Under Volkswagen Group’s India Plan 2.0, Skoda plans to launch a wide range of new cars in the next couple of years. The company will introduce 3 all-new cars in the Indian market in 2021. Early next year, the next-gen Skoda Octavia will arrive in our market. The sedan was earlier planned to be launched in September 2020; however, it got delayed due to coronavirus pandemic.
Skoda Auto India Director, Zac Hollis has confirmed that the new-gen Octavia will be introduced in early 2021 – most probably in Q1. First unveiled in November 2019, the new Octavia comes with significant changes in terms of styling, dimensions and interior. It is 19mm longer and 15mm wider; however, the wheelbase remains the same at 2,686mm. The sedan gets the prominent butterfly grille with chrome surround and single-piece headlamp with LED DRLs. The sedan will have new 17-inch alloys, split LED tail-lamps, SKODA lettering on the tailgate and sloping roofline.
The cabin of the new Octavia has all-new dashboard layout, which is dominated by a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment unit supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with connected car technology with eSIM functionality and Skoda’s Smartlink+. The sedan also gets two-spoke steering wheel, a new 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument console, 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and traction control.
The new Octavia is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre TSI petrol and a 2.0-litre TSI petrol. While the former is good for 147bhp and 250Nm of torque, the 2.0L unit offers 187bhp of power. Both engines will be paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
In the mid-2021, Skoda will introduce the Vision IN concept based mid-sized SUV. The new model will also mark the debut of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited’s locally developed MQB AO IN platform, which will also underpin the Volkswagen Taigun. The new SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. While launch is scheduled in mid-2021, the production version of the SUV could debut in the first quarter – January to March 2021. It is rumoured to be called the Skoda Kosmiq or the Kliq.
In terms of proportions, the new Vision IN is 4,256mm in length, 1,589mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,671mm. The Skoda Vision IN based SUV will be powered by a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The vehicle will also get a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 175Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Zac Hollis also confirmed that an all-new mid-sized sedan will be launched in our market in the end of 2021. Set to replace the ageing Rapid, the new model will have notchback styling and will be developed on the MQB AO IN platform. The new SUV will rival the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Ciaz.
It will be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which will soon be offered with the existing Rapid, VW Polo and the VW Vento. This engine is capable of producing 115bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
