2013 Skoda Octavia- setting a true benchmark in design

Skoda Auto India Limited has officially launched the new 2013 Octavia in New Delhi on 3rd October. Viewed from any angle, it is clear that the new car comes with a radical makeover as compared to the earlier version that was discontinued. Apart from the overall design, it is also much longer and wider due to the new MQB platform.

Skoda Octavia front

Starting from front, the 2013 Skoda Octavia looks really mean and aggressive with the grille and trapezoid headlamps. Washers are installed in front of the headlamps to prevent dirt and muck from accumulating, especially during the rains.The new logo of the company has strategically been placed on the bonnet, making it easily visible from all directions. Turn indicators are installed on the electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, lending a touch of class. A sharp tornado line can be seen running across the sides of the vehicle, giving it a coupe-like silhouette. Rear lamps indicating a whilte lamp with large red reflectors all around certainly look beautiful. Boot space is huge at 590 litres, which is certainly more than the older Octavia (530 litres) and greater even than the current Laura (560 litres). It seems capable of swallowing the luggage of two families together!

Interiors at front

Interior space at the rear

Premium is the word that comes to mind when looking at the inside of the 2013 Skoda Octavia. Quality of material used on the dashboard and for the upholstery is high. Inside the silver coloured Octavia, interiors looked almost white. The four-spoke steering wheel comes with audio and Bluetooth controls. Multimedia with LCD screen display has been provided as the mode of infotainment. 

The rear seats of this vehicle have much more legroom as compared to the earlier Octavia, thanks to the new MQB platform. Rear AC vents are provided for the comfort of passengers. In fact, this seems to have become a standard for vehicles across classes, as even the new Hyundai Grand i10 comes with rear vents. 

Panoramic sunroof

Several new features have been incorporated to make the new Octavia a great buy. Through  the panoramic sunroof, you can easily look up and enjoy the weather. 16 inch alloy wheels help the car get an authoritative stance on Indian roads, enabling it to move over bad roads despite a ground clearance of just 155 mm. Wood design decor can be seen on the center console and on the dashboard. ABS, EBD and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) are available as standard equipment on all three variants. The driver's seat can be adjusted electronically in 12 different ways.   

Three different engine options are on offer- the new 1.4 TSI petrol, 1.8 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel. Though the diesel market has been performing well in India, Pawel Szuflak, Member of Board for Sales and Marketing at Skoda Auto India Private Limited, feels that the new 1.4 TSI petrol engine might just turn the tide around, making petrol more popular than diesel. Automatic transmission in this vehicle is in the form of a 7-speed DSG gearbox, while 6-speed manual transmission is also available. While the 1.4 TSI produces a power of 139 bhp, the 1.8 TSI generates 179 bhp. Similarly, the 2.0 TDI engine is capable of churning out 142bhp. 

Prices of the new Skoda Octavia start at Rs. 13.95 lakhs. It will be competing against the likes of Chevrolet Cruze, Renault Fluence (new version expected later this year), Toyota Corolla Altis and Mahindra XUV500. Skoda is looking to improve on the competencies of service centers, to set a benchmark in the industry.