Skoda Octavia Coming Back To India With Slavia’s 1.5 Liter Turbo Petrol Engine: Details

The Skoda Octavia holds a legacy in the Indian market similar to what the City holds for Honda or the Swift for Maruti—an iconic product with a rich history and dominance in its segment, essentially becoming a brand in itself over the years. The Octavia was a pillar of Skoda’s success in India for long, known for its premium build, performance, and loyal customer base. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs and the demand for sedans declined, the Octavia was eventually phased out.

 

 

Now with market winds changing, Skoda Octavia is looking for a comeback into the Indian market. It would, however, have major mechanical changes upon re-entry. It would be the upcoming facelift that’d come to India. Skoda could assemble this sedan locally, cutting down costs significantly. There is, however, no official word on this yet.

What do we know about this yet?

Skoda India’s Brand Director, Peter Janeba, has expressed the automaker’s keen interest in bringing back the sedan. He noted that the Octavia could be priced around Rs 30 lakh, filling a gap in Skoda’s Indian lineup.

While Janeba didn’t provide a specific timeline for the Octavia’s launch, it’s clear that Skoda is committed to its return. The automaker has already established a local assembly facility for its premium SUV, the Kodiaq, which is set to receive an update around mid-2025. However, the process of setting up a new assembly line for the Octavia could take over a year.

The 2024 Skoda Octavia is powered by a 1.5-litre EA211 EVO2 engine producing 150 Bhp, similar to the one found in the Slavia. This engine features advanced cylinder deactivation technology (ACT+), allowing it to shut off two cylinders during low-load conditions to improve fuel efficiency.

Globally, the engine is also available with an optional mild-hybrid system, known as ‘e-tec’. This system includes a 48V battery that powers various ancillaries and enhances the start/stop functionality for better overall efficiency. Importantly, the power output remains consistent whether the vehicle is equipped with the mild-hybrid system or not.

In terms of performance, the 1.5-litre engine offers sufficient refinement and is well-suited for urban driving. However, it lacks the punch of the previous 2.0-litre TSI engine, which made the older Octavia notably more fun to drive. While the new engine delivers comfort and adequate performance at highway speeds, it may fall short for those who enjoyed the more dynamic and spirited top-end performance of the older model.

Skoda is also exploring the possibility of assembling the sportier Octavia RS in India. This performance-oriented version of the sedan could be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The RS would add another exciting dimension to Skoda’s Indian portfolio.

Overall, Skoda’s plans for Octavia’s return show the automaker’s confidence in the Indian market and its commitment to offering a diverse range of products. As the Octavia makes its comeback, it’s likely to attract a significant following among Indian car enthusiasts.

2024 Skoda Octavia Facelift Design And Interior

 

The recently unveiled facelift gets subtle changes to the exterior, such as redesigned headlights, a revised grille, and new alloy wheel options. Inside, the new Octavia would to feature a larger 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, ADAS, wireless charging, a sunroof and use of recycled materials. For added practicality, there will be a 600-litre liftback boot as well.