Skoda Auto India, the completely owned subsidiary of German auto major Volkswagen Group, is planning to introduce the 3rd generation model of Octavia premium sedan in the domestic passenger car market sometime during the October-November period of 2013 calendar year. The new Octavia saloon has been unveiled to the global audience at the '13 Geneva Motor Show. At present, the Czech car maker offers the 2nd generation model under Laura badging in the country.
As per industry sources, Skoda Auto India could take out its Laura model off the market, in order to accommodate the yet-to-be launched Octavia saloon in the entry D-segment. The Czech car maker has completed 13 years of operation in the Indian auto market, and had introduced its 1st generation Octavia as its debut product in 2001. Pitched in the entry D-segment, the 2013 Octavia will be launched in both petrol and diesel powered variants in the country.
Currently, the D-segment has a number of competitive models, such as Hyundai Elantra, Renault Fluence, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and Chevrolet Cruze, amongst others in the Indian passenger car market. Hence, the upcoming 3rd generation Skoda Octavia has a massive onus of consolidating a decent market share for the Czech car maker in the country. The discontinued 1st generation Octavia model was a big hit in India and therefore, Skoda Auto will be hoping for a game replay with its new model. Industry experts believe that the yet-to-be launched Skoda Octavia will carry price tags in the price band starting from Rs. 12 lakhs that could go on till Rs. 17 lakhs.
![Skoda Octavia [2017-2021]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/43966/skoda-octavia-rs-245-exterior5.jpeg?q=80 "Skoda Octavia [2017-2021]")
