India-bound Skoda Octavia facelift unveiled

Skoda has unveiled a facelift for its Octavia sedan. This is the first major update for the Czech automaker’s D-segment since it was launched in late 2013 and is quite a comprehensive one as it covers cosmetics as well as an upgraded feature list.

Firstly, the headlights have now become split units but still retain the same internal design. The signature moustache grille too has been updated and sports a new design that gives the face a fresh look but without changing too much. The wheels and tail lamps have been slightly redesigned while the rest of the car stays the same as before.

Inside, Skoda has borrowed the latest infotainment system from the Superb and Kodiaq which now sports a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with capacitive touch buttons. It has increased the number of driver aids on offer like blind spot detection, predictive pedestrian protection and rear traffic alert. The car can also be fitted with a heated steering and foldable tables for the rear occupants.

It will be offered with five petrol and four diesel engines in the range of 1.0-litre to 2.0-litre and with outputs in the range of 84bhp to 184bhp. Six-speed manuals/DSG as well as a seven-speed DSG are expected to be offered across the range. The top-of-the-line variants can also be had with AWD.

We believe that this new Octavia is a part of Skoda India’s plans for 2017 and it will arrive here through the CKD route with a debut by the middle of next year. We know for sure that the 2.0-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol will be standard for the range while there is also the possibility of the 1.4-litre petrol being offered for the base variants.