At the Kvasiny plant, the updated fourth-generation Škoda Octavia shares its production line with the Karoq and Kodiaq SUV models. To support the production of this updated model, Škoda has opened a cutting-edge training centre at Kvasiny, featuring advanced technology, including three robotic workstations for practical training and two classrooms for theoretical instruction.

Also read: 470 BHP Skoda Superb Sleeper Edition Revealed

The modern history of the Škoda Octavia began in 1996 with its production at Mladá Boleslav, the first model developed entirely under Volkswagen Group's guidance. The introduction of the spacious Octavia Combi followed in 1998, with the first all-wheel-drive variant debuting in 1999.

The second generation, produced from 2004 to 2013, brought a range of engine upgrades, enhanced technology, and a more robust design, including a trapezoidal radiator grille. The third generation, built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A platform, offered impressive boot capacity and, in 2017, an updated model with split headlights and optional LED technology.

The current, fourth generation of the Škoda Octavia, launched in November 2019, is built on the updated MQB platform and features advanced options such as mild-hybrid technology and all-wheel drive. The latest update, released this spring, introduced a refreshed design, second-generation Matrix-LED headlights, improved safety and comfort features, and new technological functions, including the integration of ChatGPT into the voice assistant Laura.

Spanning four generations, the Škoda Octavia has seen the production of around 7.5 million units, continuing a legacy that traces back 65 years to the original model. The early Octavia, produced between 1959 and 1971, was available as a two-door saloon or estate, with a total of 360,000 units built during that period.

Enhanced Capabilities with ChatGPT

The integration with ChatGPT allows Laura to provide detailed responses beyond her original programming. Questions outside the typical categories of 'Vehicle,' 'Data,' 'Weather,' 'News,' 'Sports,' or 'Stocks' are directed to Chat Pro, which connects to ChatGPT. Responses sourced from ChatGPT are prefixed with “According to ChatGPT…”.

Also read: Volkswagen Integrates ChatGPT into New Models

Robust Data Security

Škoda ensures robust data protection with this new feature. ChatGPT does not access vehicle data or personal information, processing all requests anonymously and deleting interactions immediately after use. Users can control and deactivate this feature via the vehicle's privacy settings, although it remains always active in the Enyaq models.

Also read: Audi Enhances In-Car Voice Control with ChatGPT Integration

Multilingual Support and Availability

Available in English, Spanish, Czech, and German, this feature requires an active Infotainment Online Package. It is supported on models built on the MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms equipped with the latest infotainment systems.

Škoda's integration of ChatGPT in its vehicles underscores its commitment to enhancing user experience and maintaining data security.

The state-of-the-art technologies allow for the precise and accurate simulation of a wide range of climatic conditions, enabling comprehensive tests that mimic real-world operations. The new Simulation Centre houses a laboratory unique in the Czech Republic and the Volkswagen Group and is among the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe.

Also Read: First Sketches of Skoda Enyaq RS Race Concept

Unique combination of cutting-edge technologies

The new Simulation Centre allows vehicle functionality to be tested under extreme load and virtual calculations to be validated across diverse driving conditions, providing a high degree of test variability in various climatic environments. The facility can sustain temperatures from -7 to +50°C while testing. Moreover, the facility can simulate conditions ranging from 10 to 95% relative humidity (crucial for regions like India), sunlight exposure, and mountain driving at altitudes of up to 5500 metres above sea level. The laboratory also features a modern roller dynamometer for vehicles with outputs up to 300 kW, capable of simulating driving resistances at speeds of up to 265 km/h.

Additionally, it is equipped with sophisticated air ducting with two fans for airflow simulation, an emissions analysis system, and a high-speed charging station for electric vehicles with outputs up to 400 kW. The ability to combine these technologies allows for complex tests that closely replicate real-world operations with high accuracy and precision in results, while the analysis and evaluation of the data are conducted on-site. Performing up to 850 tests annually, the Simulation Centre significantly expands the possibilities for developing new technical solutions.

Also Read: New MySkoda App Combines Several New Functions in One

The construction also includes an expansion of the Emissions Centre in response to current and upcoming legislative requirements, such as the EU7 emission standard. The new measurement booths will primarily be used by the Quality department to ensure that both pre-production and production vehicles comply with these standards.

