Skoda has introduced the new 2017 Octavia facelift with a price tag of INR 15.49 lakhs (ex-showroom, India). The new Octavia, which was launched earlier today at an event in Delhi, will be available in four colour options – Quartz Grey, Brilliant Silver, Candy White and Magic Black.
The new Octavia receives a chiseled hood, butterfly grille and all LED headlamps. The new full quadra LED headlights come with LED DRLs. Another highlight of the exterior is the rear LED lights. The new Octavia offers a host of connectivity features such as an eight inch colour touch screen display and eight speakers available with the Amundsen infotainment unit The capacitive touchscreen, which come in a glass design, is said to react to the lightest touch. It is equipped with SmartLink technology (Skoda connectivity bundles supporting MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) which mirrors the smartphone. A few other connectivity solutions like the BossConnect through Skoda Media Command App integrated into the Amundsen navigation system will help occupants control functions like radio, playing music from an external data storage (SD card or USB), volume control and navigation. In addition an SD card reader, USB, AUX-IN, is available as standard across all variants.
Also read: New 2017 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI and 1.8 TSI First Drive Review
As a pure petrol engine, the 1 4 TSI achieves a power output of 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It achieves 100 kmph in 8.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 219 kmph when combined with the six speed manual transmission. The 1 8 TSI sits at the top of the petrol engine range with a power output of 180 PS and 250 Nm. From a standing start, it accelerates to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 231 kmph. This motor, combined with the 7-speed automatic transmission is claimed to return 15.1 kmpl. The turbocharged 2.0 TDI is available in two versions with different transmissions. The Octavia 2.0 TDI with 143 PS and 320 Nm of torque comes with a six speed manual transmission as standard. In addition, a six speed DSG transmission is also available. It takes the model from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 218 kmph and on average, consumes 21 kmpl.
The new Octavia features hands-free parking that is said to make parking in tight spots easier during both parallel and perpendicular parking. The Adaptive Front light System (AFS) is automatically activated by the light sensors which switch the headlights on in low light conditions. In addition, the AFS system changes the geometry of the light beam, adapting the light pattern with different driving scenarios. The company also offers cornering fog lamps while dual airbags in the front and sides are available as a standard feature. The Style plus trim gets an additional set of side and curtain airbags in front and rear too. Additional safety features include safety seat belt signal (audio) driver and passenger, buzz fatigue alert, Isofix mounts and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The chassis technology of the 2017 Octavia includes a MacPherson design with lower triangular wishbones on the front axle and depending on the engine variant, a multi-fink or four-link rear axle. As part of the model upgrade, the rear track has been widened by 20 and 30 mm respectively. The rack-and-pinion steering uses an electro-mechanical servo drive, which also enables interaction with numerous assistance systems. A few other features on the Octavia facelift include two USB charging ports in the rear, ticket holder on the A pillar, waste bin for the door trim, a tablet holder on the backs of front seats.
Commenting on the launch of the new Octavia, Ashutosh Dixit, Director, Sales, Service & Marketing, Skoda India, said, “The Octavia changed the dynamics of the executive sedan segment, when it was introduced in India. The segment continues to offer tremendous growth potential as it caters to a growing class of discerning buyers with the penchant for luxury combined with the right value proposition. While retaining its strong characteristics of space, all round comfort, safety and technology, the new Octavia will be a compelling proposition, a game changer in its segment and will continue to dove Skoda’s success in India.”