Fourth-Gen Skoda Octavia Production Begins Ahead Of Launch

In terms of design, the new Octavia looks more aggressive than its predecessor. It features the latest iteration of Skoda’s butterfly grille with a thick chrome surround flanked by new single-piece sleek LED headlamps. It replaces the split headlamp setup found on the predecessor for a more conventional look. The bumper is also new with sleek fog lamps connected by a chrome element running across the width. 

The side profile also looks aggressive with a sharp shoulder line running across the length of the sedan and a coupe-like sloping roofline. At the back, it gets sleek tail lamps flanking the Skoda lettering in the centre of the boot lid. 

On the inside, the Octavia will get a completely redesigned cabin with a multi-layered dashboard finished in black-beige upholstery. The central console consists of a large floating touchscreen infotainment system sitting at the top of central AC vents. It also gets a new bi-spoke steering wheel similar to the unit seen on the Kushaq SUV. 

Features on offer should include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, muti-zone AC, a panoramic sunroof, auto LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, connected car tech, electronic parking brake, wireless mobile charging and upto 7 airbags. 

Under the hood, the new Octavia will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine that makes 190PS and 320Nm mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Skoda might also offer a smaller 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine on the new Octavia. It makes 150PS and 250Nm paired to either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DSG. 

Deliveries of the new Octavia will get underway from the end of May 2021. Prices are expected to range from Rs 18 lakh to Rs 26 lakh. It will take on the Hyundai Elantra which retails from Rs 17.83 lakh to 21.10 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Skoda currently offers the previous-gen Octavia RS 245 in India which is priced at Rs 36 lakh (ex-showroom India).