Further confirmation of technical competence within the Volkswagen Group

The demanding tests at the Simulation Centre, the construction of which began in 2021 with investments of almost €22 million, are conducted per the current and future legislative standards of the European Union, China, India, Brazil, and other regions. The opening of the facility marks another significant step for Škoda in assuming responsibility for the development of Volkswagen’s MQB27 platform, as well as overseeing the overall development of the EA211 series of petrol engines and associated systems such as air intake, exhaust, cooling, and thermal management. Additionally, the Czech car manufacturer handles all related manual transmissions and the application of the DQ200 automatic transmission.

The Technical Development department is continuously looking for new technical staff from a wide range of disciplines to join its ranks.

The procurement of these Skoda vehicles represents a continuation of Nottinghamshire Police's long-standing relationship with the renowned automobile manufacturer. Known for their reliability, performance, and versatility, Skoda cars have proven to be an ideal choice for fulfilling the diverse operational needs of a modern police force.

Among the newly acquired vehicles are 92 Octavia Estates and eight Superb Estates, carefully selected to serve various policing functions. Equipped with advanced features and tailored specifications, these vehicles are poised to become integral assets in the force's day-to-day operations.

The Octavia Estates, powered by either 1.5 TSI or 2.0 TDI SE Tech engines, are primed for response and neighbourhood policing duties. Outfitted with essential emergency equipment, including full livery kits and roof-mounted light bars, these vehicles are ready to swiftly navigate through urban streets, ensuring rapid and effective responses to incidents.

Complementing the Octavia Estates are the Superb Estates, distinguished by their Sportline Plus 2.0 TSI 280 DSG 4×4 specifications. Designed for specialized roles such as dog units and road policing, these vehicles undergo bespoke conversions to meet the unique requirements of their assigned tasks.

For dog units, Skoda collaborates with Pressfab EVO Limited, one of its approved converters, to develop custom kennel conversions. These specialized modifications include features such as bespoke air conditioning and blue light fitments, prioritizing the safety and comfort of police canines during operations.

Meanwhile, vehicles deployed for road policing duties are equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and matrix boards. These enhancements empower officers with the tools needed to enforce traffic regulations effectively and combat criminal activities on the region's roadways.

Beyond the acquisition of vehicles, the partnership between Nottinghamshire Police and Skoda signifies a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in law enforcement. By harnessing the capabilities of reliable and adaptable vehicles, the force aims to elevate its operational efficiency and uphold its mandate of safeguarding the community.

As these new Skoda vehicles join the ranks of Nottinghamshire Police's emergency fleet, they symbolize more than just a mode of transportation. They embody a collective effort to ensure public safety, inspire confidence within local communities, and drive forward the vision of a safer and more secure Nottinghamshire.

While the digital sketches offer a glimpse of what's in store, it's important to keep in mind that the final product may vary. Nonetheless, there are intriguing details to note, such as the redesigned daytime running lights and the implementation of next-gen matrix LED headlights with distinctive blue accents.

At the rear, the updated taillights draw inspiration from the Audi A4, adding a touch of sophistication to the Octavia's design. For enthusiasts, the RS variant promises a more aggressive front bumper and specially branded wheels, elevating its sporty appeal.

The upcoming premiere will also introduce the Sportline trim, expanding the range with additional options for buyers. While interior details remain under wraps, speculation suggests that Skoda may incorporate a sizable touchscreen display and other subtle enhancements to elevate the driving experience.

As the excitement mounts for the Valentine's Day reveal, enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to see the new Octavia lineup in all its glory.

Source

Production in the Czech Republic

In 2023, Skoda Auto manufactured approximately 556,000 units of the Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Octavia iV, Kamiq, Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé series in Mladá Boleslav. This facility also produced 349,021 MQ100 and MQ200 manual transmissions, 1,736,815 axles and 469,935 EA211 engines, which are also installed in other Volkswagen Group brands’ vehicles. Additionally, the site manufactured 165,606 battery systems for MEB vehicles and 147,625 battery systems for plug-in hybrid models. With a second assembly line commissioned in December 2023, the facility’s capacity is set to increase by 50% to 1,500 units a day.

