Rumour: Skoda Octavia facelift to launch in India in Q3 2017

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Skoda is reportedly planning to launch the Octavia facelift in India in the third quarter of this year. The launch will most likely take place in the month of July, while training for the dealer staff will commence in June. The manufacturer hasn't made an official announcement about the same yet.

As per the information available, Skoda has already stopped production of the current, pre-facelift model of the Octavia at its Aurangabad facility. Presently, only 3 variants are in stock with majority of the Skoda dealerships across the country. These include the 1.4 TSI Ambition, 1.8 TSI Ambition Plus and the 2.0 TDI Style Plus. The updated dealer price list from Skoda also includes only these select variants. Additionally, the Octavia Onyx edition that was introduced in February this year is also available, and is being sold at no additional premium over the standard model.

Skoda had globally unveiled the Octavia facelift in October last year. The International-spec model gets some significant styling changes, especially at the front. The headlamps feature a split design and come with LED technology. The front bumper has been tweaked to house a larger air dam and revised fog lamps. The side and rear profile remains largely unchanged, save for a new set of alloys and redesigned tail light cluster.

The interiors are expected to get a new instrument cluster with an updated multi-information display. The infotainment system will also be a new 9.2-inch touchscreen unit that supports navigation and Skoda's new connect technologies. It remains to be seen what all features from the international-spec models are brought into the country.

Since it will only be a mid-life facelift, the Octavia is expected to carry on with the existing set of powertrains - 1.4 TSI petrol with a 6-speed MT, 1.8 TSI petrol with a 7-speed DSG and 2.0 TDI diesel with a 6-speed AT.