On Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Skoda New Octavia
Skoda recently launched the 2013 Octavia globally. This third generation model has been completely re-designed both inside, outside and has drawn inspiration from the Vision D concept. The new car from Czech manufacturer has a seeming resemblance to the 2013 European spec Skoda Rapide that is based on the same design philosophy. We won’t get the Europe spec Rapid anytime soon, but this D-Segment sedan will come to India in the coming months.
Skoda has moved towards softer lines and more rounded edges to give the Octavia a classier, premium and more modern feel. It has become longer (up from 4.5 meters to 4.6 meters) and wider (up from 1.7 to 1.8 meters) and the wheelbase has gone up by 108mm.This means that interior cabin space has been increased significantly.
However, despite the significant increase in all around proportions the new car is 102 kgs lighter thanks to parent company Volkswagen’s MQB platform. This will be the same platform that is expected to underpin a host of future models from the German automaker’s stables.
In front, the Octavia gets the new Skoda grille which will grace all future models from the Czech automaker. Among the revisions, most significant are the new headlights and tail lamps. The base model has been fitted with halogens up front and normal lights at the back. The top-end variant on the other hand gets bi-Xenon with day-time LED running lights in front and full LED lights for the tail lamp cluster. However, the good news is that Skoda seems to have retained its signature ‘C’ shaped tail lights in both trims.
On the sides, the car is pretty similar to its predecessor save for sharper lines and slightly flared wheel arches. The wheels too have been revised and now feature a sharper design, almost similar to those found on some of the newer VW sedan cars.
Inside, there is a new touch screen as well as a new audio unit. Adaptive cruise control, a new park assist system, a new electro-panoramic sunroof, optional keyless entry and automatic door and ignition system have also been included in the changes for the 2013 model.
Skoda will be offering this new model with four petrol and four diesel engines. The petrol range includes a 1.4TSI in two states of tune – 120bhp and 138bhp. The bigger units include the 1.8TSI having an output of 177bhp and 2.0-litre TSI for the vRS version. The diesel options are 1.6-litre TDI developing either 103bhp or 108bhp, along with 2.0-litre TDI available in 147bhp and 181bhp guise.
The 2013 Octavia will go on sale in various European countries in the first quarter of 2013 and we can expect that Skoda will bring this car to the Indian market by middle of next year. Since the Octavia brand performed better than Laura in India, it is likely that Skoda will revive the name. Also, it will have to be seen whether the current Laura will be discontinued, as the new model is expected to cost a bit. The starting price of around Rs 14 lakh, while the top-end will hover close to Rs 18.5 lakh.