The Kvasiny plant also contributed significantly, producing a total of 225,000 units of the Karoq, Kodiaq, Superb, and Superb iV models in 2023. Key highlights of the year included the unveiling of the second-generation Kodiaq in October and the world premiere of the fourth-generation Superb in November. The brand’s ICE flagship will continue to be available in both hatchback and Combi estate body styles.

In Vrchlabí, Skoda Auto’s production focused on DQ200 automatic direct-shift transmissions, with a total of 686,066 units manufactured. These transmissions are integral not only to Skoda’s models but also to vehicles across the Volkswagen Group.

International production facilities

At the Volkswagen facility in Bratislava, Skoda Auto’s production included over 36,000 units of the Karoq SUV and the initial units of the new Superb generation. The company was responsible for the entire development of both the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, which are manufactured on the same production line in Bratislava. This initiative is part of the Beta+ project, aimed at leveraging synergies in the production network and further boosting efficiency. By transferring the production of the Superb to Bratislava, the carmaker is creating capacity for additional units of the Octavia at the Kvasiny plant from the summer of 2024 onwards. Additionally, the move will allow more battery-electric vehicles to be built at the Mladá Boleslav plant.

At the Ukrainian plant in Solomonovo, 2,580 Skoda cars were assembled last year from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits imported from Czech production plants. The potential for increasing production volumes at the Solomonovo facility is contingent on the evolving war situation in Ukraine.

Across the four Chinese factories in Changsha (Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT), Nanjing (Kamiq, Kamiq GT and Superb), Ningbo (Octavia, Octavia Pro and Karoq) and Yizheng (Rapid), the Czech car manufacturer built approximately 18,500 vehicles in 2023.

Internationalisation strategy: entering new markets and building synergies

Skoda Auto effectively advanced its internationalisation strategy throughout 2023. The Pune factory in India produced almost 48,000 units of the locally developed Kushaq and Slavia models. Additionally, the Aurangabad plant contributed approximately 4,400 units, encompassing the Superb, Octavia, and Kodiaq models. In total, Skoda Auto’s Indian facilities produced over 52,000 vehicles.

The company is actively seeking to reach more customers in India while also expanding its international market presence. In line with this objective, Skoda Auto opened a new Parts Expedition Centre in Pune in October 2023. This will serve as a logistics hub for completely-knocked-down (CKD) kits of the Kushaq and Slavia models manufactured in India, starting this year.

In December last year, the Indian Parts Expedition Centre achieved a significant milestone by being the first in India to receive the Indian Green Building Council’s platinum certificate for green building. The certification underscores the facility’s adherence to green building principles, focusing on water conservation, energy efficiency, natural resource preservation, waste reduction, and creating healthier spaces for workers. These efforts align with Skoda Auto’s corporate strategy for a sustainable future.

From Pune, the CKD kits are set to be exported to Vietnam, reflecting Skoda Auto’s expansion into that market in September 2023. Vietnam is part of the ASEAN region where Skoda Auto strategically leads the Brand Group Core and aims to maximise growth for the Volkswagen Group.

Skoda Auto’s re-entry into Kazakhstan in October 2023 marks another significant step in its internationalisation efforts, contributing to the company’s goal of expanding its global presence.

In 2022, Skoda built almost 56,000 vehicles at its Indian plants in Pune (Škoda Kushaq and Slavia) and Aurangabad (Škoda Octavia, Kodiaq and Superb). The Aurangabad plant uses 100% ‘green’ energy and is on track to being CO2-neutral by 2025.

Škoda Auto produced around 42,000 vehicles at Chinese plants in Changsha (Škoda Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT), Nanjing (Škoda Kamiq, Kamiq GT and Superb), Ningbo (Škoda Octavia, Octavia Pro and Karoq) and Yizheng (Škoda Rapid).

In 2022, Škoda Auto produced around 415,000 vehicles from the Škoda Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Octavia iV, Kamiq, Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupé iV series at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The models in the successful all-electric Enyaq iV family are based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB).

