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Limited edition of 276 bhp Octavia RS to be offered by Skoda

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Skoda Octavia Review by Expert

Skoda India is riding high on the success of its models in India. So, at the Auto Expo 2012 the carmaker made an announcement that their flagship model that was one of the front runners in the premium sedan segment is going to make a comeback. Yes, it is a piece of news that will delight all those who like Skoda Octavia, “This model is making a comeback”. As we all know the name Skoda Octavia is not new, it was a best seller and almost for a decade it featured on the wish list of celebrities and elites in the country.

This is official, ŠKODA CEO Prof Dr Winfried Vahland has made a statement that he is in love with the name Octavia and this premium sedan that has garnered good sales figures will soon hit the Indian roads. But our sources say that this will not happen before 2013 as the carmaker will bring the New Octavia model that is currently under development and is codenamed as ‘A7’. Reports are that it is going to be fashioned on the pioneering modular platform MQB that this carmaker has received from Volkswagen. So for all those who are interested this all new Octavia will be showcased at the Geneva Motor show in the year 2013.

Information that is also surfacing at this time is that this new Octavia will take the place of Skoda Laura. Trade experts have already stated that this Skoda Laura is just the second-generation Octavia marketed in India with this name Laura though globally it is being marketed as Skoda Octavia II, Skoda Octavia 5, and Skoda Octavia A5 and so on. Technically the second generation Octavia or Skoda Laura as we know it is based on A5 (PQ35) platform sourced from their parent company the Volkswagen Group. Many other models are based on this platform including some of its competitors like Audi A3 II and VW Golf Plus.  This Skoda Laura Sedan not only had a new internal combustion engine also incorporated significant changes in its structure including a better legroom for the passengers in the rear seat along with an enhanced ground clearance. Though it is too early to predict about what changes we can expect in the new 2013 Skoda Octavia, however, it is confirmed that it will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. MQB or Modularer Querbaukasten is what technically means "Modular Transverse Matrix". This matrix of component has already helped VW Group in designing a wide variety of front-engined, transverse and front - wheel drive models. Currently SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up! Are based on this model and the next generation Audi A3 Mk3, SEAT León Mk3 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 besides Skoda Octavia Mk3 are expected to be based on this platform.

Skoda Octavia Mileage and fuel efficiency

Currently the II generation Skoda Octavia or Laura, which is termed as luxury redefined, is also known for its outstanding mileage and fuel efficiency. As of now Ambiente which is one of the two petrol versions of this premium sedan is delivering a mileage of 9.5 Kmpl on the city roads while it improves to 13.5 Kmpl on the highways. Efficiency and mileage of the diesel variant is slightly better for the diesel variant and ranges between 11.5- 12.6 Kmpl in cities and on highways it delivers 15.4- 16.6 Kmpl. But the new Octavia is expected to deliver some exemplary mileage and fuel efficiency figures and it is expected to clock 12 Kmpl in the city while around 17 Kmpl on the highways. So, initially reports indicate that this model is going to be a winner all the way.

Skoda Octavia Models and Features

Skoda Octavia Engine, Power and Performance

Skoda Octavia has been offered in both petrol and diesel variants with three engine options. These three engine options include two engine options in petrol variant i.e, 1.4 litre turbo charged TSI and 1.8 litre turbo charged TSI engine followed by 2.0 litre turbo charged TDI diesel engine. The 1.4 litre TSI turbo charged petrol engine churns the power of 145 bhp and develops the torque of 275 Nm @ 2000 – 4500 rpm. Whereas the 1.8 litre TSI turbo charged petrol engine and 2.0 litre turbho charged TDI diesel engine develops the power of 190 bhp and 130 bhp accordingly.

Skoda Octavia Pick Up and Acceleration

As for the pickup and acceleration a major area of car performance, reports are that powered with these high performing engine the all new Skoda Octavia reaches to the highest acceleration or top speed of over 200 km per hour. Coming to the pickup it speed up from no stationary position to high speed of 100 km per hour in less than 10 seconds. Also combined fuel consumption of this vehicle is just 6.6 litres for every 100 km. Besides good acceleration figure this vehicle also scores on its CO2 emissions figures which are as low as 154 g per km.

As for the diesel variant of the Skoda Octavia it has a turbo diesel engine. This new engine is functioning on the pump-jet fuel injection system. Also trade reports suggest that unlike other diesel models it will be a fairly maintenance-free engine if you request to equip it with DPF solid particle filter which require little maintenance. Included in this range is the 1.4 TDI CR DPF /145 bhp engine desptie of this 1.8L TSI petrol with a max power of 180 PS also this range of diesel engines also contains the 2.0 TDI CR DPF /190 bhp engine which has a common-rail high-pressure injection.

