Is A Skoda Octavia A Good car?

Skoda Octavia

“For all those Octavia fans out there, we plan to launch the all-new Octavia at the end of next month, with deliveries starting from the end of May.” Twitted Zac Hollis, Brand Director of Skoda Auto India. 

Fourth-generation Skoda Octavia was unveiled back in 2019 while the global launch was delayed due to the ongoing crises around the world. The new-generation Octavia will be based on the tweaked version of the Volkswagen Groups MBQ platform and soon will be launched in India.

Engine

The latest generation Octavia will be available in BS6-compliant petrol versions with either the two engine options 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine tuned to a 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox second engine option in the list will be a 2.0-litre turbo capable of producing 190hp borrowed from the Superb coupled to a Dual-clutch 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Indian customers can be fortunate enough if the Chez manufacturer offers both petrol motors as an alternative, the downside is that Skoda India could give a miss to the diesel motor.

Dimensions & Design

Measuring 4,689 mm in length, 1,829 mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,686 mm the new generation Octavia will be 19mm and 15mm wider than the predecessor, the overall length and wheelbase stand at 4,753mm and 2,730mm respectively. Add on to this the car will have 78mm more legroom for rear passengers and massive 600-litre boot space with a lift-back-tailgate.

Interiors

An all-new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster which Skoda refers it as Virtual Cockpit is the new addition to the vehicle giving the car a tech touch, moreover, a 10-inch infotainment system has been added to the centre console with a Voice assistant embedded into it matches a 12-speaker Canton sound system. A newly redesigned dual-tone interior and matching two-spoke steering wheel can give an added advantage to the vehicle's cabin.

Exterior

The car comprises of a redesigned bumper housing horizontal LED fog lamps with wider air cons and a stretched chrome element running throughout the bumper angling around the fog lights. The new Octavia doesn't carry forward spilt headlights which were seen in the previous generation instead modern projector headlamps in matrix LED design with integrated multifunctional DRL which act as hazard lights have been developed, an aggressive-looking new C-shaped layout for the LED tail-lights gives a 3D look to it. The refreshed front grill resembles somewhat Skoda Kushaq. Indian Octavia version will be fairly similar to the European specs with some variations like the new redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels.

Features (L&K Variant)

1. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
2. Dual-Zone Climate Control
3. Cruise Control
4. Wireless Phone Charger
5. 8 Airbags
6. Antilock Breaking System (ABS)
7. Electric Brake Distribution (EBD)
8. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
9. 360-degree Camera with parking sensors
10. Powered Front Seats
11. Skoda Connect Service
12. Ambient Lighting
13. Sunroof
14. Multi-Collision Breaking
15. ISOFIX child seat anchors
16. USB Type-C port
17. Heads-up Display

Pricing & Competition
The new-generation Skoda Octavia is likely to be priced between ₹18-₹22 Lakh Ex-showroom and will be a CKD unit. Skoda Octavia will fight against well-planted rivals like the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla Altis. Skoda India is also likely to introduce an RS version of the new Octavia producing 245hp by the end of this year or even earlier.

All and all, Skoda is celebrating its 20th anniversary in India with a variety of models launching in the year 2021 and the years to come ranging from SUVs to midsized SUVs & saden to hatchbacks like Kodiaq, Kushaq, Kamiq, Rapid, Fabia let wait and watch how fourth-generation Octavia gets a response from Skoda fanbase and new buyers as well.