2021 Skoda Octavia First Look Review - An Expensive D-Segment Sedan?

Skoda has finally launched the fourth-generation Octavia and we couldn't be happier. Well, as the country is pacing towards the SUV department, the sedans have been left far behind in the race. Not now, as the D-Segment sedan is slowly picking up pace as we now have 2021 Skoda Octavia to provide support to the Hyundai Elantra. But there's a problem. The Price. Lack Of Features. Oh, well, we will share everything we like about the 2021 Skoda Octavia and the things that we don't in this first look review!

So the story started in 2002 when the Czech carmaker brought in the Octavia at a price of just Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) and people went gaga. The sales took off rightly because of the build quality, powerful petrol engine and well, the features. However, it was the aftersales and service support that gave people some issues. Nonetheless, Skoda India enjoyed it all and so did its customers.

Then as the time evolved, the carmaker did too by bringing in several Octavia's and not to forget the vRS models too. Oh, that the Sprint Yellow shade really stood now. Now, fast forward to 2021, we have the fourth-gen Octavia and we explain everything we like about the sedan.

Exteriors

Like the Germans, this Czech carmaker too has followed their design and the grille is now bigger than before. But it looks good. Similarly, the split headlight design is gone and it now makes way for the slimmer headlights with integrated daytime running lights. Another noticeable thing is that the DRLs neatly falls in place with the grille. Attention to detail to these European cars I tell you.

Also Read: Skoda Octavia vs Hyundai Elantra - Spec And Price Comparison

Similarly, the bottom part sees a rectangular foglight design and with that, we have a chrome strip that connects them both. And now, notice the sharp creases on the hood that looks distinct. Moving to the side profile, the Octavia now gets 17-inch alloy wheels and man of man, they look good. To further enhance the premiumness, a subtle chrome on the window line looks lovely.

As the front and side, it is the rear that carries a little more drama. You see, the coupe-like styling of the Octavia, the boot now casually forms into a spoiler and the inverted L shaped taillights are where things start to the lookout. You also get SKODA lettering at the middle and the bumper design is tweaked as well.

Interiors

Whether you're driving the sedan or being chauffeur-driven, the cabin oozes premiumness. The dual-tone beige and black colour scheme followed by loads of cubby spaces really give the sedan a practical approach. For the asking price, there are no hard plastics on the dashboard and that what makes it a special sedan. Similarly, at the rear seat, the headrests, touch-sensitive reading lights, window curtain are what stands out.

Features

That's where most Indians get excited for and the new Octavia does not disappoint you at all. Okay, well, at some points. The positives include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a two-spoke steering wheel with multi-function, LED ambient lighting, electronic parking brake, gear selector via a switch, Canton sourced audio system with 12 speakers, dual-zone climate control, virtual cockpit and among others.

Pretty impressive, right? But where's the sunroof? Or the ventilated seats? Hey, the Nissan Magnite gets a 360-degree camera Man. Yes, the Octavia missed out on the latter feature too. Now, this may be a dealbreaker to some of the Indians as having a sunroof is what makes you stand out and is a USP nowadays. We'll let you decide from here on if the new Octavia is your buy or not!

Dimensions and Capacity

The new Octavia is 19 mm longer than before but sticks with the same 2680 mm of wheelbase. For a taller person, the sloping roofline might be of discomfort and the lack of sunroof might lead to the lack of airiness, nonetheless, the Octavia surely stands out now. Also, the massive boot space of 600 litres further stretches up to 1555 litres when the second row of seats are folded.

Engine and Transmission

Mechanically, the Octavia now gets a 2.0L TSI engine that makes 188 bhp with 320 Nm of healthy torque. The latter is observed from as low as 1500 RPM thus making the city drives also an easier one. A 7-speed DSG for better performance and the ARAI certified mileage sticks to 15.81 kmpl. Now, this is better than its competition Hyundai Elantra that sticks to 15 kmpl only. What's impressive is that the 0-100 figures come in just 7 seconds and the paddle shifter really upgrades the driving feel.

Also Read: Check Out The Brochure Of Hyundai Alcazar - Launch On June 18

Safety

A global NCAP rating of 5-stars makes it an impressive buy but also as much as 9 airbags do. Similarly, rear parking camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD and Electronic stability control, Traction control and everything that you want from a premium safer sedan.

Price and Competition

Well, the new-gen Octavia is surely expensive than the Hyundai Elantra but it has its own advantages. Like the 2.0L TSI or the well-advanced features that keep the driver as well as a passenger sitting at the rear aware of their surroundings. So we have pretty much covered everything in this first look review of the 2021 Skoda Octavia and it is now your decision as to which of the sedans you will be investing your money in. Or you can just pick the Sportline variant of the Superb that is just Rs 3 lakh expensive than the L&K variant of the Octavia.

So I hope you enjoyed reading the first look review of the 2021 Skoda Octavia. Well, now, you can also be a part of our exclusive 91Wheels Telegram group and meet like-minded people. Also, we share the latest industry insights so that you don't miss anything at all!