2021 Skoda Octavia L&K 2.0 TSI road test review | Is the Octavia still VFM? | OVERDRIVE

Skoda has readied the fourth-generation Octavia for the Indian market and as always, it targets the entry-level compact luxury sedans with its premium appointments. But is it still as value-for-money as before? Should existing Octavia and Laura upgrade to the 4th generation model? All these and many more questions are answered in our review of the 2021 Skoda Octavia L&K. Take a look at the video.
Also read our comprehensive review of the 2021 Skoda Octavia L&K at:
www.overdrive.in/reviews/2021...
0:00 Introduction
0:32 Exterior Design
3:08 Features & Interior Design
7:40 Cabin Space
9:00 Boot Space & Practicality
9:34 Visibility For Driver
10:20 Engine & Performance
12:22 Gearbox
13:20 Noise Insulation, Brakes & Ground Clearance
15:52 Ride Quality & Handling
17:30 Conclusion
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[@msarfraaz]

We must congratulate skoda for making a wonderful car ( i never had any doubts on that ) , a bigger congratulations should also be given for completely mis-pricing it ensure that no one enjoys this car and probably in a year or 2 , they will pull out of this segment just like Corolla/Civic, this is just the start of how it all goes down the drain for a wonderfully designed car, offcourse Octavia is a global model so it will live-on in other countries..... many congratulations Skoda....

[@shabasnm]

Previous generation L&K TDI was 32 Lakhs on road. People still bought it. I'm sure people will pay 3 lakhs extra for a better car now. But the problem lies with new Octavia is lack of low end variants(Sirish from Evo India mentioned 1.5 TSI low and middle variants ma come next year) and lack of Diesel engine. Most of the people who bought last gen Octavia chose Diesel. So it will be a huge blow for them.

[@vishi4002]

Ghantaaa!! Charging 30 Lakh just for new front grill and change by wire gear. Previos gen was best & practicle. People would prefer to get base variant of Skoda Superb instead of Octavia L&K

[@thecookiejarisempty5672]

😓

[@JithinPv]

Octavia discontinued 😢

[@rv9784]

What an Amazing Review, Covered every aspect of it in detail..Well done Rohit.

[@maverick1990]

I loved the way the head rests on the rear seats were adjusted to three different positions just to let the viewer know about the adjustability. Excellent job Overdrive!!! 👏

[@accord3010]

Nice review, SUPERB Alloys!!!

[@ayandas8757]

Awww babyyy!! That thumbnail only made me happy❤️❤️ really waited for so long

[@rohit_paradkar]

Hope the car and the review live up to your expectation 😁

[@leelakrishnan9463]

Lots of love from octavia 😍😍😍😍😍

[@akhilkaval]

Lovely review ! What I love about your reviews is how you have such a unique perspective on hits and misses ... Kudos 👌

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you Akilesh 🙏🏼 I’m glad you like our work

[@siddharthagarwal2057]

Love the Review! Big Thumbs Up.

[@shlok7409]

finally you're back trust me you and kranti sambhav provide the best car review

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼 I’ll let Kranti know too. 🙂

[@sanjayarnalkar1449]

Seen reviews of octavia by others… However, Your style of presentation s way far better…👍🏻

[@arunmani8137]

I feel lucky to own the RS230. By the time 2021 RS245 launched in India as CBU I'm guessing its gonna cost 50 Lakh OTR.

[@Anjuraj]

A good detail review.

[@amitsaraswat8789]

Lovely review!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@mariocastoldi612]

I down a Myld hybrid Wagon which I am quite happy. Thank for this interesting video!!

[@dilshaddbabu2458]

I was thinking that where is rohit… welcome back sir

[@rohit_paradkar]

🙂 I was right here! With the lockdown in place we couldn’t shoot and rest like the old times. But if we all fight the pandemic together, normalcy should be restored.

[@dilshaddbabu2458]

Happy to see you, and personally I do enjoyed the way explaining….. wish you good … stay safe

[@saurabh007007]

Excellent detailed yet crisp video review! Which one according to you makes sense Octavia vs jeep compass vs tata safari Which is your pick if you were to choose

[@kutlee2009]

I knew it this review will be better even though I have watched other channels. How did all of them miss the obvious thing that ac vents are placed lower.

