Skoda has unveiled the third generation Octavia in India today, bringing back the Octavia nameplate after the first gen Octavia was discontinued in 2010, having a run of nine years in the Indian market. The automaker has renamed the second generation Octavia to Laura as it wanted to sell both the generation models simultaneously. The third generation Skoda Octavia is underpinned by Volkswagen’s new MQB platform and the vehicle is 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase is a generous 2868 mm (108 mm increase) and the boot capacity is an impressive 590-litres.
The new Skoda Octavia is bigger but that’s not all. Skoda has given the new Octavia a host of features along with updating the engines with more power. Skoda hasn’t mentioned what engines will power the new Octavia in India but we are certain the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine will continue to do duty with increased power and more mileage, mated to both petrol and automatic transmissions. The 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine will be retained from the Laura and the 1.4-litre TSI will be borrowed from the Volkswagen Jetta. The vRS version of the Skoda Octavia will be launched in India next year.
The new Octavia debuts Skoda’s new design language which will be featured in upcoming Skoda models. Skoda has commenced production of the new Octavia at its Aurandabad plant today, where the Laura, Yeti and Superb are being manufactured. Skoda states the new Octavia is in a class of its own and offers mid-class qualities for the price of a compact car. The automaker sold 44,900 units of the first gen Octavia in India when it was on sale between November 2001 and October 2010. Skoda has confirmed the Laura will be discontinued in India soon and the new Octavia will go on sale this festive season. Prices are expected to be very competent with the base model starting around Rs. 12.5 lakhs.
