Skoda has officially unveiled the new Octavia. The third generation Skoda Octavia receives major upgrades in most areas, making the vehicle even more value for money than before. After several days of teasing with various pictures of the new Skoda Octavia, the Czech firm has taken off the wraps of the very first vehicle to use the MQB platform in the Skoda line-up. Skoda intends to play the value game with the new Octavia, which it boasts has more space than its rivals.
The 2013 Skoda Octavia offers 1782 mm of interior length, 73 mm of more knee room and 980 mm of headroom. A 590-litres of boot capacity ensures the Octavia can gobble up big bags with ease. Compared to its predecessor, the new Octavia has 8 mm more front head room, 39 mm more elbow width and 26 mm more rear elbow width. The overall length of the Skoda Octavia has increased by 90 mm while the width has increase by 45 mm. The wheelbase has grown by 108 mm, resulting in vastly improved rear seat legroom.
Volkswagen’s new MQB platform has resulted in weight reduction and the new Octavia is 102 kgs lighter than the model it replaces. There are 8 engines on offer, 4 TSI petrols and 4 TDI diesels. Except the entry level petrol and diesel engines, all other engines are offered with Green tec with start-stop technology. These engines are mated to 6-speed manual and DSG transmissions. Skoda is already working on CNG, all-wheel drive and vRS variants of the car, which are due to be unveiled by mid-2013.
Needless to say, the Skoda Octavia will be powered by the 1.8-litre TSI petrol which belts out 160 BHP of power and 2.0-litre TDI diesel which generates 140 BHP of power. These engines boast of improved mileage courtesy the start/stop system. Skoda has also offered segment first features like the Adaptive Cruise Assistant, Intelligent Light Assistant, Automatic Parking Assistant, electric panoramic sliding sunroof, keyless entry with button start, 9 airbags and touch displays with proximity sensors.
While Skoda will put the new Octavia on sale globally in March 2013, our sources have already confirmed to us about a May 2013 launch for the new Skoda Octavia in India, with the Octavia name plate making a comeback. The Laura will continue to sell as it is and the new Octavia will be positioned between the Laura and the Superb and will be priced between Rs.16 to 20 lakhs.
