[Dr.Naren]

Autocar India review

Skoda continues to offer the choice of three engines and three gearboxes, all in the same state of tune. The stalwart 2.0-litre diesel produces 143hp and 320Nm of torque and can be had with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG. Petrol buyers can choose between the 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI. The smaller engine produces 150hp and 250Nm and comes with a six-speed manual only. Those interested in more powerful 1.8 TSI can only enjoy its 180hp, 250Nm punch solely via a seven-speed DSG. We spent our time with the 1.8-litre petrol and, as expected, it shone with great smoothness, a strong mid-range and a hard-hitting top end. Mated to the quick 7-speed gearbox, this is easily the driver's choice in the segment.

Part of the reason why the 1.8 TSI is so nice to drive is that it continues to be the only Octavia with multi-link independent rear suspension. The suspension isn't stiff like that of a sportscar, but the Octavia still offers high levels of grip and poise when pushed down a flowing road. The smaller 1.4 petrol and the diesel both make do with a simpler torsion beam rear. While certainly not sub-par, this set-up lacks the multi-link unit's level of control and is quite a bit noisier as well, something that can confuse you into thinking the ride is worse than it actually is. Nevertheless, all three cars will delight the driver and they all offer excellent high-speed stability.

http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-rev...-405170,0.aspx

[pickdj]

finally! I was waiting for the reviews for a long time. Hopefully there will be more coming soon.
Pretty much what I expected. The 1.8TSI still being available is a definite plus. There were rumors that they might discontinue that option. Everything looks the same and is as expected.
One nit-pick though - where are the two umbrellas they promised us in the initial press releases?

[Mad Max]

Why they wouldn't offer the multi-link suspension on the diesel is beyond me. It's not like it's going to cost another 2-3 lakhs more.

While I am ok with the front design, I still think the older design looks the better of the two. I am happy that they carried over the 1.8TSi but there's no mention of any changes to the 7-speed DSG. It would've been awesome if they got the newer version of it in the update.

Saw earlier in the thread that the VRS could be on it's way. My wishlist would include the DQ500(? - the one in the Tiguan) in the VRS. That would make it so much fun!

[SPARKled]

Originally Posted by pickdj

One nit-pick though - where are the two umbrellas they promised us in the initial press releases?

In one of the international reviews I saw on Youtube, its under the front passenger seat. Not sure if both are there though. The driver seat under housing, carries the safety vest in the British version. So maybe the other one will be there in the Indian version.

[nishithrao95]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

While I am ok with the front design, I still think the older design looks the better of the two.

The Pre Facelift has such a Timeless Design. It still doesn't look old considering that it has been in market for 4 years. I don't regret the decision of going for a pre facelift version one bit. There are no Mechanical changes whatsoever and almost everything is the same except for:
- Park Assist-Which I personally feel is a Gimmick. I've got friends and Family who didn't use it more than couple of times in their Bigger German Cars.

-Color MFD Display - But still displays the same data

-1.5" Bigger Touchscreen with exact same functionality

Even with GST effect it'll definitely have a slight price hike, Which atleast wasn't worth it for me to let go of the discounts .

Ambient Lighting

[RavenAvi]

Brochure scans, courtesy Motoroids:

[pickdj]

Thanks a lot for this. One thing which popped out at me is that the brochure only shows four colors? Surely there would be more options? Or did the old octy also come in four colors only?
Also, what's the difference between the velonium and alcatras alloys? Any info would be good

[CarguyNish]

Originally Posted by pickdj

Or did the old octy also come in four colors only?
Also, what's the difference between the velonium and alcatras alloys? Any info would be good

Old Octavia had 7 Colors (Black/White/Silver/Red/Blue/Grey/Beige).

Surprised that the popular Race Blue & Cappuccino Beige have been deleted.

Two alloys design can be differentiated by referring this image below. Clearly both designs are different although they are finished in silver shade rather then the New Diamonds Cut type.

[Mad Max]

The race blue is the best color for the Octavia! i really hope they haven't taken that away.

I am seeing a few Style Plus AT available in Carwale Bangalore. Anyone checked those out?

[SPARKled]

a big positive is 4 airbags for lower, 6 for mid variant and 8 for top. The mid variant could be good value is what I think

[PraNeel]

The Autocar first drive review of Octavia is out.
Key Changes:
1. Wider Track
2. Softer Suspension.
3. Auto Perpendicular and Parallel Park
4. All LED adaptive front headlamps. Tail Lights are LED too.

Will be sold at a slight premium than the current one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSfUSlPCt20

Overdrive Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L5FSlmHP3I

[petroguzzler]

Mostly looks like old wine in a newer and uglier bottle. The pre-face lift one was a classy design.

[84.monsoon]

The 1.8 TSI AT Ambition looks like a steal now, if they keep the prices unaltered at around 19 Lacs ex showroom. It now gets six airbags, reversing camera, full Led headlights, 8 inch touchscreen on top of the pre face-lift variant. With that great engine, independent rear suspension and the truckload of features it comes with, this has got to be the most feature packed drivers' car south of 20 Lacs. The only things missing in this variant that are of value now are, the sunroof and the push button start.

Plus, now you can get the Octavia in that deadly Steel Grey color of the superb.

You could spend almost twice the money on an A3 TSI and get the same basic MQB platform-based car, but with a lower powered 1.4 TSI engine.

Or you could spend more than twice the money on an A4 TSI and get a slightly better MLB platform and better DL500 transmission, but again the inferior 1.4 TSI engine.

All in all a tempting proposition indeed. Zero to hundred in 8 seconds for a little over 20 Lacs on road!

[CarguyNish]

Originally Posted by 84.monsoon

You could spend twice the money on an A3 TSI and get the same basic MQB platform-based car, but with a lower powered 1.4 TSI engine.

While the A3 & A4 are good cars, they just don't justify that premium over this car (Octavia) now that the Jetta has been discontinued.

The A3 & A4 although look nice don't offer that timeless look that Skoda & Volkswagen have. The Octavia is way more spacious (Cabin & Boot), has a nice 1.8 Petrol, nearly as much features, better Service Coverage, etc for half the price. So, who should buy those Audi ? Someone who hates Skoda & Loves Audi. That's it.

This was a great choice for someone looking at a D Segment Sedan, now the Update has made it a Segment Best. Well Done Skoda.

[RavenAvi]

The 2017 Octavia demo cars have reached selected Skoda dealership stockyards in Tier-I cities.

All of them are Style Plus AT variants in 2 engine specs - 1.8 TSI AT & 2.0 TDI AT.

2 colour shades each - White & Grey.

Should get pics of the same soon.