auto biz
THE REIGNING
OCTAVIA
Octavia has changed significantly; not only to maximize its own potential but also to make space for another car in Skoda’s line-up.
T
his is the brand’s biggest-selling model – Skoda has sold 3.7 million globally since 1996 – but more than that, its evolution is a three-generation account of Skoda’s triumphant rise from former Eastern Bloc hulk to Volkswagen Group darling. In India too Skoda Octavia laid a firm foundation for other Skoda cars. Now, this model has changed significantly; not only to maximize its own potential but also to make space for another car in the firm’s line-up. For 2017, the third generation Octavia was given a facelift, albeit a slightly controversial one. Changes weren’t merely cosmetic, although the most
Jiji Varghese
60
BRAND KERALA
SEPTEMBER 2018
poignant ones were, which included a more streamlined bonnet, redesigned rear and tail lights, and the decision to split the headlight cluster into two sections.
German all the way If the letters ‘MQB’ aren’t already part of your automotive lexicon, the Skoda Octavia is yet another reminder why they should be. The Volkswagen Group’s modular platform underpins a large number of models across the various brands. The key to that breadth of application is flexibility, evidenced here by the fact that the Octavia’s wheelbase is a
