Czech auto manufacturers, Skoda Auto decided to introduce the newer generation Octavia under a new brand name Laura. With this, the company continued to sell the Octavia and the Laura. The company introduced a facelift version of the Laura in 2009 and the Octavia got phased-out when the BS-IV emission norms were implied.
Although sources have confirmed that the new Laura (Octavia as it is known worldwide) will make a debut next year. Recently the test-mule of the 2013 Skoda Octavia without any camouflage was spotted on the R10 expressway in Skoda’s hometown Czech Republic. The 2013 Octavia is expected to be unveiled in Geneva or Frankfurt motor show next year.
Under the skin, the 2013 Octavia is likely to be based on an innovative modular MQB platform, which is sourced from its parent company Volkswagen. This new platform already supports the Seat Leon, Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. Compared to the existing model, the new model will be longer and wider which means overall length could stand at 4.8m making it the longest Skoda Octavia ever produced and the wheelbase will be stretched to 2,620mm (from 2,578mm).
In addition to this, being based on the new MQB platform, the Octavia model is much lighter when compared to its previous generation models. The new Octavia is likely to borrow engine units from new Golf 7 model which is available in 3-petrol and 2-diesel engine options. The 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI turbo petrol motors generate power outputs of 85 bhp and 138 bhp respectively. While 2.0-litre turbo petrol version delivers a 220 bhp and this engine would enter the hood of the Octavia vRS.
Diesel version is likely to be powered by a 1.6-litre with 103 BHP and a 2.0-litre with 148 BHP. Besides this, the company is also planning to develop hybrid and electric versions of the new Golf and these might be adopted by the Octavia too. However, the company is still tight lipped over the specification details of this car. The 2013 Octavia is most likely to be a part of company’s India line-up, where it will be competing with the likes of Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta etc…
Checkout the video below the jump.
Also see – Skoda India plans to re-launch new Octavia, to replace Laura in 2013