In addition, the company produced 366,000 engines, 1,390,000 axles as well as 356,000 transmissions of the types MQ100 and MQ200 at its main plant. Škoda Auto reached the milestone of 4 million EA211 engines and manufactured the 15 millionth transmission of the current generation across all types.

Petr Solc is moving to India from Volkswagen Group Russia where he was the Head of the Skoda division. With a proven track record of over 17 years working globally with the Skoda brand within the Volkswagen
Group, he will be responsible for driving further growth for Skoda in India – a key market in the Group’s global expansion strategy. Petr will take charge of his new responsibilities on 1 September 2022. Zac Hollis will continue to be with Skoda India until 30 September 2022.

After graduating from the Technical University in Liberec with a master's degree in economics, Petr Solc began his career at Skoda in 2005, initially in the Central European Sales department. After holding various sales managerial positions in the Northern Europe region, he moved to Volkswagen Group UK in 2013, where he was responsible for the Skoda brand's sales planning and supply.

In 2016, he returned to Skoda headquarters, where he became Head of Sales for the Eastern Europe region. Over the past five years, he has managed the Sales activities in the Overseas region and taken significant steps towards developing the Skoda brand in markets such as India, Australia, North Africa, and New Zealand.

But what's more shocking is the lack of a few essential features that you naturally expect from a car at the price point. And the biggest miss in this regard has been a sunroof, something which Indian car buyers really seem to love in spite of its low practicality in a hot country like ours. To make matters worse, even the Hyundai Elantra comes with a single-pane sunroof. In fact, you will find full panoramic sunroofs in some similarly priced SUVs or even in much more affordable SUVs, and that highlights the lack even more.

Also Read : Skoda Slavia (Rapid Replacement) Spied Testing On Our Roads - Full Details

The fact is that the Korean duo of Hyundai and Kia have spoiled buyers with so many features in their cars as standard, any miss by any other manufacturer becomes greatly highlighted. And it's not just about the sunroof, but the new Octavia also misses out on a few more features such as ventilated seats and drive modes. Even a sub-compact SUV such as the Kia Sonet gets ventilated seats and something like the Hyundai Creta gets drive modes and traction modes, both models way more affordable than the Octy.

That said, these few misses aside, the cabin of the new Octavia is well-appointed. The quality of materials is absolutely top-notch, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. It is also pretty well loaded with gadgets - a free-standing 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster being the biggest highlights. Skoda’s new two-spoke steering wheel with knurled scroll wheels is also a great highlight of the new Octavia.

Other features on the Skoda Octavia include two-zone climate control, connected car tech, a digital assistant (named ‘Laura’), wireless smartphone charging, a 12-speaker Canton sound system, ambient lighting system, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats with memory settings, keyless entry on all doors and front and rear parking sensors, 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, adaptive headlights and a driver fatigue alert system. The India-spec Octavia gets a premium black and beige dual-tone theme for the dashboard the upholstery is finished in a lovely combination of suede and leather.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Although the new Octavia is clearly priced out of its comfort zone, Skoda does justify that price tag with top-notch features and a very premium cabin. Step inside the new Octy and you will know where your money has gone. If you cover the badge on the steering wheel, it feels almost as premium as some entry-level German luxury cars. It's not just the quality and premium feeling interior, but Skoda has also generously equipped the new Octavia with lots of features. Here's a detailed look at the features available with each trim of the Octy.

Skoda Octavia Style - INR 25.99 lakh

• LED headlamps with DRLs
• LED foglamps with cornering function
• LED tail-lamps with dynamic turn indicators
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Virtual cockpit digital instrument screen
• Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Mirror Link
• Dual-zone climate control
• Paddle shifters
• Ambient lighting
• Puddle lamps
• Keyless entry and go
• Power-adjust driver seat with memory
• Cruise control
• Rain sensing wipers
• Auto dimming mirror – internal and driver side
• Driver side wing mirror defogger
• 6 airbags (dual front, front side and curtain)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear view camera
• ABS with EBD
• ESC
• Hill start assist
• Multi collision braking
• Anti-Slip Regulation
• Electronic differential lock

