Skoda has started testing the next-gen Octavia sedan in India. The sedan was earlier planned to be launched in September 2020; however, the launch has been delayed due to coronavirus pandemic. Skoda Auto India Director, Zac Hollis has now confirmed that the new-gen Skoda Octavia will be launched in the Indian market in early 2021.
First unveiled in November 2019, the new-gen Skoda Octavia has received major changes in terms of design, size and interior. It is 19mm longer and 15mm wider; however, the wheelbase remains the same at 2,686mm. It comes with familiar design with more aggressive elements, which are inspired by the new Skoda Superb. The sedan gets the prominent butterfly grille with chrome surround and single-piece headlamp with LED DRLs.
The India-spec model will feature the newly styled 17-inch alloy wheels. Some of the design elements include new split LED tail-lamps, SKODA lettering on the tailgate and sloping roofline. Inside the cabin, the new model gets all-new dashboard layout dominated by a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with connected car technology with eSIM functionality and Skoda’s Smartlink+.
The new-gen Skoda Octavia also gets new and sleeker two-spoke steering wheel. It features an all-new 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument console. For safety and security, the sedan has 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and traction control.
Powering the new Octavia is a 1.5L TSI petrol engine that also powers the Skoda Karoq. This engine produces 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. The top-spec model is likely to receive the 190PS, 2.0L petrol engine. Both engines will be paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The new model is likely to be priced somewhere around Rs 19-27 lakh. It will directly rival the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic.
