The Skoda Octavia’s Market Introduction Has Been Delayed Yet Again

• New Skoda Octavia launch postponed from Q1 to Q2 2021.
• It will be offered only with petrol engines, no diesel engine on the cards.
• Prices likely to start around the Rs 18 lakh mark.
• It will rival the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.

If you had your eyes set on the upcoming fourth-gen Octavia, you will have to wait a little longer as its launch has been delayed yet again. Skoda’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Zac Hollis, has tweeted that the sedan will be launched in Q2 2021. It was earlier slated to go on sale in September 2020 before being postponed to Q1 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Skoda has already begun testing the new Octavia on our roads and it looks quite similar to the European model. In fact, the new Octavia’s design cues are similar to the Superb and that’s no bad thing. Skoda’s trademark design elements such as the sleek butterfly honeycomb grille and ‘C’ shaped LED tail lamps have been retained. 

We are yet to see the interior of the Octavia, but it’s likely to be similar to the European model. The highlight here is the touchscreen infotainment system through which all the functions can be controlled. It could also come with connected car tech, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a branded sound system, powered front seats, and cruise control. Safety should be covered by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors as well as electronic stability control. 

The upcoming Skoda Octavia will come with petrol power, with no diesel engines on the cards. Engine options could include a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI petrol unit for the lower-spec variants and a 190PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol mill. Both engines could be offered with only dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Skoda’s fourth-gen Octavia will take on the likes of the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. It’s likely to be priced from Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). The lack of a diesel engine might come as a disappointment for some, but we expect the Octy to retain its traits as a solid, fun-to-drive sedan.