Skoda unveils latest Octavia for India, plans Diwali launch

Czech automobile major Skoda Auto - now controlled by Germany's Volkswagen - will roll out the third generation of its popular model Octavia in India around Diwali.

The company plans to launch the car in two petrol and one diesel engine versions. The price will be disclosed closer to the launch date, the company said at a launch presentation in Mumbai on Friday.

The new car offers more room, functionality and incorporates latest technology, said Winfried Vahland, chairman of Skoda Auto, said. ''The Octavia is the most important car for Skoda in the Indian market,'' he said.

Worldwide, Skoda has sold more than 4 million units of Octavia to date.

Skoda made its India foray in 2001 with the Skoda Octavia and the new model will be the third generation Skoda Octavia.

''We decided two years ago that worldwide we should be selling at least 1.5 million cars per annum by 2018. We will strive for the leading position in this segment even in India,'' Vahland said.

When launched, the Skoda Octavia will occupy the D segment of the automobile market and will have to contend with competition from products like Hyundai's Elantra, Toyota's Corolla Altis, Volkswagen's Jetta and Chevrolet's Cruze.

According to Sudhir Rao, managing director, Skoda Auto India, ''the Octavia model line launched Skoda in the country 12 years ago has enjoyed cult status in India ever since. The Octavia has always been the heart of the Skoda brand. The new-generation Skoda Octavia, which will be introduced here in the festive season, will be a game-changer as it is the largest, most comfortable and lightest Skoda Octavia ever made.''

The production of the new Octavia has commenced at Skoda's factory in Aurangabad, Maharashtra where it also makes the Superb, Yeti and Laura. The other Skoda product sold in India is the Rapid.

Between November 2001 and October 2010, the company sold almost 45,000 Octavias in India. Skoda has a network of 100 outlets across the country and sold 30,000 cars in 2012. In the first seven months of 2013, it has sold 13,800 vehicles.

Built upon the MQB platform that underlies a slew of VW family vehicles, the new Octavia will share features with the Jetta and the Golf, among others.

The rear is spacious and comfortable with a soft and comfortable bench. The boot is spacious, almost 590 litres.

Skoda will retain the 2.0-litre TDi mill that does duty in the current Laura and will introduce the 1.4 TSi Twincharger petrol engine that's turbo- and supercharged - a first for the VW group in India.

The quick-shifting DSG 'box will also continue to remain an option for the diesel, as it is for the current Laura, without the flappy paddles. All models will come with the option of manual or DSG gearboxes.