[@bhanupratap2645]

@Overdrive Do the windows offer UV cut green tint or they are plain glass windows without any UV or IR cut feature? If not then, considering the hot sunny weather of India, it is a huge miss..

[@vikramkala3394]

Excellent review Rohit … a class apart from other auto journalists And now the car Everything is superb and exquisite about the car 🚘 except for the price It’s like almost 5-7 lac jump from previous generation L&K model …!!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you, Vikram. Pls do share it if you can. Yes, the price will be a jump because even the input costs are higher now.

[@WalkingViolinist]

This is a brilliant review ! All the main points addressed. Car is great but I’m sure will be overpriced

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼 pls do share it if you can. And let’s hope they price it between ₹22-25 on road and nothing more.

[@MuthuKumar-su9um]

@@rohit_paradkar Definitely it will be 30+ lakhs

[@dakshkumar8329]

@@MuthuKumar-su9um Yes, On Road price is around 33.5 Lakhs

[@quickbitesitsme]

@@rohit_paradkar Highly disappointed with the pricing. I was hoping for a worthy upgrade from 10 year Vento if it's below 25L on-road for the higher variant. The pricing is disrespectful. Any chance for them to reduce the price after an year or so ? And How is the current pricing justified ? Any genuine reasons or silly strategy or greed ?

[@rohit_paradkar]

@@quickbitesitsme they blame high input costs for it. So can’t really say if they will “correct” the price later

[@KanwarAnand]

Is this a good upgrade from an Elantra top end petrol 2015?

[@leftlanedriver3814]

All good points, Crazy angles shot by crew in an Innova... P.s. Thumbs up to Overdrive for still keeping automotive journalism in 'Pure' form and not making it a Joke.

[@rohit_paradkar]

🙏🏼 thank you. I’m glad you liked our work

[@ahmedakhan_3804]

Autocar should learn from this Review. You've created a benchmark. Thanks so much. Can I have a heart ? !!

[@DINESHkumar-od7fo]

Even powerdrift should learn xD

[@uvuvwevwevweossaswithglasses]

@@DINESHkumar-od7fo true that

[@apurvsingh5541]

@@DINESHkumar-od7fo powerfrift was amazing. But now they are into over flashing and over hyping.

[@jerinroy5442]

#overdrive a nice and well detailed review

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼 pls do share the video

[@Siddharthv8]

You said connected tech is not available. What does that mean? No geo fencing etc?

[@runse9012]

Well yes, A Sedan that has proved its old school design should always carry that on

[@DebayanMukherjee_1204]

From the video, it's quite evident that the Octy rides quite soft. This will garner the same reactions from enthusiasts when BMW went from the E90 to the F30. The worry however isn't that since it's nothing a stiffer damper/coilover can't fix. The worry however is the steering and if it retains the directness of the Mk3 (I don't even expect the mk2/2.5 steering feedback)

[@rohit_paradkar]

Nope, like it said it doesn’t even weigh up to my liking at higher speeds and that makes the car feel floaty.

[@SuperAkashrana]

It does have most of the elements right, but it also misses on the small but useful things like ventilated seats, driving modes, lesser soft touch surfaces, 360 degree cameras, etc. Though if Skoda prices it right, these things can be overlooked. But it has to be one killer price for that matter.

[@rohit_paradkar]

True that. Let’s hope they do 🤞🏽

[@sourave3883]

Do you face any problem with the lowest ground clearance

[@Shankar-xu5ce]

Nice Mr.Rohit, I was also wondering why they miss few important features. They are going to provide those in Kushaq! 🙃

[@rohit_paradkar]

Since this is a CKD import, they are restricted with how much they can offer within their target price. Kushaq being locally manufactured and expected to sell in much higher volumes, the economies of scale allow for a much higher feature set

[@Shankar-xu5ce]

@@rohit_paradkar What ever (CKD) could be, but only for Engine and Transmission everyone will not spend this much price tag! My personal opinion, it's not value for money! 👎🏻

[@bhardwajgroup1829]

Does it not have sunroof? And Does roof colour is black, not beige colour for premium look?????

