New Skoda Octavia To Run Only On Petrol Power

• 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to push 190PS of grunt.
• Gets a sole 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
• No diesel engine on offer.
• Likely to be priced from Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).
• India launch by mid-2021.

Skoda has been testing the fourth-gen Octavia in the country for a while. Now we have crucial information about the upcoming model’s engines ahead of its mid-2021 launch. If you’ve been eyeing the diesel-powered Octy, be ready for a disappointment as Skoda will offer the fourth-gen Octavia with petrol power only. 

The Octavia’s petrol engine is nothing short of excitement. It will utilise the VW Group’s 2.0-litre TSI engine that does duty in the Superb. This engine develops 190PS of power, 320Nm of torque, and is offered only with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In our tests, the Superb TSI did the 0-100kmph run in a blisteringly quick 8.33 seconds despite wet conditions. The Octy could be quicker as it will be lighter than the Superb. 

We already know from earlier spy shots that the Octavia’s design is sleeker than before. The split LED headlamps of the outgoing model have been replaced by a single-piece unit while the butterfly grille is sharper and wider than before. A prominent shoulder line runs through the profile adding character. The India-spec model should come with 17-inch alloy wheels with higher profile tyres for better ride quality. At the rear, the Octy features split LED tail lamps with a ‘C’ motif. 

Inside, the Octavia will feature a large floating infotainment system through which one can access almost all the features of the car. Almost all buttons and knobs have been replaced with touch-based controls. Other highlights include a digital driver’s display and a two-spoke steering wheel. 

The new Octavia is likely to be priced from Rs 18 lakh, putting it in the ballpark of the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.