under the hood is a significant one: a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. This marks Skoda’s return to diesel power in the Indian market since they discontinued it ahead of BS6 norms in 2020.
The new Superb will be imported completely built (CBU) and is anticipated to top Skoda’s lineup, with a price range estimated between Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). While this is a premium price point, the diesel engine offers a unique selling proposition among premium sedans currently available in India.
Skoda displayed a diesel Superb at the Bharat Mobility show earlier, featuring a higher-output 2.0 TDI engine producing 193 hp and 400 Nm, mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). However, Skoda has not confirmed that this exact configuration will be used in the 2027 India model.
Why Diesel Could Be the Superb’s Best Argument
The previous Superb was renowned for its spacious cabin and long-distance capabilities. A diesel engine aligns perfectly with this character, offering strong low-speed torque and improved cruising economy compared to a similarly powered petrol engine.
The global Superb range currently offers two 2.0 TDI variants. The base version produces 150 hp and 360 Nm with front-wheel drive, while the more powerful option packs 193 hp and 400 Nm, paired with AWD and a seven-speed DSG. For long-distance travelers, either diesel variant would be a better choice than importing another high-output petrol sedan into a market already saturated with them. The top-spec 193 hp AWD version, however, would elevate the Superb’s flagship status.
Still a Roomy Beast Inside
The fourth-generation Superb continues its predecessor’s design philosophy, offering a spacious 4.9-meter long liftback body with a generous 645-liter boot, exceeding the luggage capacity of many SUVs.
The cabin can be equipped globally with features like ventilated and massaging front seats, a large central touchscreen, digital instruments, Matrix LED headlights, connected services, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). India’s final specifications have not been disclosed yet.
The car’s aerodynamics have also been improved, boasting a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 for the liftback variant. This is significant for a diesel highway car because better aerodynamics contribute to enhanced fuel efficiency and refinement at cruising speeds.
Navigating Price Challenges
Skoda has attempted CBU imports of the Superb before with limited success. In 2024, they imported only 100 units of the previous-generation model at a price of Rs 54 lakh, nearly Rs 16 lakh more than the locally assembled version. The higher cost deterred potential buyers due to weak demand.
The new Superb faces a similar challenge because Skoda’s Bratislava factory is not set up for CKD (complete knockdown) kit supply to India, leading to higher import duties. However, the India-EU free trade agreement, scheduled to take effect soon, could alleviate these economic constraints and make the 2027 launch timing more favorable.
Even with potential duty benefits, pricing the Superb close to entry-level luxury cars like the Toyota Camry (which offers a petrol-hybrid powertrain) will be a significant challenge. The Superb’s selling points will hinge on its diesel torque, spacious interior, highway range, and the timeless appeal of a traditional European executive sedan.