[@kaseis]

Great Review ! So much to love in the new octavia, but so much missing (could've had a non opening sunroof even that would work and why the ott and ugly pulsar alloys with no choices at L&K ?) at this price, that other opportunities now seem more attractive. I'm sad because this very nice design and great interiors along with some of its remarkably clever features should've been a game changer against the Germans, but seems it may turn out to be a hit and miss .. (i dont have the emoticons)

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@aitshah5260]

Please make a video on ŠKODA Octavia vs ŠKODA Superb

[@vinayd2]

Great review Rohit and Overdrive team! How would you compare the driving experience of this with the Jeep Compass Petrol Automatic? I understand it not a direct segment comparison, but I reckon they are the closest in price and positioning. A good driving experience comparo with the t-roc would also be very interesting (: Oh yes, the overpriced Octavia is pushing me to shop across segments.

[@vinayd2]

I test drove both the Octavia and the Jeep Compass Petrol automatic. Octavia wins in driving experience hands down. The power delivery is miles ahead compared to the compass. The Jeep does better on extremely bad roads, but just had to slow down a bit more to negotiate the same roads on Octavia - no bottom scraping there.

[@georgekoshyvaidyan7731]

waiting for the VRS

[@rohit_paradkar]

Coming next year as a CBU.

[@shabasnm]

Gonna cross 50 lakhs. But people still buy that thing 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@tejasthetraveller9628]

1.5 TSI with Manual Gearbox ❤️

[@ravimahajan4404]

Lack of must have feature like sunroof and pocket-saving diesel engine..in this premium sedan...

[@samuelmarlon2940]

If anybody sees this comment pls do reply: I hear people saying octavia is made softer and all that; How soft it is, is it softer than other cars; Say does a Rapid feel more confident in corners than this? I am really looking to buy this gen octavia, but I am not sure how well it performs in the corner, I am currently owning a Rapid 2021 model; The only reason I am looking to switch is I want more performance and confidence around the corners at high speeds; Say 120+ in corners; Is this the car I should buy? Pls suggest;

[@niki18]

is shift by wire ciming to india?

[@dadigovardhan2276]

Nice color

[@bhaveshdewangan402]

Octavia You beauty 😍

[@callsigncrusader9877]

Those alloy wheels worth the upgrade 🤣🤣

[@NitinKrSingh-xd7ic]

Its look superb bro

[@sandeepachaudhary7377]

@@NitinKrSingh-xd7ic but in Octavia it's like Laura I hope u got me😂😂😂

[@emmanueljoseph506]

What is good for Europe may not be good for tropical countries like India.Do you really need sunroof and leather seats?It’s pricey but you blame it on high taxation in the country.Service issues of Skoda?

[@shrinivasshaiwale3984]

It will be nice to know what will be its new Value? To check if it's VFM.

[@rohit_paradkar]

₹25-30 hints Škoda. I hope it is ₹22-25.

[@ishkaranbrar313]

That gear selector and no manual mode are a real breaker. I was so excited for this..

[@rohit_paradkar]

The paddle shifters engage the manual mode

[@abhinavgupta4428]

Absurdly priced. 10 lakh more than elanta👏👏👏. Have to wait for next gen elantra with more power

[@iamraghavkochhar]

You have a "CLIMA" switch, that takes you to your air con controls!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Yes it does. I should have worded it better. “A programmable key that I could have used to take me to the Classic A/C menu which has the fan speed controls” because even with the Clima switch, it’s multiple steps to get to something as basic as fan speed

[@vijuvlogs]

Why the hell did they get rid of that auto park feature and sunroof?

[@amimahmad9699]

Best way to get 2.0 tsi ,and also might be last of ICE engines!!

[@akashkamalanathan4110]

Octavia 😍

[@emmanueljoseph506]

Why Skoda tsi is pricey? taxes in the country??? technology? importation?

[@raghus8746]

Good to notice that you have lost some weight ... Slimmer and better looking

[@paulakhs]

Does anyone know what he is talking about?

[@PranavShroti]

360 camera and Ventilated seats are a deal breaker for me… my current car has it… Skoda has missed a trick… pricing will also get a substantial bump-up… Excellent review Rohit… covered all aspects…👍

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you. Yes, these are the only two features I miss too. Not the sunroof/connected tech/driving modes.

