The fourth-gen Skoda Octavia’s India launch has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Zac Hollis, Brand Director - Sales, Service and Marketing, Skoda Auto India, made the announcement via Twitter today, the same day that the Maharashtra Government has instituted new lockdown-like protocols under its Break the Chain initiative. There is no word as to how long we’ll have to wait for the new Octavia to arrive.

• New Octavia launch delayed
• Will be powered by a sole 190hp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine
• Expected to get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and connected car tech
• New Skoda Kushaq and Kodiaq petrol launch timelines yet to be confirmed

“Sometimes, it’s important to take a pause and come back stronger. We at ŠKODA AUTO have postponed the launch of the all-new Octavia until the current situation improves. We will keep you updated on the launch developments. Stay safe and let us do our part to fight this virus.” pic.twitter.com/88jVHwiRkz

— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) April 22, 2021

2021 Skoda Octavia: Styling and interior

Skoda has opted out of the quad headlamp design of the third-gen Octavia with this all new sedan. The new Octavia bears a closer resemblance to the larger Superb with a similar family design featuring conventional headlamps flanking the trademark grille and clean lines and creases along the body.

Inside, the cabin is expected to be in line with other new-gen Skoda’s on sale in international markets with a free-standing touchscreen sitting atop the centre console on a shelf-like panel. The Octavia, like the recently revealed Kushaq and the updated Superb could also use a two spoke steering.

Built on the updated MQB platform, the new executive sedan is larger than the outgoing model and will be offered with a sole petrol engine.

2021 Skoda Octavia: Engine

The new Octavia will be available with a single petrol engine – a 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox will be offered as standard. Unlike its predecessor, there will be no diesel engine option.

2021 Skoda Octavia: Rivals

The new Octavia will go up against the Hyundai Elantra in the executive sedan segment. Expect Skoda to price it in the region of Rs 18-24 lakh (ex-showroom) when it is launched.

2021 Skoda India launch schedule

Before the rise of the second wave of the ongoing pandemic, Skoda had plans to launch the all-new Kushaq mid-size SUV in India in the coming months, bring the petrol Kodiaq later this year, and reveal an all-new mid-size sedan to replace the aging Rapid before the end of the year. The Czech brand has yet to reveal how the schedule for those new models will be affected.