Skoda Octavia Lauren&Klement - INR 28.99 lakh

• Adaptive LED headlamps
• Tyre pressure monitor
• 8 airbags (addition of rear side airbags)
• Fatigue alert
• Powered boot lid with hands-free opening
• Powered co-driver seat with memory function
• Canton sound system
• Rear sun visors – doors and windscreen
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Hands free parking

However, it must be pointed out that the new Octavia misses out on a few important features which are very much expected at this price point. And the biggest miss in this regard has been a sunroof, something which Indians really love, even though it is not the most suited for our climate conditions. To make matter worse, even the Hyundai Elantra comes with a single-pane sunroof. In fact, you will find full panoramic sunroofs in some similarly priced SUVs or even in much more affordable SUVs, and that highlights the lack even more.

Also Read : Skoda Slavia (Rapid Replacement) Spied Testing On Our Roads - Full Details

The fact is that the Korean duo of Hyundai and Kia have spoiled buyers with so many features in their cars as standard, any miss by any other manufacturer becomes greatly highlighted. And it's not just about the sunroof, but the new Octavia also misses out on a few more features such as ventilated seats and drive modes. Even a sub-compact SUV such as the Kia Sonet gets ventilated seats and something like the Hyundai Creta gets drive modes and traction modes, both models way more affordable than the Octy.

In terms of design, the interior of the new Octavia is dominated by the floating touchscreen and most buttons have been replaced with touch-based controls. The dashboard has a beautiful layered design and Skoda’s new two-spoke steering wheel with knurled scroll wheels is also a great highlight of the new Octavia. The 2021 Skoda Octavia is 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.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Also Read- Skoda Slavia (Rapid Replacement) Spied Testing On Our Roads - Full Details

The new Skoda Octavia features a much sharper design compared to the model it replaces. The front-end features new optional matrix-LED headlights and a wider front grille while the side profile gets a more coupe-like design with a lower roofline, pronounced character lines and bigger haunches. There’s a new set of alloy wheels as well. Over to the rear, the Octavia gets new LED taillights and a boot lid spoiler. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Octavia is more aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.24.

Also Read : Skoda Kushaq (Hyundai Creta-rival) Enters Production - Details

The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia gets an all-new interior that features a cleaner design, with most of the functions moving to the new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The analogue dials of the outgoing model have been replaced with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. Other notable features include dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, five USB-C ports, the MySkoda Connect app-based connected-tech, auto headlamps and wipers, adaptive LED lighting, sequential LED tail lamps, LED ambient lighting, 10-speaker Canto audio system and 8-way adjustable front seats. However, the Octavia doesn’t feature a sunroof or ventilated seats. The interior of the new Octavia features a dual-tone black and beige interior theme, leather upholstery, and the new signature two-spoke steering wheel.

The new Skoda Octavia is available with a single petrol engine option. The 2-litre turbo-petrol makes 190 PS and 320 Nm of peak power and torque figures. The motor is mated to a 7-speed DCT that now features shift-by-wire technology.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

Also Read- Taxes You Pay On a Litre of Petrol/Diesel - Fuel Price Breakup Explained

This video has been uploaded by a YouTube channel named AutoHunters India. In this video, the vlogger shows how the new Skoda Octavia looks from outside and inside. The carmaker will soon fully reveal the car and will tell about the changes. The 2021 Skoda Octavia is based on the company’s updated MQB platform. With the new platform, the size of the car has also been increased.

The 2021 Skoda Octavia is bigger compared to the previous model. It now features Skoda’s modern-day design language. Upfront, it gets the company’s signature multi-slat grille. The new Skoda Octavia will be retailed in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), and the carmaker will offer the sedan in top-spec Laurin & Klement trim. It will come loaded with all the bells and whistles, and the automaker has also introduced new colour shade options. The one you see in the video is the new Lava Blue paint scheme, which was not on offer before. The new Skoda Octavia will also feature sleek LED headlamps and J-shaped DRLs. On the side, it gets 17-inch multi-spoke rims, which looks quite sporty. The new Skoda Octavia will only be offered with a petrol engine. It will derive power from a 2.0-litre gasoline mill, which develops around 190 PS of peak power.