[@ajikps]

Straight swap for those wheels, perhaps a set of BBS could be the first mod straight off the showroom 😁

[@rohit_paradkar]

The car has lots of tuning potential too

[@dhavald4359]

what stopped them from giving around 175 ground clearance ?

[@saikatastaroth5771]

175 mm ground clearance in sedan would look bad

[@divinegracetips9993]

Only concern is ground clearance. Pure City car .

[@rahulkrish9840]

This version lacks the aggressive sporty look as the previous one. Looks very subtle & doesn't impress as a design. This looks like the outgoing model and the previous one looks like the updated one.

[@rohit_paradkar]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 🙂

[@naughtyUphillboy]

No sunroof. ????

[@ankit4388]

Can you do a Compass Petrol Automatic vs the Octavia? Given that Octavia is more expensive than Compass, it makes it a very difficult decision to take call. Jeep has a premium brand appeal compared to Octavia but is cheaper, does it make sense?

[@GeneralKnowledge-xx9dg]

Hope vw brings atleast the new polo if not the golf....😓😓

[@Bunts05]

I hope too

[@rohit_paradkar]

Likely. But an Indianised hatchback based on the A0-IN platform

[@rahul12754]

On first glance the console looks like jeep compass. Maybe I am wrong

[@A_.S_.]

former octavia was the best so far. its slightly feature less sadly.

[@nitintyagi6644]

2000cc petrol kon lega diesel mein bhi aana chaiye thi

[@shashimenon1000]

You forgot to discuss price point value and equivalents!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Price point is between 25-30 lakh, the official announcement will be out in a day or two. Equivalents are Elantra, Tucson, Compass and A-Class/2 Series. The latter being much pricier, but some might settle for the Octavia than stretching to the compact luxury sedans.

[@pranayk37]

Don't see this car selling too much even by Skoda standards

[@rohithjadhav6654]

Price?

[@rohit_paradkar]

₹25-30l expected. Official annulment will be made soon.

[@DK-li2ps]

Mild hybrid?

[@rockerxoxoxo]

33.4 lakhs on road approx...cars are getting really expensive

[@rajchatterjee4168]

Honda should not have killed civic with 1.8 NA CVT engine and 1.5 diesel manual. 1.5 turbo manual and automatic could have done wonders. But instead of power efficiency bothered them more. Sad.

[@rohit_paradkar]

Maybe they are preparing for the new one 🤞🏽

[@atharsheikh5407]

34 lacs for this budget brand of Europe trying to portray itself as luxury car brand in india..sorry not worth a rupee more than 24 lacs otr. Simply arrogant.

[@quickbitesitsme]

Yes. It is disrespectful

[@herefobeer]

After Mercedes launched a 40 lacs joke with a 1.3 L Duster’s engine in it, this does look like a steal.

[@oops262686]

Still Diesel makes more sense with its running cost ...

[@rohit_paradkar]

Yes, to some who need the fuel economy of a diesel, the 2.0l petrol may not suffice.

[@sugarmelon8641]

Knobs for AC not knob of a price.

[@Abhishekmrx]

Waab kya mazaak hai.... Wahi hoga ho hota aaya hai, sale nahi hogi... Saalo ne 10 lakh seedhe seedhe rate jada rakha hai same segment ki competition... Es rate mei aisa mazaak lene se accha hai ki 4 lakh aur laga k skoda SUPERB na le le ek segment uppar...

[@prorider4992]

It’s fail. No sunroof and ventilated seats

[@KevinDurantEasy]

This is a decent car. The engine is nice too. However, to call it a sensible upgrade is a long shot. Folks who enjoy Skoda engines can go in for the superb. This car doesn't fit anywhere.

[@prateekvinayak3135]

Misses a lot of features, need to pass the benefits onto the buyer and price it aggressively

[@rohit_paradkar]

Let’s hope they price it between ₹22-25 lakh on road, not more.

[@prateekvinayak3135]

​@@rohit_paradkarApprox 34 OTR confirmed. Whereas the market was expecting a VFM Octi like old times, and an alternate to Tucson, Compass, Elantra, while reading Zac Hollis's tweets, I realize Skoda thinks they are competing against the likes of 2 series, A-class and thus can justify the price. There is a huge mismatch between people's understanding of what Skoda is doing and what they're actually doing

[@prateekvinayak3135]

@@rohit_paradkar Rohit, being an automotive enthusiast, you gotta have a special place for Skoda in your heart like many of us. I feel we are more aspirational for Skoda than they are for themselves. They are happy selling 200 odd octi a month. They make great cars, but what do you think about their way of doing business in India?

