While the Fabia hatchback finds the going tough due to heavy competition, there is hope for Skoda India to grow its market share by enrolling in a lower segment. Time and again Skoda India has said that a car under the Fabia is essential to enlarge its market presence.
Like the Volkswagen Up!, the CitiGo from Skoda is tasked with cutting out a small portion in the i10 and Wagon R territory. Skoda hasn't shown the five-door model but we have our good friend Theo Chin doing the honors with his snazzy rendering.
The Citigo has to be cheaper than Up! despite using the same engines, equally good space levels, good fuel efficiency from sub-1.2 liter engines and offering similar kit. This is the strategy followed by the VW Group in India.
It almost feels like much of the future Skoda models will be a mildly different Volkswagen. Even with thick camouflage, one is able to find the close connection of the Vento and the Fabia sedan. This trend is set to continue with the Up and CitiGo.
Won't the Indian customer find it obvious? Will he then buy a car brand rather than a car?