The Czech automaker Skoda is gearing up to update its offerings in the Indian market with the introduction of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) Level 2 and a 360-degree camera in its popular models, the Slavia and Kushaq. Recently, during an interview with Autocar India, Skoda’s brand director revealed that the company is set to roll out significant updates that promise enhanced safety and driving experience for its customers.
Skoda to offer ADAS in Slavia and Kushaq
Over the last few years, since the implementation of Skoda’s India 2.0 strategy with models – Slavia and Kushaq, the company has been enjoying great success. However, during this time, other competitors in the market have also gained bigger market shares due to the abundance of features offered in their cars.
So, acknowledging the ever-growing Indian car market demands and the need to catch up on features, Petr Janeba, Skoda’s brand director, revealed the company’s plan to offer ADAS Level 2 technology in the upcoming facelifts of the Slavia and Kushaq models. According to Janeba, this strategic move will help the brand align Skoda’s offerings with competitors while prioritizing safety and innovation.
Which other cars offer ADAS?
The absence of ADAS Level 2 in Skoda’s midsize models has been notable, especially when considering rivals such as Honda, Hyundai, and Kia already offer this feature. Currently, Honda City and Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Verna and Venue, along with Kia Seltos and Sonet, all offer ADAS.
So, in order to catch up with the rest of the above-mentioned popular cars in the country, Skoda will be offering its facelifts with this important active safety feature. Currently, the company does not offer ADAS in any of its models in India, including the top-of-the-line Skoda Kodiaq SUV, which costs Rs 39.9 lakh for the range-topping L&K variant.
Other feature additions
In addition to the inclusion of ADAS level 2 features, Janeba also hinted at additional feature updates for both the Slavia and Kushaq. He stated that a few more special editions and features like a 360-degree camera are on the horizon. Janeba added these updates will ensure that Skoda remains competitive and meets the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.
The Skoda brand director, Janeba, also highlighted that while driving dynamics will continue to be a focal point for Skoda’s compact SUV, the company is mindful of the need to strike a balance between features, pricing, and competitiveness. He stated that by carefully listening to market feedback and benchmarking against competitors, Skoda aims to deliver a compelling package that meets customer expectations.
Skoda India to launch Maruti Brezza rival
Apart from the feature updates on the outgoing models, the Czech automaker is gearing up for the launch of an all-new sub-compact SUV in India. The company has confirmed that this new sub-compact SUV, which will compete with Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and others, will be launched in March 2025.
At the moment, it has only been reported that this upcoming SUV will be based on the MQB A0-IN platform, which is also utilized by the Kushaq, Slavia, and Volkswagen cars. Apart from this, there is no information about what Skoda could name this SUV or what engine options it will be coming out with.
