Skoda’s much-awaited model the next-generation Octavia has been delayed yet again. The new Skoda Octavia was slated for entry in the Indian market by September 2020 but the plans were pushed to Q1 of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown associated with it. Now, the brand has confirmed that the Skoda Octavia in its new avatar will only make it to the streets in India by Q2 of 2021.
The new model has been unveiled in the European market and in terms of the exterior design, it is likely to remain largely the same. The Czech brand has axed the split headlamp design to a more classical one similar to the Skoda Superb. The new generation model retains the signature vertically slated grille design with a satin chrome bezel. The headlamps feature projector setup and LED daytime running lights integrated into it. The tail lamp is also an LED unit with C-shaped light signatures. The executive sedan features its hallmark crease line that starts from the tip of the headlamp and connects to the tail lamp. The car also features a wide air dam and bumper integrated LED fog lamp units.
On the inside, the European-spec car features a layered dashboard with a minimalist approach and most functions have been concentrated in the centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system. Some hotkeys are also seen below the infotainment system in between the trapezoidal air conditioning vents. The Skoda Octavia is expected to come with a dual-zone climate control AC, new-generation Skoda two-spoke steering wheel, Virtual Cockpit instruments cluster with satellite navigation, premium sound system, leather upholstery, electromechanical parking brake and shift-by-wire gear selector.
In the engine department, the Skoda Octavia is expected to be powered by a BS6 compliant 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that pumps out 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque matched to an automatic gearbox. Higher-spec models are speculated to come with a larger displacement 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that produces close to 190 PS of power. The brand is not likely to offer a diesel powertrain on the Skoda Octavia.
The executive class sedan rivals the likes of the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra in the Indian market both of which are offered with BS6 compliant diesel engine options.