2017 Skoda Octavia facelift to be launched in July in India; what to expect

Czech automaker Skoda is reportedly set to launch its new Octavia facelift in India in July this year. Skoda has been testing the Octavia facelift in the country for quite some time now and some dealers of the company have also started accepting the bookings.

A report of AutocarIndia says the new Octavia launch is scheduled for early July. However, the exact launch date of the model is not known yet. In its mid-life facelifted avatar, the Octavia will see changes mainly at the front. The sedan will now get split headlight design and wide air dam. While the international model of the Octavia also features LED DRLs ((Daytime Running Lamps), it is not sure whether the India-spec version will get the same. The new Octavia is also expected to get tweaked taillamps and rear bumper.

The cabin of the Skoda Octavia is also expected to get an update. While the dual-tone black and beige colour of the sedan is likely to be continued, the model is expected to get a new steering wheel with mounted control buttons, new infotainment system and instrument cluster with MID. Other features expected include a customisable key that allows multiple users to save vehicle settings, folding tables on the back of the front seats, bottle holders, and a removable torch in the boot.

Mechanically, the new Octavia will remain the same as the current model. In India, the Octavia is currently offered with a 1.4 TSI petrol, a 1.8 TSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI diesel engines. The transmission is handled by six-speed AT, seven-speed DSG and six-speed manual gearbox. All the engines come mated to a manual transmission standard, while the dual-clutch DSG automatic is offered as an option.

There is no information on the pricing of the model yet. However, expect the new Octavia to carry a price tag slightly higher than the current version. The new Skoda Octavia facelift will take on the likes of Toyota Corolla Altis and the new Hyundai Elantra.