Skoda Pulls the Curtain back on 2013 Octavia

By Dave LeClair

The newly unveiled 2013 Skoda Octavia

Skoda has just revealed its new 2013 Octavia compact sedan. The compact market is incredibly competitive, and the Skoda Octavia is looking to differentiate itself through what the company describes as "middle-class qualities at compact-car price." That being said, Skoda has yet to announce the final price of the compact.

Image: zercustoms.com

The first thing Skoda focused on for the redesign is the size of the compact sedan. With this focus, the interior of the car has been expanded, giving passengers and the driver more room within the vehicle and creating more leg room for both the rear and front occupants. As a result, the car is 90 mm longer, 45 mm wider and the wheelbase is 108 mm longer than the second-generation Octavia. Despite this, the car is up to 102 kg (225 lb) lighter (depending on the vehicle configuration) than its predecessor.

Image: hydro-carbons.blogspot.com

Skoda's new model also adds some more premium features that are typically found on more expensive sedans. The new version adds features such as an infotainment system, intelligent cruise control and automatic parking assist. With the optional "Traveller Assistant" package, buyers also get traffic-sign recognition.

On the outside, the third iteration of the Octavia includes an Intelligent Light Assistant feature, which will automatically dip the high beams when oncoming traffic is detected. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof, and driving mode selection.

Skoda is offering a slew of engine options when the car arrives in the European market next year. In all, there are eight different turbocharged and diesel engines to choose from, each of which is designed to meet low emission standards. The engine options range from a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine with 120 hp (88 kW) up to a 1.8-liter TSI petrol outputting 177 hp (132 kW).

The company will release the vehicle with manual and Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmissions. DSG transmissions feature an electronically controlled dual-clutch multiple-shaft manual gearbox without the traditional clutch that comes with most manual transmissions. These can function as either an automatic or semi-manual.

Down the line, ŠKODA intends to release an all wheel drive version of the compact sedan and a performance RS version that will be fitted with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the next VW Golf GTI.

Source: Gizmag