Also Read- The Skoda Kushaq Will Score Extremely Well On Safety - Here's Why

The engine will come paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The carmaker has now replaced the regular transmission lever with a new toggle switch. The 2021 Skoda Octavia is now more premium and luxurious compared to the last-gen model. The middle of the dashboard gets a free-standing infotainment unit. The dashboard of the car is painted in beige colour, which gives a plush feel to the cabin of the sedan. It also gets a new two-spoke steering wheel wrapped in leather.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.

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. Continuing 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.

Also Read : The Skoda Kushaq Will Score Extremely Well On Safety - Here's Why

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.

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.

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.

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.

Also 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.

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.

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.

In terms of looks, the new-gen Skoda Octavia will don the brand’s family design language. The quad-headlamp setup will now be swapped with a conventional headlamp design with a more angular appeal to it. The Octavia will continue to come with its fastback-style tailgate and will get a winged grille on the front. Based on the new MQB platform, the new-gen model will longer and wider than the last-gen model by 19 mm and 15 mm, respectively.

Also Read - Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo Visualised - Looks Rad! [Video]

On the inside, new-gen Octavia will see a slew of revisions. The dashboard will be an all-new unit with horizontally-layered panels to accentuate the cabin’s width. Moreover, it will come with a Kushaq-like two-spoke steering wheel, 10.25-inch all-digital Virtual Cockpit instrument console, three-zone climate control, electronic sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen display for infotainment unit, wireless phone charger and more. The interior of the all-new Octavia will be draped in black-beige dual-tone leather upholstery to aid the cabin with an airy feel.

Skoda is betting big on the upcoming all-new Octavia. The brand claims that over 1 lakh units of the mid-size saloon have been sold in the country to date. With the new model, the numbers will continue to increase. This time around, the Octavia will come with a 2.0L turbocharged petrol motor only, which will push out 190 Hp of peak power output and come mated to a 7-speed DSG unit. Unlike the earlier model, it will miss out on the option of an oil burner. With prices expected to be in the range of INR 18-24 lakh, the all-new Skoda Octavia will face competition in the Indian market from Hyundai Elantra only.

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.

Also Read: Long-Wheelbase Skoda Octavia Pro Revealed; Sadly Its Only For China

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.

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.

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.

Compared to the regular forth-gen Octavia, the Octavia Pro has a 2,730mm wheelbase, 44mm longer than the standard car. The car itself is 64mm longer than the standard version at 4,753mm. In fact, this makes the Octavia Pro just 116mm shorter than the Superb sedan. The added length aside, the Octavia Pro distinguishes itself with stylish 18-inch alloys, blacked-out ORVMs, a blacked-out roof, and a sportier looking front bumper, all of which seem to mimic the sportier Octavia RS. The rest of the design mostly remains unchanged.

Also Read : Production-Spec Skoda Kushaq Interior Previewed In New Design Sketches

On the inside, the dashboard remains identical in terms of design and layout when compared to the standard car. However, continuing the exterior sporty theme on the inside, the Octavia Pro gets plenty of red inserts for a sportier feel. The extra legroom is the obvious benefit with the longer wheelbase. The Octavia Pro also comes with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, and a powered tailgate. One can also additionally opt for a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

Under the hood, unlike what its sporty demeanor may suggest, the Octavia Pro is only powered by a 1.4L TSI turbo-petrol engine. This engine is good for producing 150hp and 250Nm of peak torque and will be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In fact, this 1.4-litre unit is the same engine that powered the third-gen Octavia and the erstwhile VW Jetta in India. Also, you don't get the bigger  2.0-litre TSI motor that’s found in the European model.

Back here in India, it is highly unlikely that Skoda will ever launch the Octavia. The standard wheelbase forth-gen Octavia is expected to launch in the coming months. It has already been spied testing on our roads several times and is in fact expected to launch even before the upcoming Skoda Kushaq. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine and will be absolutely feature-laden. It is likely to carry a price tag of around INR 18 lakh (ex-showroom), rivalling the Hyundai Elantra.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Skoda updates and other four-wheeler news.