The performance of any modernised Octavia Combi model will depend on the both the chosen engine as well as the gearbox. Consumers have many options in gearbox starting with the classic mechanical gearbox with five-speed or six-speed options. The other ranges of gearboxes available in Skoda models are the six-speed automatic gearbox and the six-speed double-clutch DSG automatic gearbox. For all those who want more there is also a seven-speed automatic double-clutch DSG gearbox.

Skoda Octavia Interiors and Features

Coming to the Interiors of this new Skoda Octavia here again experts believe that the new model will retain most of the features of the Skoda Laura. As we all know that the best feature of Skoda Octavia is going to be its spacious and roomy interiors. Most of the people have already stated that good roomy interiors can really help one on the city roads. It can make one feel open as if one is at home. This is going to help Octavia win the hearts of its customers as they will love a car that can give this feeling when one is stuck in one of those traffic jams. If we have a closer look at the detailing the wooden finished interiors on doors and dashboard along with the console at the centre have helped the model to get that very, very stylish and luxurious look. Also the cabin interiors of the 2013 Skoda Octavia is expected to be loaded with elegant soft touch dashboard which will make it look stylish as well as dynamic. Another winning point of this model is its leather upholstery that is the cheery on the cake being dual toned in colours beige and onyx. Also it is worth mentioning here that the spacious headroom and legroom of this car will definitely make it the perfect choice for the long travel destinations. This is all in addition to the unusual interior features including the chrome interior door handles on selected models along with anti glare interior rear view mirror.

Skoda Octavia Exterior and Features

Though these are just anticipated information based on the exterior looks of the Skoda Laura. This model may share the same beautiful and impressing exteriors. So it may have what everyone may call the breathtaking looks. The Laura made itself synonymous as a distinguished model with high level of design and elegance in its excellent arch. All the car enthusiasts have appreciated the exteriors of the sedan as truly unmatchable. Talking about the exteriors of the Skoda Octavia its overall length is 4.5m while the width of the car is 1.7m and the total height of the car is 1.4m. The wheel base of the car is 2.5m which gives improved controlling of the car. The car has ground clearance of 140mm making it a more comfortable ride on roads. Taking about the interiors of the car the total width of the elbow in the front as well as on the rear are 1.41 and 1.42 respectively. The headroom provided inside the car is 981 and 984(front and rear respectively). The car has pretty big luggage space ranging from 605mm minimum to 1665mm maximum.

So, if we go by these indications then this sedan stands apart in every aspect. It is expected that the bold and beautiful front lamps that have rectangular curves well define the front portion and help it stand out for its dignifying, sophisticated and dramatic front face.  Besides this the fascia becomes even more beautiful and urban thanks to the excellent front chrome grille that is broad and distinctly sits between the two headlamps. Also above this grille lies the logo of the Skoda company logo that speaks for itself. One just cannot forget the bonnet that again has slope that has been designed sensuously to cover the distance between the two ends. Even the layering on the side windings resemble the bonnet design and give a wonderful look on the whole. As for the back side it is equally fabulous with the tail lights looking classy and distinguished. But how much of the looks this new car will share with Skoda Laura remains to be seen.

Skoda Octavia Driving and Handling

As this model is going to be a premium sedan so it is bound to give you a very luxurious ride and equipped some out of the world features including the multifunctional power steering will be really impressive. Then we have the super responsive and handy brake assist, cruise control along with a highly advanced accessibility module. For all those who will be driving Skoda Octavia the transmission comes smooth and easy on high speeds too and the great axle control makes you gain the confidence of crossing 100 on the highways with an ease. As we all know that the traction control system is yet very remarkable aspect and the McPherson Strut type suspension in the front together with the rear multi- link suspension make it easy on all bumpy terrains.

Safety Features in Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia is no exception to this and is packed with many advanced safety measures and has become one of the safest cars on roads. The ABS (ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) packed in the car is used  in prevention of locking of wheel in abrupt braking and helps to maintain control on steering in case of sudden brakes. Features like EBD (Electronic brake force distribution), Electronic stability program (ESP), Electronic Differential Lock, Anti slip regulation, mechanical brake assistant, hydraulic brake resistant etc will make the right really safe.

Skoda Octavia Accessories

The new Skoda Octavia may share even the accessories with Skoda Laura. As we know this model had its own Skoda Audio system along with built in support for Bluetooth, Then the LCD TFT Touch screen on the audio console has an integrated 6 CD/ DVD changer. This will make the ride enjoyable with and has twelve speakers delivering outstanding treble and bass. We will have to mention that this console also has a MMC/ memory card reader, USB, Bluetooth, AUX- In as well.
 

Skoda Octavia Conclusion

The thought of comfort comes quite easy with this super model coming from the stable of Skoda India. A model that has active head rests in the front and the central arm rest at the rear portion of the vast cabin besides some of the most extraordinary looks and exemplary performance. Please note that most of the information is anticipation as the model will only be unveiled in 2013 at Geneva motor show.