Mirror Drive…… 2013 Skoda Octavia: Upgrade for the city sedan

[Mirror]

Skoda is one of the famous artistic automobile manufacturers in the international market. Recently, the Czech automobile manufacturer through its only approved dealer in the country, Stallion Autos, gave Nigeria automobile users some of the classy vehicles, embellished with the iconic Skoda logo. Though Skoda has launched several vehicles in the Nigerian market in the past years, its prime market has been the sedan class.

Reflecting executive style design and aerodynamic excellence, any sedan from Skoda is destined to be a sheer beauty. One of such cars is the Skoda Octavia. Named after another yesteryear flagship vehicle of Skoda, the Skoda Octavia was introduced to the world in 1996. After 16 years, the vehicle still remains a preferred choice for not just African automobile market, but for the Nigerian market too.

But over the years, Skoda Octavia went through two generations until the latest third generation, 2013 Skoda Octavia. The current model offers a wider stricter than the second generation with improved interiors as well as the exteriors.

The new model evidently measured 102 kilogrammes lighter than its predecessor. The interiors use the elements seen in Volkswagen Golf, and their parent Volkswagen Group incorporated the 8-inch touch screen display in the new 2013 Octavia along with an electric panoramic roof.

Speaking at the unveiling and test drive of the car recently in Lagos, the Head of Sales and Marketing, Skoda, Mr. Sanjay Rupani, said that the signature feature common to all Skoda cars (such as the grille) has been fundamentally transformed to make the grille for instance, an integral part of the model nose, so it is not lifted along with the bonnet.

He said the new generation Octavia stands out for its unique combination of most recent technologies and new design DNA with Skoda Autos' harmonious lines of five-door body for those in search of dignified elegance.

There is also a clear emphasis on delivering the prefect experience in terms of quality, aesthetics and ergonomics, the marketing helmsman added. Rupani informed that the new Octavia is the main pillar in the ŠKODA portfolio and a logical part of the automaker's Growth Strategy 2018 adding that this will significantly strengthen the brand's position in the A segment around the world including Nigeria.

A highly acclaimed brand in Western Europe, Skoda has also being a success in the markets of Eastern Europe and Asia and currently making frantic inroads against established competition in other markets. Rupani also said the Octavia is targeted at customers who naturally expect a spacious interior, timeless design and value for money and remarked that, "it is only logical that most owners of previous generation Octavia (A5) will soon start to think of buying a new car".

However, he is convinced the new generation Skoda would inspire a positive change in the way the brand is perceived. "The challenge is to express the rising power of a brand steeped in traditions dating back more than 117 years while remaining young and dynamic; but I'm optimistic the new look Octavia wouldn't have any trouble retaining its title as Skoda's bestselling model", he said.

Mounted on Volkswagen's MQB platform similar to VW Golf and Audi A3, the new Octavia is to henceforth have independent suspension at all four corners. Skoda offers the New Octavia in a variety of eight engines, but only the 1.8 TSI model generating 132kw/180 bhp turbo petrol engine is at the moment available in the Nigerian market. Riding on a 108mm longer wheelbase, the Octavia's growth spurt was necessary to accommodate the Rapid sedan and the benefits of this growth include a massive 590-litre boot space.

Acceleration Skoda vehicles have always been known for their operating capabilities on roads and their promising performance statistics.

Though the vehicles are not designed to be sports cars, they offer internationally competitive performance in the segment. The 1.8-litre TSI turbo charged petrol engine has enough pick up top help, which makes the vehicle attain top speeds with ease in few seconds. Exterior Skoda Octavia certainly received quite a few exterior modifications over the years and the third generation facelift continues with the tradition.

The new 2013 Skoda Octavia is undoubtedly a beautiful vehicle with its appealing looks. The new vehicle is an exceptional beauty, which claims authority and elegance on the roads.

The front fascia offers a simple design statement with trendy geometrical design rather than an over the top hardware cluster. The frontage offers a well rendered front grill, which has the headlamp cluster on either side complementing the design statement. The headlamps, unlike contemporaries do not curve away along the bonnet or fenders, but state swift design turns, which allow the front profile to form a synchronised design statement.

The head lamps are almost in sync with the front grill and run parallel to it towards the wheel arches. The front bonnet section is accurate and does not extend more than needed or underplays less than expected. The front grill is a well sculpted vertical line set with the Skoda logo breaking the norm in the top section of the vehicle. Interior The company has equipped the elegant sedan with quite a number of features, which will certainly astound the customers.

The interior of the new Octavia is certainly a notch ahead of its previous models. This variant features a luxurious appeal and the spacing of the vehicle is evidently large giving enough room for comfortable seating. The electric glass roof helps improve the vehicle ambiance. Like all Skoda vehicles, this latest Octavia is also extremely comfortable and hopefully much better and elegant than its predecessors.

The list includes top of the line features along with a powerful air conditioning unit with heater, a sophisticated multimedia system with integrated CD player along with speakers and remote control.

Apart from these, there are a lot of other aspects incorporated, which will make passengers extremely comfortable. Handling and safety Over the years, Skoda has never been a brand blamed for creating dangerous vehicles, always concentrating on creating safe and beautiful vehicles.

Though the exact safety measures of the 2013 Skoda Octavia are yet to be revealed, but for sure these sedan will certainly feature the top class safety amenities such as airbags system , three point seat belts, ABS with EBD and many more such aspects.

Source: Mirror Drive...... 2013 Skoda Octavia: Upgrade for the city sedan