2017 Skoda Octavia gets new front end and an updated cabin; engine options remain the same
The Octavia is one of the top-selling models for the Czech Republican auto maker around the world. As the Superb has hit the sweet-spot in the revived executive sedan segment in markets like Europe, the Octavia replicates it with fair share of buyers’ footfall recorded in dealerships.
Skoda’s global SUV campaign is headed by the full-sized Kodiaq model while the Octavia will keep on sailing courtesy of the MY2017 facelift. The facelifted sedan has its origin in the third generation Octavia that was launched back in 2013 and it has now been launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 15,49,405 and it goes up to Rs. 22,89,573 (ex-showroom, pan India).
Also Read: New Elantra vs Toyota Corolla vs Skoda Octavia vs Chevrolet Cruze – Specs Comparison
It is easy to see where the changes have been implemented on the mid-life facelift as the cosmetic upgrades have come to the fore. The Octavia sedan will remain as the heart of the car lineage and the front fascia is closely aligned with the all-new Kodiaq SUV. The new Octavia uses wider lenses to emphasise its sporty appearance and has dual split headlamp units with the option of full LED technology.
Other prominent modifications included in the new model are restyled bumpers up front and rear, quirky LED light signature and front-grille resembling the bigger Superb sibling. At the rear, the Octavia will feature slightly redesigned C-shaped LED taillights while the side profile remains identical to the existing model.
Along with new set of alloy wheels, the updated interior sees a new eight-inch touchscreen Columbus infotainment system with smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, folding tables on seat backs, customisable key, heated steering wheel, optional SIM card module with LTE support, WLAN hotspot, bottle holders and additional storage bins, etc.
Skoda could wait for a new generation Octavia for introducing a plug-in variant which implies to same engine lineup for the 2017 model as it currently has. As for the powertrain, the facelifted Octavia stays put with fuel efficient TSI and TDI engines for the international markets.
Also Read: Skoda Plans Three New SUVs for India
For India, the engine options have remained the same – the entry-level 1.4 TSI petrol, 1.8 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel motors are here to stay. As standard the six-speed manual transmission will be employed while the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will be offered in top-spec trims. Ambition, Style and Style Plus are the three variants in which the Octavia facelift will be sold with.
The top-end Style Plus will comprise of features like programmable LED ambient lighting, 16-inch alloy wheels, hands-free parking, driver fatigue alert system, 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory, memory function for ORVMs, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), multiple airbags, remote-operated panoramic sunroof, etc.
As the Kodiaq arrives in the later part of 2017, the rejuvenated Skoda portfolio will have the latest generation Superb, new version of Rapid and the facelifted Octavia (with sporty vRS version part of the package) that would bode well for the sales aspirations of the VW-owned brand.
2017 Skoda Octavia Facelift India Images
