Skoda has launched the new Octavia with a choice of three variants and, in ascending order, they are: Active, Ambition and Elegance.
The 1.8 TSI (priced at Rs 18.25 lakh) is only available in the top Elegance spec, and you can get the 2.0 TDI automatic in this spec too (Rs 19.45 lakh). One step lower, the Ambition spec can be had on the 1.4 TSI (Rs 14.95 lakh), as well as the 2.0 TDI in either manual (Rs 16.55 lakh) or automatic (Rs 17.55 lakh) guise. And finally, the base Active trim can only be had on the 1.4 TSI (Rs 13.95 lakh) and the 2.0 TDI manual (Rs 15.55 lakh).
All Octavias, including the Active, get 16-inch alloy wheels, powered mirror adjustment, power windows, ABS, dual front airbags, traction control, driver’s seat height adjustment, steering adjustment, remote locking, an audio system with an SD card reader, air-conditioning, rear air-con vents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake.
Move up to the Ambition, and you get an electronic differential lock for the front axle (which is why the cars we drove gripped so well), stability control, multi-collision braking (which automatically brings the car to a standstill if it senses the driver’s foot is off the brake pedal after a crash), rear parking sensors, a touchscreen audio system, steering-mounted audio controls, a media input port for USB, aux-in and iPod connectivity, automatic headlamps and wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, electric folding mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming. Phew!
Opt for the Elegance spec, and you get all that’s on the Ambition plus adaptive Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, a tyre pressure monitoring system, front parking sensors, four more airbags, a panoramic sunroof, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with seat memory and cruise control.
What's missing, and what's sorely needed is a reverse camera (rivals like the Hyundai Elantra offer this) and satellite navigation. Some might also miss height adjustment for the front passenger seat and keyless entry and go. The 5.8-inch toruch-screen is also smaller than the one offered in markets abroad and the omission of the 12volt, three-pin plug socket.
Skoda hasn’t announced prices yet, but from the looks of it, it’s the Ambition spec that looks like the best value for money.
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