2021 Skoda Octavia To Launch In The Next Two Months: Zac Hollis

• Skoda confirms plans to launch the Octavia within two months.
• It will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine; 1.5-litre unit can’t be ruled out.
• It will come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
• Prices likely to start from Rs 17 lakh.

The fourth-gen Skoda Octavia, unveiled back in November 2019, will soon make a comeback in the country. The Director of Sales, Service and Marketing at Skoda Auto India, Zac Hollis, has tweeted that the premium midsize sedan is set to be launched within the next two months. Unlike before, the fourth-gen Octavia will now come with a petrol engine only. 

Petrolheads can rejoice as the engine, in question, is the 190PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor that does duty in the Superb. Driving its front wheels, this engine comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s quick off the line considering the Superb managed 0-100kmph in 8.33 seconds on a soaked day. On a dry tarmac and with a lighter kerb weight, the Octy should do better. The smaller 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol can’t be ruled out either. 

In terms of design, the new Octavia looks a lot sleeker. The split headlamps have been ditched for a conventional single-piece LED unit that flanks the slimmer and wider butterfly grille. In an age when fog lamps are being dropped, Skoda will offer the Octavia with sleek LED fog lamps. In profile, the sharp character line that flows through the length looks elegant. The new split LED tail lamps complete the design. 

The Octavia’s cabin gets a major overhaul. In line with Skoda’s international models, the Octy now comes with a floating touchscreen infotainment system. Almost all the knobs have been removed as most of the features can be controlled through the infotainment. The driver also gets digital instrumentation. 

The new Skoda Octavia is likely to be priced from Rs 17 lakh, putting it up against its only rival: the Hyundai Elantra. The new Octavia can also be considered an alternative to the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson.