As The Auto Herald reminisces about a few notable automotive trends from the past, we look back at the momentous Indian launch of the 2019 model of the Skoda Octavia in 2021, an edition which marked the 60th anniversary of the iconic model. With a blistering legacy spanning over a whopping 125 years, the Czech automobile manufacturer Škoda Auto has always been a torchbearer in various essential attributes including customer satisfaction and trust, making them a popular choice among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
As told by Bernhard Maier, the CEO of Škoda Auto, the launch of the 2019 Octavia signifies the brand’s gesture of offering tribute to Octavia’s time-honoured contributions to the brand. Featuring unmatched practicality, safety and comfort, the Octavia was a class apart from its 2019 rivals. With sales figures consistently crossing the 400,000 units mark every year, the evergreen Octavia roughly accounts to one-third of Skoda’s total sales.
In India, the 2019 Octavia came out as a front-wheel drive, 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol powertrain, churning out a stellar 187 bhp of power and an impressive 320 Nm of torque. With a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres and a claimed milage of an economical 15.81 kmpl, the 2019 Octavia was a perfect companion for long drives. One of the biggest takeaways of this elegant automobile was its stunning 7-speed DSG gearbox. This, clubbed with the Skoda-signature ‘shift by wire’ technology, hands-free parking and an electronic park brake, paved way for an overall amplified driving experience.
The 2019 Octavia showcased a significantly refreshed design in contrast to its predecessor. It featured brand-new headlights and taillights, with the headlights coming equipped with L-shaped daytime running lamps. The sporty 16” diamond-cut alloy wheels further added to the car’s alluring exterior.
Talking about the interior, the 2019 Octavia came with a functional 10.1” infotainment system which came in-built with essential connectivity features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Adding to its flair is the Skoda Connect, a software which provides the driver with ample information of the car. The 2019 Octavia also offered electronically-adjustable seats for both the driver and the co-passengers. With no compromise in safety, this car offered 8 airbags with additional curtain-style airbags greatly upscaling its overall-passenger safety.
With comfort being a trademark, the 2019 Octavia hosted a plethora of advanced features which include a virtual pedal, an electronically controlled fifth door, C-type data ports, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control and ambient lighting, profoundly enhancing passenger comfort. Not to mention Skoda’s signature KESSY technology (Keyless Entry, Start, and Exit System), which added on to the vehicle’s convenience factor. As a cherry on top, the 2019 Octavia offered a roomy boot space of 600 litres, which could further be expanded to a staggering 1,555 litres with the seats folded.
The 2019 Octavia debuted in India in two classy variants, namely the ‘Style’ and the ‘Laurin & Klement’, each priced at $ 31,000 (₹ 2.6 million) and $ 34,000 (₹ 2.8 million) respectively.
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