tech2 News StaffJun 10, 2021 15:08:22 IST
Following a long delay, the 2021 Skoda Octavia has finally been launched in India, with prices starting at Rs xxx lakh. It was originally slated to arrive in April, but in view of the terrifying spike in COVID-19 cases across India, Skoda decided to delay the launch of the new-generation Octavia, which is one of four models the company has lined up for the Indian market in 2021. The new Octavia is available in two trim levels – Style (Rs 25.99 lakh) and the top-spec Laurin & Klement (Rs 28.99 lakh, both prices ex-showroom).
The fourth-gen Skoda Octavia has grown in size compared to its predecessor. Image: Overdrive/Anis Shaikh
The previous-generation Skoda Octavia was discontinued before BS6 emission norms came into force in 2020, and the Octavia nameplate has been missing from the company’s India portfolio ever since. The new generation model is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, and is larger than its predecessor. Kerb weight is over 1.4 tonnes, with a minor difference in weight between variants on account of the top-spec model having more features.
The new Skoda Octavia will be available only with a petrol engine option at the time of launch. However, Skoda has previously said it will evaluate demand for diesels in the higher segments and could potentially bring back diesel engine options for its larger offerings including the Octavia.
The new Octavia gets the 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine (the same as in the Superb). Just like the previous Octavia – which was also available with a smaller 1.4-litre TSI engine – the new Octavia, too, is likely to receive a 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI (which will power the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun) sometime down the road as a more affordable alternative. A seven-speed DSG automatic is the only transmission on offer for now.
