Skoda India unveils 2013 Octavia; production currently underway

Skoda has officially unveiled the all-new 2013 Octavia for the Indian market. Bookings for the car are now open and the Czech manufacturer has commenced production of the new model from their facility in Aurangabad and is likely to be launched during the coming festive season. Preceding the unveiling the car has already been spotted on multiple occasions at various locations across the country.

The Octavia was recently launched for the global market last December, and follows Skoda’s new Vision D design philosophy found on the Europe spec 2013 Rapid. The most distinctive feature of the facia is the redesigned grille baring a refined Skoda badge. The rear gets Skoda’s signature ‘C’ shaped, full LED taillight cluster and a Skoda emblem embossed in black and white. The exterior gets softer lines and round edges to give the car a more premium appeal.

Much like the other Skodas, we expect the 2013 Octavia to get three trim levels; Active, Ambition and Elegance. The car unveiled in Mumbai featured xenon headlamps with DRLs, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The India spec top end variant is also likely to be equipped with safety features like ABS, EBD as well as multiple airbags. 

The Octavia is likely to offer three engines and two transmission options with the 1.8-litre from the Laura being the most powerful option with a peak power output of 180PS and will be mated to a seven-speed DSG box. The base 1.4-litre petrol engine that makes 140PS power and 250Nm of torque, currently found on the Jetta may also feature in the car with a six-speed manual transmission.  The family owned, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that makes 143PS power and 320Nm of torque will also be on offer with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto gearbox.

Detailed pricing of the different variants will be announced closer to the launch, but the car will most likely be a tad more expensive than the Laura. Skoda has opted to continue sales of the Laura along with the new Octavia and will sit below the new model. 

We expect the prices for the D-segment sedan to start at around the Rs 14.5 lakh mark while the fully loaded top spec diesel is expected to reduce your bank balance by nearly 20 lakhs. Pricing will be a key aspect for Skoda if they plan to dethrone the current segment leader hailing from Korea, the Hyundai Elantra. 

For our detailed preview of the new 2013 Skoda Octavia click here