Finally the 2013 Octavia is here! Skoda has dropped the curtains and finally we get to see the latest model of Octavia. On a global scale, Skoda has sold so far 4 million units of Octavia. This new car has more room, functionality and is using the latest technology. Chairman, Skoda Auto, Winfried Vahland, while addressing a press conference said that “The Octavia is the most important car for Skoda in the Indian market.”
Skoda Octavia was launched the company in the year 1996. This was the second time that the company used an Octavia nameplate for its car. Earlier Octavia named car was launched in between the year 1959 and 1971. The first gen car stayed in the market till 2004. The second gen car entered the market in 2004.
It was launched in India in the year 2001 and it became a great hit in the country. The reasons for the success of this small car was that it was comfortable, fast and sturdy and most importantly it was cost effective. The 2nd gen car, Skoda Octavia, was launched in India was Skoda Laura. Although it was also a success but it could not create a magic like its predecessor. Now with the launch of the 2013 Octavia, it is expected that Octavia will once again rule the hearts of Indians.
Talking about the new Octavia, the exterior looks amazing with its crisp cuts. The strokes and elegant proportions give the car a pretty body. The new model includes the company’s new Butterfly grille with 21 glossy slats and a 2 tone company badge fixed on it. The front fascia also show redesigned headlamps and a square jaw. Towards the rear of the car you see a black splitter.
The car interior is definitely luxurious but at the same time is very practical. For this new model the chrome highlights and wood panels have been excluded. The dashboard is neatly designed with minimum modifications. The vents and the C pillar have a similar flick. The centre console gets a new multi-colour touchscreen with plastic-like black lacquer around it. The gear lever and doors use a lot of aluminium. Adding to the look of the cabin are its white on black dials. The interior is highly spacious. Being 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider and a 108 mm larger wheelbase, the car is visibly spacious and offers more legroom now. The seats are large and highly comfortable. There is storage space for bottles, phones etc. The boot capacity is an astounding 590 liters and when the rear seats are folded the capacity reaches upto 1000 liters.
A major difference between this new car and its previous models is its low weight. The car uses VW’s MQB platform which has succeeded in curbing the car weight substantially in spite of the larger dimensions. The new model is comparatively 70 kg lighter. The lighter weight is also reflected in the car’s performance which now offers a better performance as well as lower emissions.
The new 2013 Octavia will be available with 2 engine options after its launch initially. The petrol variant will be powered by a TSI engine of 1.8 liter capacity as seen in Laura but has been re-tuned to offer a power output of 177 bhp now. The diesel variant is equipped with a TDI engine of 2 liter capacity that gives an output of 141 bhp. Both the variants will have a 7 speed automatic transmission via DSG gearbox. Later on the company might launch a 4 liter petrol engine variant.
Managing Director of Skoda India, Mr. Sudhir Rao said that “The ‘Octavia’ model line launched Skoda in the country 12 years ago and has enjoyed a cult status in India ever since. The Octavia instantly became a game changer in the segment and revolutionized the Indian automotive industry. Since then Skoda has come a long way in the Indian market and the Octavia has always been the heart of our brand. Now, with the new-generation Octavia, which will be introduced in India during the festival season, we promise all of this and much more.”
The company will be manufacturing the new model at its Aurangabad facility. Since its launch in 2001 till 2010, Skoda has sold over 45000 units of Octavia in the country. In the year 2012 the company sold around 30,000 units. In the year 2013 so far the company has sold around 13,800 units. The car is expected to be offered in the price range of Rs 14 lacs to Rs 18 lacs.
