Introduction

The Skoda Octavia has gained immense popularity in India thanks to its distinctive styling, impressive performance, top-notch quality, robust construction, and abundant comfort features. However, sedans are currently grappling with tough competition from SUVs, resulting in declining sales. To counter this trend and honor Octavia’s legacy in India, Skoda has boldly introduced a new generation of the model. The company is confident that this move will help Octavia stand out amidst the SUV-dominated market. The upcoming sales performance will determine whether the new Octavia succeeds, or faces a fate similar to the Honda Civic. Let’s dive deep into this.

Exterior

The Skoda Octavia has consistently maintained its handsome sedan design throughout its various iterations. In 2002, it boasted a modern and appealing aesthetic, which was further elevated with its 2014 facelift within the Octavia lineup. The latest 2021 model continues this trend, presenting an equally striking appearance. At the front, the butterfly grille, a distinctive Skoda hallmark, takes center stage. The headlamps have been sleekly redesigned compared to the previous generation. The lower bumper draws inspiration from its larger sibling, the Superb, showcasing an impressive integration of a slim chrome accent that seamlessly connects the fog lamps and the black bumper, creating a clean and stylish look. The side profile of the new Skoda Octavia perfectly balances elegance and sportiness. Dramatic sharp creases lower down on the body contribute to its athletic allure, while the 17-inch wheels add a touch of allure. A commanding chrome line runs along the shoulder line, enhancing the car’s sophistication and unique charm. The “L&K” badge denotes the top-tier trim, emphasizing its premium status. However, it’s the rear of the car that truly stands out as the most captivating aspect. The pronounced curvature and the fastback-coupe aesthetic enhance the overall persona of the new Octavia. This design element evokes a pleasant reminder of certain coupes from BMW, which is undoubtedly a commendable association. In summary, the Skoda Octavia is an attractive sedan boasting impeccable proportions that combine to create a visually pleasing and well-balanced automotive masterpiece.

Interior

As you step inside the cabin of the 2021 Skoda Octavia, you’ll immediately be greeted by an exceptional standard of quality and precise attention to detail. The dashboard showcases a rich array of materials, including leather panels, open-pore wood accents, brushed metal highlights, and chrome embellishments, all of which contribute to an elevated and luxurious cabin ambiance. Skoda has undeniably dedicated significant effort to creating an interior that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also exudes a sense of robustness. The upper section of the dashboard is skillfully upholstered with Alcantara leather, imparting a premium look and feel. The tactile sensation and durability of the buttons controlling functions such as climate, steering, power windows, and those on the center console, reinforce their high-quality construction. The steering wheel mirrors the design found in the Superb and Kushaq models, providing a superb grip and comfort due to its wrapped leather finish. Beyond its exquisite design, the cabin is generously spacious, ensuring a comfortable experience for occupants. The rear seating area offers ample room, with the rear seats themselves providing exceptional comfort, complete with substantial thigh support and an impressive backrest angle. However, it’s worth noting that taller individuals standing at around 6 feet may find themselves desiring more headroom. In summary, the interior of the Skoda Octavia achieves a remarkable standard of excellence, seamlessly combining aesthetics with spaciousness and comfort.

Features

Throughout its history, the Skoda Octavia has consistently been equipped with an abundance of features, a tradition that began with its debut in 2003. Even in its current iteration, the Octavia is equipped with a comprehensive range of contemporary features that align with the preferences of the Indian car market, allowing it to effectively compete with the popular SUV segment. Starting with the exterior, the Octavia boasts an array of LED elements, including LED headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, and turn indicators. Notably, it stands out with its 17-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps, and both front and rear parking sensors, along with the added convenience of headlight washers – a feature not commonly found in sedans. Inside the cabin, the technological offerings are equally impressive. A prominent 10-inch touchscreen takes center stage, seamlessly integrating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with a built-in navigation system. A distinctive highlight is the AI-powered voice assistant named Laura, akin to those seen in MG, Mercedes, and BMW vehicles. Additionally, an in-cabin air purifier ensures a refreshing atmosphere. The interior continues to deliver, featuring a 12-way powered driver and co-driver seat with memory functions, an invaluable tire pressure monitoring system, a wireless phone charging facility, and ambient lighting that adds to the cabin’s ambiance. The incorporation of connected car technology provides comprehensive insights into the vehicle’s status, and hands-free parking further elevates convenience. Audiophiles will appreciate the presence of the Canton 11-speaker sound system, complete with a subwoofer. The convenience of keyless entry and push-button start round out the impressive offerings. Collectively, the Skoda Octavia’s cabin is a treasure trove of features, meticulously designed to provide an enriched driving experience that caters to both practicality and indulgence.

Performance and handling

Propelling the Skoda Superb is a robust 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine, capable of churning out an impressive 190 horsepower and a substantial 320 Nm of torque. This power is mated to a sophisticated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Notably, the Superb range does not include a diesel engine variant. This particular powerplant is a shared gem, found across the Skoda-VW-Audi lineup, making appearances in models like the Superb, Tiguan AllSpace, and Audi A4. In terms of real-world performance, the Superb truly shines. Although there might be a slight hesitation noticeable at engine speeds below 2000 rpm, the moment this threshold is crossed, the turbocharger awakens, propelling the Octavia forward with a remarkable surge reminiscent of a fighter jet’s acceleration. The power delivery showcases a smooth and consistent linearity, ensuring a spirited response without any hint of lethargy. An additional highlight is the inclusion of diverse drive modes that substantially influence the vehicle’s performance characteristics. These modes are far from being mere gimmicks; they genuinely transform Octavia’s behavior to suit varied driving scenarios. The Superb’s handling prowess is equally commendable, maintaining an exceptional level of composure when navigating corners and avoiding any sensation of being overly agile. To sum it up, the Skoda Superb continues to be a true haven for driving enthusiasts, skillfully blending robust performance with exemplary handling dynamics.

Ride Quality and Steering

The ride quality of the vehicle is truly exceptional, providing an outstanding level of comfort while simultaneously maintaining impeccable stability even at higher speeds. This achievement can be attributed to the exquisitely tuned suspension system. Although the steering delivers a commendable blend of tactile response and informative feedback, it appears to have been slightly toned down in comparison to the previous generation. Nevertheless, it surpasses the steering experience offered by certain SUVs such as the Creta, Seltos, and Hector, presenting a more engaging and satisfying feel.