India-bound 2017 Skoda Octavia (facelift) unveiled

Will go on sale in key European markets from the end of this year.

Skoda Auto has digitally unveiled the 2017 Skoda Octavia (facelift), featuring minor changes to the exterior and interior. The Czech manufacturer has confirmed that it will go on sale in key European markets from the end of this year, and deliveries will commence in early 2017.

The facelifted Octavia's front end features a new quartet of headlights powered by LED technology, slightly revised grille, and a redesigned bumper-wide intake with new foglamps. The profile and rear-end look largely identical to the outgoing, save for an updated LED taillight cluster.

The notable changes inside the 2017 Octavia are a new instrument cluster with an updated multi-info color display and a 9.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display with Columbus navigation, which takes up a large chunk of space in the center console. Also new to the Octavia is ŠKODA Connect with Infotainment Online and CareConnect, customizable key settings, heated steering wheel, folding tables on the back of the front seats, bottle holders, and a removable torch in the boot (Octavia Combi only).

The 2017 Skoda Octavia will come with five TSI and four TDI engine options, with displacements ranging from 1.0L to 2.0L. The outputs begins at 63 kW (84 hp) and stretches to 135 kW (184 hp). For most engine options a DSG transmission with six or seven gears is standard, while a 6-speed manual is available in lower variants.

As for the Indian market, Skoda India has announced there are four new products in the pipeline for launch in 2017. The new Octavia is assumed as among the products, while the other three are the Skoda Kodiaq SUV, Skoda Octavia RS, and Monte Carlo edition of the Skoda Rapid.