1.5-litre TSI Engine A Possibility In The New Skoda Octavia: Zac Hollis

• VW Group’s 1.5-litre TSI engine develops 150PS and 250Nm.
• It’s locally assembled for use in the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun.
• If introduced in the Octy, it would be mated to only the 7-speed DSG.
• The Octavia will come with a 190PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine at launch.

Skoda India’s top boss Zac Hollis has hinted that the new Octavia could be provided with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine but at a later stage. The sedan’s predecessor packed a 1.4-litre TSI motor along with the larger 1.8-litre unit. This made sense for those who wanted a premium midsize sedan without the added performance. 

Introducing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in the new Octavia does make sense as it would broaden the sedan’s appeal. This engine is being localised for the Kushaq and Taigun, so it should allow Skoda to price the sedan aggressively.  

Also, stricter emission norms kick in from 2023, and car manufacturers will have to re-evaluate their engine offerings. It’s at this point that Skoda is expected to take a call on whether to introduce the 1.5-litre TSI engine or not. If introduced, we expect only a 7-speed DSG to be offered with it.

In a recent interaction, Hollis said, “1.5 TSi is a possibility. I wouldn’t discount it. It is something we could think about. But for the time being we’ll have this 2.0 TSi engine.”

Until then, the new Octavia, slated to be launched on June 10, will be offered with a 190PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol coupled with a 7-speed DSG. It’s likely to be priced from Rs 25 lakh onwards and will rival the Hyundai Elantra. For more details about the new Octy, click here.