The next-generation Skoda Octavia will “move upmarket”, according to company sources. Entry-level versions of the replacement model will cost slightly more than today’s car, and more expensive higher-end versions are expected to join the line-up.
The new version of the Octavia is expected to arrive next year. It will be based on VW’s new MQB platform, which allows Skoda to offer both a natural gas version (important in emerging markets) and a plug-in hybrid.
The arrival of the Rapid hatchback has allowed Skoda to increase the Octavia’s size and align its pricing closer to that of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.
Skoda sources are confident that the brand, once vilified, is now in a stronger position than some of Europe’s established volume car-makers.
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Silly upwards creep like this...
...means there is surely a place for Dacia in the UK. Come on FIAT, resurrect the Zasatava badge like you planned!
Skoda is established as a
Skoda is established as a value brand. First of all it is too bad to actually demote their positioning by aknowlegding that they are below brands like ford of vauxhall but VAG should also consider the fact that the circle in which the octavia aims at includes its own also boring and overpriced golf!
Octavia 3
One of the attractions of the current Octavia is that it offers the same platform (including multi-link rear suspension) as the Golf, but at an affordable price and with a basis towards comfort.
I hope VAG won’t ration technology in an attempt to differentiate between brands / price points. It would be a shame if only the higher priced / performance Octavia versions continued with multi-link rear suspension, whilst entry-level models used a less sophisticated set-up. Road tests of the Rapid have already suggested it may have a poor ride quality (due to an old-fashioned twist axle at the rear designed to maximise boot space).
I would not want to buy an Octavia 3 knowing that the engineering was comprised (second best) in order to better position other VAG products in the market place.
So Skoda, the same suspension basics as the Golf/A3, the 138 hp ACT TSI engine, but with less bling please.
Skoda - Victims of their own success?
I like Skoda and I'm not getting good vibes about this.