2021 Skoda Octavia India Launch Imminent

• It had already started reaching dealerships ahead of the lockdown back in April.

• It will be based on VW Group’s MQB platform.

• Features a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver’s display, two-spoke steering wheel, and wireless charging.

• It will be powered by a sole 190PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

• Likely to retail from Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Looks like the fourth-generation Skoda Octavia is almost here, with dealer sources hinting it will go on sale in India around the second week of June 2021. The new sedan had already begun reaching dealerships in April before the lockdown delayed Skoda’s launch plans.

Based on the VW Group’s MQB platform, at a length of 4,689mm, the new Octavia is 19mm longer than its predecessor while retaining its 2,686mm wheelbase. Dimensions aside, the new sedan gets the  classic butterfly grille, wider and lower than before, flanked by single-piece LED headlamps. Heading over to the sides, there's not much to differentiate the new sedan from its predecessor, other than the turbine-like alloy wheels. The rear end is clearly inspired by the Superb, with split C-motif tail lamps (with crystal-like detailing) and an angular tailgate. 

The new Skoda’s cabin is fairly neat and minimalistic thanks to a larger touchscreen infotainment system that eliminates the need for most knobs on the centre console. It's complemented by a digital driver’s display and a two-spoke steering wheel.

We can also expect features such as ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, connected car tech, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and powered front seats. Safety kit should include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic parking brake (new for the Octavia), electronic stability control as well as front and rear parking sensors. 

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Under the hood, the new Octavia will be powered by a sole 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 190PS of grunt, paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Unlike its predecessor, the new model will not get a diesel option, however, Skoda could offer a smaller 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine down the line.

Details on the variant list are yet to surface, but we know the next-gen Skoda Octavia will retain the flagship Laurin & Klement trim. Expect prices to start from Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). For now, the Hyundai Elantra remains its only rival in this segment, but it could also serve as an alternative to the likes of the Citroen C5 Aircross and Jeep Compass.