The fourth-gen Skoda Octavia’s India launch has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Zac Hollis, Brand Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, made the announcement via Twitter today, the same day that the Maharashtra Government has instituted new lockdown-like protocols under its Break the Chain initiative. There is no word as to how long we’ll have to wait for the new Octavia to arrive.
- New Octavia launch delayed
- Will be powered by a sole 190hp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine
- Expected to get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and connected car tech
- New Skoda Kushaq and Kodiaq petrol launch timelines yet to be confirmed
“Sometimes, it’s important to take a pause and come back stronger. We at ŠKODA AUTO have postponed the launch of the all-new Octavia until the current situation improves. We will keep you updated on the launch developments. Stay safe and let us do our part to fight this virus.” pic.twitter.com/88jVHwiRkz
— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) April 22, 2021
2021 Skoda Octavia: Styling and interior
Skoda has opted out of the quad headlamp design of the third-gen Octavia with this all new sedan. The new Octavia bears a closer resemblance to the larger Superb with a similar family design featuring conventional headlamps flanking the trademark grille and clean lines and creases along the body.
Inside, the cabin is expected to be in line with other new-gen Skoda’s on sale in international markets with a free-standing touchscreen sitting atop the centre console on a shelf-like panel. The Octavia, like the recently revealed Kushaq and the updated Superb could also use a two spoke steering.
Built on the updated MQB platform, the new executive sedan is larger than the outgoing model and will be offered with a sole petrol engine.
2021 Skoda Octavia: Engine
The new Octavia will be available with a single petrol engine – a 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox will be offered as standard. Unlike its predecessor, there will be no diesel engine option.
2021 Skoda Octavia: Rivals
The new Octavia will go up against the Hyundai Elantra in the executive sedan segment. Expect Skoda to price it in the region of Rs 18-24 lakh (ex-showroom) when it is launched.
2021 Skoda India launch schedule
Before the rise of the second wave of the ongoing pandemic, Skoda had plans to launch the all-new Kushaq mid-size SUV in India in the coming months, bring the petrol Kodiaq later this year, and reveal an all-new mid-size sedan to replace the aging Rapid before the end of the year. The Czech brand has yet to reveal how the schedule for those new models will be affected.
Also see:
Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun to get new ‘Play’ infotainment system
India-bound 2021 Skoda Kodiaq facelift revealed
New Skoda Octavia production begins ahead of India launch