New Skoda Octavia more photos and details

The Skoda Laura will be replaced by a new car next year – the Skoda Octavia (again). Skoda India may choose to bring back the Octavia brand name with the new car that is likely to replace the Laura (which is the 2^nd generation European Octavia).

The third generation Octavia that has just been unveiled in Europe is wider and longer than the present Laura, which has translated to more interior space and a car that looks quite luxurious. The new Octavia is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. Also read:Skoda cars to become cheaper

The new car has more knee-room, and shoulder-room, because of a longer wheel base of about 108 mm. Length too has increased by about 90 mm. This makes the Octavia almost as big as a Passat and definitely a car that looks like it is from a higher segment. The Octavia / Laura always had good boot space, and this car too gets 590 litres of space with the same lift-back boot (glass and boot integrated).

The instrument console is typically Skoda and continues to have a deep grey finish. The dials are clearly legible as is the multi-information display in the centre. The car also gets a touch-screen infotainment system that doubles up as a parking display. The car will feature cruise control, an optional sunroof and push-button ignition.

The Octavia will come with new engine choices which include a 1.4 TSI (turbo-petrol) putting out 120 bhp. It will also come with a 1.8 turbo-petrol with power increased to 177 bhp from the present 160 bhp. There will also be two diesel engine choices – a smaller 1.6 litre diesel that puts out about 105 bhp and a 2 litre diesel putting out 147 bhp (the present diesel engine with increased power output). These engines will come with a choice of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission. In India, Skoda is likely to offer the Octavia with a 1.4 TSI petrol and a 2-litre diesel engine only, while it may retain the 1.8 petrol for the RS variant. Also read: Skoda to bring back Octavia brand name to India

Expect the new Octavia to replace the Laura toward the end of 2013, with prices too going up slightly.