2017 Skoda Octavia bookings open

Ahead of its anticipated launch in June, dealers in the country have started accepting bookings for the 2017 Skoda Octavia. The booking amount differs from dealer to dealer, but presently the maximum accepted is about Rs 1 lakh. Changes are limited to cosmetic upgrades while mechanically it will continue to be powered by existing engine options.

Visually, the 2017 Skoda Octavia gets a revised signature butterfly grille and new split headlamps with LED DRLs. The front bumper has been tweaked with strong bold lines, a wide airdam and a chrome strip running along the width along with horizontal LED foglamps on either side. The sides get revised ORVMs and new alloy wheels. At the rear, the new model also gets new LED taillamps and a revised boot lid. As for the interior, although most of it is likely to remain as the current version, the new model will get a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and improved upholstery.

Under the hood, the new Skoda Octavia will be available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The petrol version will be offered in two engine options - a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine that generates 178bhp of power and 250Nm of torque and a smaller 1.4-litre TSI petrol that generates 148bhp of power. The bigger petrol engine will come mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission, while the smaller one will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The diesel version will get a 2.0-litre TDI engine that will be mated to a six-speed DSG transmission.

Skoda Octavia has been a popular choice in the premium sedan segment in the country and post launch of a new model, it will surely find a lot of takers. Known for impressive performance and driving dynamics, the new Octavia if priced right, will emerge as a considerable contributor to overall sales.