The 2020 Skoda Octavia is headed on its way to India by the end of 2020 and sports a much more premium experience than ever before and has got a little greener as well.
Not many people know but the Octavia nameplate was introduced by Skoda way back in 1959. However, the company re-imagined the model completely with the first, new-generation Octavia in 1996. Since then, the Octavia has been one of the best selling cars for Skoda worldwide and even in India, the Octavia is the most identifiable nameplate from Skoda. The company recently revealed the forth-generation of the sedan, making the 60th anniversary of this iconic vehicle. So what’s new with the forth-gen 2020 Skoda Octavia? Let’s take a closer look on what Skoda has brought to the table with the all-new Octavia.
The new Skoda Octavia looks smarter than ever before
Visually, the new Octavia is an evolution of its predecessor’s design. The design has matured very well to look much more stately and elegant than ever before. The new design is also in line with newer Skoda sedans like the Scala and the updated Superb. The face loses the characteristic split headlamp design and adopts a single unit design with standard-fit LED tech (full-matrix LEDs optional). The headlamps neatly blend into the butterfly grille and the bumpers have also been completely redesigned.
The new car also gets a lower roofline, giving it a more coupe-like stance and it also helps the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. The new Octavia measures 4.69 meters in length. It is thus 19mm longer and 15mm wider than the outgoing model. That also translates to more interior space than before and boot space has also gone up by 10 liters to 600 liters.
The interiors have gone a huge step forward
It is the interiors of the new Octavia that has taken a massive step forward, not only in terms of technology but also perceived quality. Skoda has used plenty of soft-touch materials in the cabin and coupled with multi-color ambient lighting, it really uplifts the mood in the cabin. The optional ‘Ergo’ seats are described as being “particularly back friendly”, with a massaging function and seat ventilation on top models for the first time.
The dashboard gets a multi-layered theme with a large freestanding infotainment display taking center spot on the dashboard. The Octavia also with a rather sexy looking two-spoke steering wheel with knurled scroll buttons for various functionality. Traditionalists, however, can always opt for a three-spoke sports steering wheel as an option. There’s a neat row of one touch buttons below the infotainment screen for essential vehicle function and if you have opted for the DSG automatic variant, the gear lever in the centre console has been replaced with a rocker switch arrangement for shifting gears for a more minimalistic look.
Its loaded to the brim with technology
A free standing touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage on the dashboard. Its either a 8.25-inch or 10-inch unit, depending on spec. Skoda has even introduced gesture control and an advanced voice-controlled digital assistant called Laura. The new Octavia is the first Skoda ever to use shift-by-wire technology for its DSG automatic transmission. For instrumentation, the Octavia uses a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit available on certain trims and a new head-up display.
Other features worth mentioning on the 2020 Skoda Octavia are connectivity tech with a built-in eSIM, wireless charging, three-zone climate control, optional acoustic window glass. There’s also an enlarged suite of driver assistance features, such as an enhanced predictive cruise control and predictive pedestrian, cyclist protection, collision avoidance assist and turn assist. How many of these features make it to India remains to be seen though.
Its got a wide range of powertrain options
The 2020 Skoda Octavia is built on a reworked version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. Internationally, the Octavia will be available with a wide range of options including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The range starts off with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, putting out 110hp. Then there’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 150 bhp. Both can be had in mild-hybrid form, with near-identical performance but with claimed efficiency gains.
The flagship petrol engine is a non-hybrid 2.0-litre TSI engine with 190 bhp. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox along with all-wheel drive. As for the diesel variant, there will be just one 2.0-litre unit in three states of tune – 200hp, 150hp and 115hp. The 200hp version will be all-wheel drive and DSG only, achieving 0-100kph in a claimed 7.1sec.
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For the first time, the Octavia also gets the option of a plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybruid variant uses a 1.4-litre engine coupled with a 103hp electric motor via a 6-speed DSG gearbox. It thus has a combined output of 203hp, a 50km all-electric range and 0-100kph in 7.9sec. In India, the Octavia will only come with a petrol engine, the options being the 150hp, 1.5-litre and 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines. Skoda will offer both manual and DSG dual-clutch automatics.
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It coming to India very soon
The new-gen Skoda Octavia has been introduced in sedan and estate body styles internationally. However, for India, we will only get the sedan body style. The new Octavia is expected to arrive towards the end of 2020 and expect it to be priced around the Rs. 20-30 lakh bracket in India. The new Skoda Octavia will rival the likes of the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra when it comes to India next year. The Toyota Corolla Altis will have been discontinued by then.
