You read it first on MotorBeam. Skoda will officially unveil the third generation Octavia later this month and we have got exclusive information on its India arrival from our sources. The Czech automaker will launch the Skoda Octavia III in the Indian market in May 2013, bringing back the Octavia badge back to India. The current Laura sold in the Indian market is the second generation Octavia, which was re-badged to enable the company to sell the first generation Octavia in the country.
The 2013 Skoda Octavia is the first Skoda vehicle to be based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. It has generous interior dimensions and boasts of a massive 590-litres boot. Skoda has left no stone unturned to make the new Octavia the best Octavia yet, giving it class leading features, thereby moving it to a higher segment. A wide range of engines will power the new Octavia but in India, we will get the already on sale 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine.
The new Skoda Octavia will be positioned between the Laura and Superb. The Superb will get a minor facelift early next year and prices will be increased marginally. Thus the new Octavia will sit comfortably in the Rs. 16-20 lakh price bracket. The Laura will continue to sell for sometime, after which the European Rapid will replace it. The European Rapid will be called Laura in India and will be priced between Rs. 13-17 lakhs. Skoda is still undecided on the launch of the Citigo small car, which will be launched not before mid-decade.
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