Skoda Yeti coming end-2010; To be priced around Rs 13-14 lakh

Skoda will launch the Yeti in the second half of 2010, possibly to coincide with the festive season. The Yeti creates a new niche as it is India’s first compact SUV. The Yeti will initially be launched with a 2.0L CRDi Diesel engine producing 140bhp. The engine is shared with stable mates Superb and Laura. A 1.2TSI and more low powered engines will join the lineup at a later date. The USP of this compact SUV will be its size and price. Skoda will import the Yeti in Completely Knocked Down format meaning a realistic asking price of around Rs 13-14 lakhs. The Yeti was launched in the global markets five months back and was also showcased at Auto Expo 2010.

We have even got some news that Skoda is showcasing the Yeti across India as a means to market its new SUV. Keep an eyte out for it. We will keep you posted till then.

“We are gearing up to roll out Yeti in India. We’ll start importing kits in the next few months. Initially we have plans to come out with the 2.0 litre TDI variant, we may think of launching other variants if there is a reasonable demand. As far as its pricing is concerned, it will be priced in the same segment where Laura is priced (in the range of Rs.13-17 lakh). Based on a new platform, it will be assembled at our Aurangabad facility. The monthly output of the SUV is, however, not finalised yet,”as revealed by the Skoda India spokesperson to wheelsunplugged.com exclusively.

Reinhard Fleger, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto, had earlier stated, “The Indian automobile industry continues to be among the most promising car industries across the globe and it shall continue to grow in the coming year backed by an estimated GDP growth of about 7 per cent. Skoda has a share of around 25 per cent in the mid size segment where we have operated since the last 9 years. We have aggressive plans for the Indian market and aim to emerge as a major player in the Indian automotive industry’s growth story. The Yeti is an integral aspect of this plan. ”

The Yeti is a very promising vehicle and it will be launched with no real competition at all. The Dacia Duster does compete with it abroad but since it will not make it to India, the Yeti will be on its own. It will grab market share quite easily and will appeal to people looking for a soft vehicle with SUV styling. The Yeti is compact compared to the gigantic Endeavour and Fortuner thereby raising many thumbs up because it will be easy to maneuver and park. Hyundai had announced that they would be bringing the Santa Fe as a CBU. We hope they reconsider their decision.