First all-new 2021 Skoda Octavia rolls off production line ahead of launch

Simran Rastogi Published: April 06, 2021, 01:35 PM IST

Production of the all-new 2021 Skoda Octavia is well underway at the firm's Aurangabad manufacturing facility, with the first unit rolling off the line today. Revealed globally in late 2019, the new Octavia is expected to be priced between Rs 20-24 lakh (ex-showroom) in India when it goes on sale later this month. This price range, starting higher than the outgoing model, is considering that the Octavia will not be available with the smaller 1.4-litre TSI engine, nor the 2.0-litre diesel. This fourth-gen Octavia will be petrol-only at launch, powered by the 2.0-litre TSI with 190PS/320Nm and paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic, as seen in the larger Skoda Superb. Though, the scope for Skoda to add the 1.5-litre TSI petrol to the mix in lower variants, and thus lower the entry price, does exist.

The fourth-gen Skoda Octavia is based on a tweaked MQB platform, making it marginally larger than before, specifically 19mm longer and 15mm wider than the previous generation. Styling is in line with the new range of Skodas, and the interiors see a marked change, with a cleaner, more upmarket aesthetic courtesy of a largely button-free, dual-tone dashboard, dominated by a 10-inch touchscreen. The central tunnel storage should see an increase in space as well, considering the DSG shift lever is now a much more compact stubby rocker-style control. The now-signature Skoda two-spoke steering wheel frames the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital instrumentation, and quality of materials should see a step up.