Skoda Superb Diesel: Is Skoda Considering Bringing Back The Diesel Powertrain?

With the reintroduction of diesel engines, Skoda will become a more lucrative option for fuel conscious customers

Diesel enthusiasts rejoice as Skoda is reportedly planning to bring back the diesel engine, starting with the Skoda Superb. While the carmaker already manufactures the petrol engines locally, according to our sources, they are considering the same possibilities for the diesel engine, but have been held back by the fluctuating Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms. In this report, we cover all the information we have about the diesel powertrain for the Czech carmaker. 

Why Were They Discontinued? 

The Volkswagen Group, which includes Skoda, Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen, discontinued the diesel engines in 2019. The decision was likely due to the BS6 norms, which introduced stricter emission standards for all engines. Since then, brands under the VW group have only offered petrol engines. 

That is expected to change soon, as our sources mentioned that Skoda is considering planning to bring back the diesel engines in India, starting with the Skoda Superb. 

Hindrances 

One of the biggest thorns for Skoda is the fluctuating Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms. CAFE norms are set to regulate the CO2 emissions of the entire lineup of an automotive entity instead of individual models. There are multiple ways to calculate the CAFE score of a carmaker, but the overall score is determined by factors such as the number of units sold, CO2 emission and kerb weight of the individual models. Carmakers can either sell more units or reduce the CO2 emissions to stay under the CAFE target score set by the relevant authorities. 

Carmakers can also sell EVs or hybrid vehicles, which earn the company ‘Super Credits’. These ‘super credits’ can be used to balance out models that are more polluting. Skoda could have taken advantage of this offer with the help of Enayq, which was expected to come to India in 2025 but has been delayed due to the possible talks of imposing tariffs by the US government. 

Also Check Out: New 2025 Kia Carens Launch Date Confirmed, Prices To Be Announced On May 8

With Skoda offering a limited number of units through the CBU route, the overall sales figures will not reach a point that will trigger the CAFE norm requirements.  

Why Are They Being Reintroduced? 

Back when the VW group offered diesel engines, they were the most preferred choice amongst the customers of the carmakers, with one of the possible reasons being the high efficiency that the TDI engines offer. This could be one of the major reasons for bringing back the diesel engine. In a market such as India, where fuel efficiency is a major point that a customer looks out for when getting a new car, this move might make the Superb and upcoming offerings by the group more attractive. 

What's Next? 

While Skoda is reportedly planning to bring back diesel engines, they will be exclusively offered with models that come through the CBU route. The carmaker is also considering local manufacturing, but due to the reasons stated above, it is waiting to come to a conclusive decision. That said, other models under the VW group umbrella, such as the Audi Q5, Q4, A4 and A6 , Volkswagen’s Tiguan R-Line and Porsche’s Cayenne might follow in the footsteps of Skoda and reintroduce the diesel engines back on our shores. 

Which VW group offering would you like to see in India running on a diesel powertrain? Let us know in the comments  

Follow the CarDekho WhatsApp channel to get instant updates from the automotive world.