2021 Skoda Octavia – 4 Reasons To Buy & Not Buy

We tell you the reasons to buy the 2021 Skoda Octavia and point out why it could be avoided

People who wish to buy the 2021 Skoda Octavia have plentiful reasons to justify their decision, among which would be the fact that it is a cut-price Superb.

After our very own Parth Gohil took the D-segment sedan out for a proper spin, we found the car’s true nature and below are a few points one should consider before buying the new Octavia.

4 Reasons To Buy

Cabin Quality & Features – Skoda has really worked its magic on the 2021 Octavia. In terms of quality, the cabin is very premium and soft-touch materials have been used well. But, the number of features it comes with betters that. Customers would get a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, electrically adjustable seats, and several more.

Petrol Engine – The 2.0-litre TSI engine is well-known thanks to its application in other Skoda vehicles. It offers power throughout the rev range and is punchy too, as it has outputs of 190 PS and 320 torques. The 7-speed DSG suits it well too.

Ride Quality – Unlike the previous generation Octavia, the new model is a bit softer and thus has better ride quality at low speeds. But, it does not mean the car gets wallowy at highway speeds. It has great stability, which we reckon will please many a buyer.

Safety Systems – Its got tonnes of it. There are 8 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, Multi Collision Brake, Hydraulic Brake Assist, ASR, Hill Hold Control, Parktronic sensors and more, while the bodyshell should be strong enough to score top marks at crash tests.

4 Reasons Not To Buy

Design – Frankly, it draws mixed opinions. The side and rear profiles of the 2021 Octavia are good. But, the front fascia has a hit-or-miss kind of design. Some like the large grille with the chrome surround, while others do not. Also, the 17-inch Pulsar alloys offered on the top variant are, surprisingly, not to the liking of many.

No Diesel Variant – Now, this might not be a deal-breaker, but, given the price point, Skoda could have offered a diesel engine variant. It would have also suited the long-legged nature of the car. But, Skoda is adamant that it will not sell diesel models anymore.

Misses Out On Notable Goodies – For a D-segment to miss out on features like sunroof and ventilated seats is, to put it mildly, a blunder. Further, despite having a peach of an engine, the car does not come with any driving modes. Only the gearbox gets an S mode in which it holds onto to gears for a bit longer.

Price – This must be the most important point that might cause people to chuck the 2021 Skoda Octavia reasons to buy list. The car costs between Rs. 25.99 lakhs and 28.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) and for that money, many would rather get a large SUV than a D-segment sedan. The addition of a 1.5-litre model should bring the entry-level pricing down to an acceptable level.