2017 Skoda Octavia (Facelift), RS Variant Launch Next Year

2017 Skoda Octavia Facelift

2017 Skoda Octavia Facelift

To feature dual LED headlamp design; Octavia RS Petrol with 230 PS max power.

Early last week, Skoda unleashed a mid-cycle face-lift to its popular Octavia sedan with updated frontal design and interiors. Scheduled to go on sale in Europe by February next year, the Indian launch of this car is expected by the latter half of 2017. Also making a comeback is the new Octavia RS performance edition, whose previous iteration Laura vRS was discontinued in India few years back.

The Octavia was always seen with simple and straightforward styling details in the past, but the 2017 update is a real surprise. Thanks to the radical dual-unit split headlamp design (resemblance to earlier Mercedes E-Class is uncanny!) fostering a new family look pioneered by the Skoda Kodiaq SUV. The grille is now more swayed, while the lower bumper section is neat and crisp. Apart from new alloy design and rear tail lamp LED graphics, the Octavia is largely the same as the earlier. It still stands on VW’s longer MQB chassis, therefore wheelbase and dimensions remains unchanged, offering one of the largest cabin in the segment.

Also Read: Skoda Octavia: 20 Years of Prodigy | Nostalgia

On the inside, the new Octavia has evolved more cozy and premium. The major overhaul is at the instrument cluster (with new graphics) and centre console with a new 9.2 inch touchscreen infotainment system – largest ever in the segment so far. The system now supports wireless hotspot and SIM module, apart from regular smartphone connectivity and navigation. Heater steering wheel is also new, along with folding tables for rear passengers and a customised key with driving preferences. There are some decorative strips and ambient lighting feature in select variants as well.

2017 Skoda Octavia

2017 Skoda Octavia offers one of the most spacious cabin in the segment

Globally, the Skoda Octavia offers a wide range of four TDI diesel and five TSI petrol engines with power outputs ranging between 63 kW (84 hp) to 135 kW (184 hp). In India, the sedan will continue to be powered by 1.8-litre TSI petrol unit that makes 177 bhp at 4500 rpm max, along with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor producing 141 bhp. Transmission option are likely to be 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol option in the entry-level trims is unlikely to be continued in the new Octavia next year.

Also Read: 2017 Skoda Kodiaq: An Extensive SUV Campaign – Images, Details

Skoda India is planning to bring four new models for the Indian market, including the new Octavia and Octavia RS. The performance-oriented RS petrol-turbo will pack a larger 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine rated at 230 PS power output, along with additional safety systems. Media rumours on a more powerful 2017 model-year Octavia RS with 245 PS output cannot be completely ruled out for India either. Other two models in the company’s planner for next year are the Skoda Kodiaq SUV and Monte-Carlo special edition of the Rapid sedan.

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2017 Skoda Octavia (Facelift) – Image Gallery

Dhiyanesh Ravichandran

Editorial consultant (Automotive and Technology), academic, and blogger based in India. He can be reached at wagenclub@gmail.com

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