In a lot of ways, sedans have a niche market in India and are considered to be symbols of class. Over the past few years, the compact sedan segment has done really well in India with Swift DZire and Amaze models. The competition in the executive sedan segment is quite intense as well due to the presence of a number of models vying for the top spot. There are two models that have been competing with each other for a while now, namely Skoda Octavia and Hyundai Elantra. One common fact about both these models is that they have been present in the market for a long time. While the previous generation versions of Skoda Octavia clocked excellent sales figures, Hyundai Elantra struggled to strike a chord with consumers. However, the current generation version of Elantra has received accolades and appreciation from experts. On the other hand, new Skoda Octavia has been loved by customers for its design and is providing tough competition to Hyundai's sedan.
Apart from hatchbacks, South Korean auto maker Hyundai has a terrific presence in the sedan segment. Over the years, models like Accent (now discontinued), Elantra and Verna have helped the firm to generate superb revenues. The inclusion of Neo Fluidic architecture has really done the trick for Hyundai, as far as Elantra is concerned. Featuring an elegant design based on the 'wind craft' concept, this sedan has graceful fault lines along with dynamic waves. The highlights of exteriors are multi-focus reflector headlamps, aerodynamically designed LED side mirrors and a sporty trunk lid. In addition, chrome door handles, hexagonal front grille, fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels add to the appearance of this model.
Hyundai Elantra is equally good as far as interiors are concerned and is equipped with several features for enhancement of comfort levels. Hyundai has given a pretty luxurious feel to Elantra's interiors by including front seat ventilation for efficient air circulation. The centre console of this sedan features 2-din stereo system and also includes an iPod cable. Other features are ten-way power adjustable driver seat, cooled glove box, rear armrest audio control and rear air conditioner vents. Coming to mechanical configuration, this sedan is available in both diesel and petrol versions. Elantra petrol runs on a 1.8-litre engine that delivers a peak output of around 147.5 bhp. On the other hand, diesel variant of Elantra is powered by 1.6-litre drivetrain that produces around 126 bhp of maximum output.
Czech-based auto maker Skoda had not been doing well in India in the recent past. However, by launching new Octavia sedan, it has sought to change this fact and has succeeded to a certain extent. Previous generation versions of Skoda Octavia were loved by customers, who appreciated its spaciousness and power levels. The new generation version of this sedan boasts of the amazing crystalline design philosophy. Exteriors of this car sport a prominent radiator grille with 19 vertical slats, thereby adding to dynamic design of this car. Skoda has laid great emphasis on the style quotient of this sedan by giving it a coupe like silhouette that is well-defined by sharp tornado lines. Another noticeable thing about the appearance of this sedan is its rear view comprising unique triangles on left and right sides of boot lid.
Interiors of new Skoda Octavia are highly stylish, featuring a chrome package comprising chrome trim on steering wheel, door handles and gear level console. The highlights of interiors of this car are dual-zone Climatronic Air Conditioning, steering mounted audio controls and twelve-way electrically adjustable driver seat and wood design decor. This model is quite advanced in terms of technology as it comes with features like retractable wind screen, boarding spot lamps, panoramic electric sunroof with bounce-back system, front and rear reading lamps, cruise control and light assistant function.
Skoda Octavia comes in three engine options including two petrol and one diesel. While petrol versions of this sedan are powered by 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre engines. These variants are capable of delivering output levels of 138 bhp and 178 bhp, respectively. On the other hand, Skoda Octavia diesel come equipped with a 2.0-litre powertrain that produces maximum power of around 141 bhp.
Choosing between these models could be tough for a consumer as both have their respective positives. If statistics of these two are compared in terms of power then Skoda Octavia has a clear edge over Hyundai Elantra. However, the Hyundai sedan is stylish and boasts of a highly efficient engine.
