Earlier last month, Skoda had announced their plans of launching the new-gen Octavia in India towards the end of April, with deliveries set to begin from May. However, given the new surge in Covid-19 cases across the country and the resulting lockdown that has been imposed on Maharashtra, the fourth-gen Skoda Octavia's India launch has been indefinitely postponed. This development was confirmed by Zac Hollis, Brand Director - Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, on Twitter. Initially slated for a launch in 2020, it was already delayed due to the pandemic. There is no word as to how long we’ll have to wait for the new Octavia to arrive.
Skoda has yet again delayed the launch of fourth-gen Octavia in India due to rise in Covid-19 cases.
2021 Skoda Octavia - Powertrain Details
The 2021 Skoda Octavia will be powered by VW Group's 2.0L TSI engine. This engine already does duty on the Skoda Superb and it produces 190hp and 320Nm of torque. It solely comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. If it continues in the same spec of tune, the upcoming Octavia should be a hoot to drive with the 7-speed DCT gearbox. The Skoda Superb with the 2.0L engine does the 0-100kph sprint in about 8 seconds. When this engine is put in the much lighter Octavia, performance should be plenty. Skoda could also offer the 150hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Karoq on lower trims of the Octavia.
Initially slated for a launch in 2020, it was already delayed due to the pandemic.ArrayAlso Read : 2021 Skoda Kodiaq Globally Unveiled, India Launch Q2 FY2022
2021 Skoda Octavia - Exterior Design
Skoda has been spied testing the next-gen Octavia on our roads on quite a few occasions, sometimes even uncamouflaged. Based on what we have seen from the spy shots, the India-spec Octavia will be pretty similar to the one that's sold in Europe. The design of the next-gen Octavia is in line with the current Superb. If, however, you were a fan of the split headlamps of the outgoing car, Skoda has unfortunately ditched that for a more conventional design, again, quite similar to that of the Superb. The buttery honeycomb grille, however, continues and so do the C-shaped LED tail lamps at the rear.
In terms of design, the new Skoda Octavia adopts Skoda's new family look also seen on the Superb.
2021 Skoda Octavia - Interior and Features
The next-gen Octavia will also be very well appointed in terms of features and equipment. The interiors are properly premium with a floating touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and most buttons replaced with touch-based controls. We have not seen the interiors of the India-spec Octavia but it should be largely similar to the European model. The dashboard has a beautiful layered design and it will be loaded with features such as dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a branded sound system, powered front seats, and cruise control.
The interior of the next-gen Skoda Octavia feels properly premium and upmarket.
2021 Skoda Octavia - Expected Price and Rivals
All this should not, however, suggest to you that it will be considerably more expensive than its rivals. The new Octavia is likely to be priced from around INR 18 lakh, putting it exactly in the ball park of the Hyundai Elantra - its only existing rival in the Indian market after Honda pulled the plug on the Civic in India. If Skoda manages to get the pricing right, it could shake up the segment and probably even bring in some SUV buyers as well.
Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.
