Skoda Octavia facelift spotted on test in India

A facelifted version of the Skoda Octavia has been spotted doing the rounds on Indian soil near Aurangabad. This is a mid-life cycle update for the Czech automakers D-segment sedan and is expected to make an Indian debut in the next few months in the form of the high performance Octavia vRS before the standard car is brought in later.

The car that has been snapped up testing is a standard model. This updated Octavia gets a new face which has split headlamps but retains the famous and signature Skoda moustache grille while the side profile retains the low slung roofline but gets a new design for the alloy wheels. The C-shaped tail lamps have been retained in their entirety to let the Octavia continue with its signature look. There are some updates to the cabin in terms of features but otherwise it remains unchanged from the outgoing model.

Given how Audi has begun to use the 1.4-litre TSI as a common petrol engine for the A4 and A3, we believe that the Octavia too will make use of it in the 150bhp/250Nm mated to a seven-speed DSG setup. The diesel is a 2.0-litre unit producing 141bhp/320Nm of torque and mated to a seven-speed DSG. The sporty vRS will make use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol pumping out 245bhp/370Nm with power going to the front via a seven-speed DSG.

The Octavia is a rare breed of D-segment sedan and stands out among the crop of SUVs and crossovers existing in that price range. It will take on the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze as well as SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson.  

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