Skoda Octavia Car Review in India

Volkswagen's Skoda Auto is based in the Czech Republic, and develops and manufactures premium automobiles for the world market. The year 2001 witnessed the advent of Skoda Auto's Indian operations, beginning with a plant at Shendra on the Ahmedabad border (the company's single manufacturing unit outside of Europe).

Inspired by the enthusiastic response of the Indian car buyers, the manufacturer now offers a wide range of automobiles to choose from. The Skoda Octavia comes in four main trims -- Skoda Ambiente Turbo, Skoda Ambiente Skoda L&K, and Skoda Elegance. The series is offered in petrol and diesel versions with a choice of two transmissions, a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.

It is equipped with ample safety features. Driver and passenger airbags, pre-tensioned seat belts as well as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) are standard gear.

The Skoda L&K is equipped with 1.9L in-line 4, diesel engine that produces 90 bhp of power with a torque of 210 Nm. The Ambiente Turbo 1.8 sports a high performance, turbocharged petrol 1.8L Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine that delivers 150 bhp of power and 210 Nm of torque. While the Aminete 1.9L a 5-speed manual transmission is standard.

The Octavia Elegance 1.9 TDI (diesel) and the Octavia Ambiente are mounted with an in-line 4 diesel engine that produces 90 bhp worth of power and achieves a maximum torque of 210 Nm. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard with both the models

The Elegance, with 4-speed automatic transmission, has fuzzy logic that facilitates a smooth driving experience. The instrument cluster has a mini dot display that updates the driver at all times about which gear he is driving in. All these engines are frugal, sprinters and display surplus passing power.

All of Skoda's offerings feature its trademark stamp of class, luxury and cutting edge technology. The L&K limousine is Skoda's high-end variant that brings with it a blend of upper crust sophistication and elegance. Its interior resonates with plush luxury and technological wizardry.

The dynamic 4-door Skoda RS is one of the fastest cars in the country; it epitomises sporty luxury at its best. The Skoda Octavia Elegance has an understated grace, and is tuned to serve up a comfortable and silent ride. It is armed with plenty of safety features as well as comforts such as an electronically regulated climatronic air conditioner, a 12V DC outlet and ashtrays for the front as well as the rear seats.

Some available accessories across trims include door sill covers with a stainless-steel decorative strip, leather steering wheel, a three-piece wood trim set (for the mid-console), alloy wheels, child safety equipment, electric front windows, independent heating, cruise control, sunroof, central locking and more.

Besides high-quality interior acoustics, the range also offers a broad choice of audio systems -- car radios, CD players and CD changers. Accessories such as front and rear bumper spoilers, a rear boot spoiler and a stainless steel exhaust pipe give the Octavia an aerodynamic silhouette.