Skoda Octavia - A Stunner On The Road And On Paper

The third generation Octavia is a stunner on the road and on paper. But is it enough to make up for Skoda’s lost turf in India?

Skoda launched the ambitious Octavia in 2001 to a market that was just about ripe to experience mid-level sedans. And now, after 12 years, Skoda has unveiled the third generation of Octavia. The new avatar is a clean new design and exhibits Skoda’s new grille and logo with a wide-planted look that makes it stands out from its previous iterations. We got our hands on the 1.8 AT TSI model.

Skoda has unveiled the third generation of Octavia

Exteriors

What does a petrol car do when it has a bustling 180 BHP powerhouse under its hood? You get the head going back into the headrest feeling race drivers are always talking about. Without a doubt, this car looks unmistakably Skoda. The new bold façade and trademark bulge make it look quite impressive. The daytime running LEDs capture much needed attention, though are available only in the elegance models. The headlamps have a similar shape while the solid side profile with its strong shoulder line echoes Audi’s design ethos with powerful projector bulbs. The rear looks more like an upbeat Rapid, while the diffuser gives the rear bumper much needed finishing, hiding the downturned exhaust pipes at the same time. Overall, the car is an aesthetical wonder with almost no flaws.

The new bold façade and trademark bulge make it look quite impressive

Interiors

The cabin is spacious and elegantly crafted to give it a niche feel. With plenty of soft leather crafting all around, the car does embrace you with its comfortable seating. The driver’s seat can be adjusted to 12 arrangements – making the drive nothing less than a treat. Light colored leather perfectly complement the darker tones of the dashboard, and there’s some great looking wood and metal trim on the door pads and center console. The 5.8-inch LCD touch screen is impressive, as the touch sensitivity will remind you of the ease with which you use your smartphone. However, due to the high transmission tunnel, the fifth passenger will have an uncomfortable ride. And yes, the sunroof does add the extra zing to the car.

The cabin is spacious and elegantly crafted to give it a niche feel

Engine

If one word could define this car’s engine, it would be – fantabulous. The 1.8 turbo charged engine is responsive, nippy and ecstatic. The 7-speed DSG gives you the freedom to choose between the drive and the sports mode. It pulls cleanly from anywhere in the rev range and makes sure the cog is aptly chosen from the acceleration point of view. The 180 BHP engine makes the car dream to drive because the engine is refined and much more quieter, except for the ferociously sexy roar you hear in the sports mode.

The 1.8 turbo charged engine is responsive, nippy and ecstatic

Verdict

With almost no flaws, the new Skoda Octavia is here to make a deep impact in the entry-level luxury sedan category. Its closest rival, Hyundai Elantra, looks too naïve in comparison while this understated beast leaps over in performance, looks and boasting value.