Skoda to unveil 2013 Octavia sedan for Indian market today

Skoda will unveil the 2013 Octavia sedan for the Indian market at a function in Mumbai today. One of the most highly anticipated D-segment sedans in the Indian market for 2013; it is expected to replace the Laura and will be the first vehicle from the Czech automaker to be based on its Vision D design language.  Skoda has already previewed the car on its official Facebook page and website.

The 2013 Skoda Octavia is underpinned by parent company Volkswagen’s MQB platform and this means its shares many components including the engine line up with the Audi A3, Seat Leon and the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf. Much of its design is completely new and this includes the Czech automaker’s new logo which looks the same but is now black and silver as compared to the previous green and silver. 

The new Octavia will mostly be offered with four petrol and four diesel engines. The petrol range is expected to include a 1.4TSI in two states of tune – 120bhp and 138bhp. The bigger units include the 1.8TSI pumping 177bhp and 2.0-litre TSI for the vRS version. The diesel options are 1.6-litre TDI developing either 103bhp or 108bhp, along with 2.0-litre TDI available in 147bhp and 181bhp guise. Transmission options are expected to include two sets of manuals as well as the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The new Octavia, when officially launched, will compete with the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Renault Fluence and Toyota Corolla Altis. We expect that Skoda will price the car in the range of Rs 14 lakh to Rs 18 lakh.

Edit: Skoda has unveiled the 2013 Octavia for the Indian market. It is scheduled to be launched sometime in October.