Enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the launch of new Skoda Octavia

Skoda would soon be launching the all-new version of its first landmark model in India, Octavia on October 3rd. As per sources, it would come in three trims viz. Active, Ambition and Elegance with four engine combinations. The car works on the latest Vision D philosophy of Skoda and has a redesigned grille along with a refined signature design of firm's badge.

The new Octavia gets enlarged dimensions that place it towards the upper level of the executive car segment. It has dimensions greater in value in terms of length and breadth as compared to the outgoing Laura. However, the wheelbase is about 110 mm longer giving it more space towards the rear legroom. Even though it has increased on its size, the new Skoda Octavia weighs around 70 kg less than Laura sedan. This explains that it has been developed by using a lot of high-tensile steel and lighter components to make the new chassis considerably lightweight.

The 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine would be available with seven-speed automatic transmission system whereas the base variant, 1.4-litre TSI, would only get a manual gearbox. Customers going for 2.0-litre diesel version would get an option of selecting either manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Elegance variant gets a 1.8 litre TSI powertrain whereas the other two get the 2.0-litre TDI engine. Ambition can be owned in the 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre TDI engine with the option to go for manual or automatic gearbox. The base variant, Active comes in 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre TDI engine with a manual transmission system. The 1.8-litre TSI variant is expected to generate 177.1 bhp while the 1.4-litre TSI powertrain would churn out 138.1 bhp.

Notably, the diesel and petrol variants have different suspension wherein the petrol version comes with an independent, multi-link set-up and the diesel version gets a more cost-effective non-independent torsion-beam axle at the rear. Both of them have electrically assisted steering and disc brakes on the four corners.

It has been equipped with 16- inch alloy wheels, Anti-locking Brake System (ABS), traction control, power windows, remote locking, driver’s seat height adjustment and steering adjustment. A few more additional features that the car boasts of are a touchscreen audio system with an SD card reader, gear lever and handbrake, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air-conditioning, rear air-con vents in the interior section. A reverse camera and satellite navigation are two features that have been skipped here. Height adjustment for the front passenger seat and keyless entry are also not included. Adding these features could help grow sales and demands of customers. There has been no news about confirmed prices, however, experts believe that Ambition could be the best variant which would deliver value for money.