New Skoda Octavia spied in India

Skoda is preparing to launch the new Octavia in the coming months. We have recieved a picture of the all-new Octavia being tested in India.

Built on VW's new MQB variable platform that allows for almost infinite variations in length, wheelbase and width, the new Octavia is 90mm longer and 45mm wider than the Laura. The wheelbase now stands at 2686mm, and that is just shy of the one used for the VW Passat.

The fit and finish on the inside has also been stepped up. Seams are almost invisible, the quality of plastics is improved for the most part, and the neat and simple design of the dash is quite appealing. Boot space stands at a generous 590 litres.

The new Octavia will also come with a range of new safety features such as lane assistance, automatic braking system and also fatigue detection system. It will also get as nine airbags. The new Octavia will also come equipped with adaptive cruise control and intelligent light assistant that switches automatically between low and high beams, and traffic sign recognition as well.

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Though the car has a much larger footprint, prices are expected to be even more competitive than they are now (the Laura currently starts at ₹12.9 lakh for the 1.8 TSI). The EA888 1.8 TSI engine will be upgraded and will now make around 175bhp in India. There will also be a new automatic version that is sure to attract a whole new set of customers. The base petrol, however, will be a 140bhp version of the 1.4 TSI, the engine seen on the VW Jetta, and is likely to be even more affordable. As earlier, there will also be two diesel versions. Both will use the same 2.0-litre TDI engine, but power outputs could be upped to 120 and 150bhp, respectively. Other engine options for the future include a 105bhp 1.6 diesel and possibly a 200-plus-bhp petrol vRS version, which could hit a top speed of 250kph. A diesel vRS is also likely to make it to Indian shores later.