[@rohit_paradkar]

@@prateekvinayak3135 honestly I don’t know what their strategy is at this moment. They are certainly betting big on the aspiration quotient, whichever way you look at. While I agree that input costs have gone up, the pricing is exactly what I was scared it would be.

[@shabasnm]

Sunroof is a VFM for an average Indian nowadays.

[@AdithyaReddyify]

Octavia sedan gets a sunroof in china. its a lwb version they have there called the PRO

[@AdithyaReddyify]

@Abhay Kumar so passengers can look at trees and sky on long drives. And for the extra light it brings in

[@AdithyaReddyify]

@Abhay Kumar if that wasn't obvious. Some questions are just incredibly dumb

[@rohit_paradkar]

When I said “Not available anywhere in the world” I was referring to the standard Octavia sedan that comes to India. Not the Octavia Pro. Consider that to be a different car altogether.

[@gauravjain1704]

Highly overpriced, on road price l&k about 35 lacs , very bad pricing strategy from the skoda company, though I’m a skoda lover , using since 10 years , rock solid car , but new model lacks features like Panoramic sunroof, 360 camera , ventilated seats , headlight washers , could have added these features in these price range , Kia is offering much in 20 lacs To divert customer from current trends suv to sedan , company must follow aggressive price strategy

[@Whiterose-eb1no]

245 ps power?!

[@rohit_paradkar]

@11:17 190PS

[@anandraulsahu1]

Totally overpriced. Skoda will have to reconsider. Plus no engine options to choose from. It's price is so close to the superb and way higher than the Elantra.

[@rajgopal32]

Really a overpriced car , having no sunroof🤣

[@nithinjs88]

FYI Octavia sedan made for China, does get a sunroof albeit a normal one.

[@rohit_paradkar]

When I said “Not available anywhere in the world” I was referring to the standard Octavia sedan that comes to India. Not the Octavia Pro. Consider that to be a different car altogether.

[@Simplecars54]

Everything is OK But no sunroof Very 😔 sad

[@rohit_paradkar]

Not that much of a concern if you ask me

[@vtgcars7932]

My father even dont have money for alta and watching this😭

[@rohit_paradkar]

Where there is a will, there is a way! All the best 🙂

[@arvindmurali8831]

It's the downfall of the dominance of executive sedans

[@rohit_paradkar]

I hope not. #LongLiveTheSedan

[@arvindmurali8831]

Yeah ..same...I just mentioned the bitter reality

[@Reddylion]

This one in electric would have been good.

[@Srikanth-cp8vx]

Look for the misses Sunroof age is gone now people are looking for Panoramic sunroof Ventilated Seats : a car with 10 Lakhs is giving Example Hyundai,Kia 360° Parking Camera A big question about after sales, Finally there is no Diesel cars from V Group No Proactive skills for a Big Brand No Hybrid engines Yet No EVs planned sleep well,good night Great looking cars with poor thinking ,make cars for market 135Cr+ population which is Equal to 85 small countries ...!!! dont take it easy for you are serious about your business

[@rohit_paradkar]

It’s not an easy affair working with the value-conscious Indian market.

[@NitinKrSingh-xd7ic]

No sunroof in this price is dissapointing

[@shamsham5140]

No sunroof

[@chetansangule4594]

Bas sunroof or de dete. Iss price point P.

[@4321rpraveen]

Looks outdated ... lacks Panaromic sunroof... too low ground clearance... mine scraps bumps with passenger

[@anshulagarwala3270]

SOMEONE HAS TO SAY IT..SO HERE IT IS It is absolutely not worth it. Even Skoda coming back with India plan 2.0, it overlooked the fact that Indians are more keen about the features on offer as we are more feature oriented customers. Not offering driving modes, NO SUNROOF, impractical ac switches (have to go two-three steps via infotainment touch screen to increase/decrease the fan speed), NO VENTILATED SEATS at Rs. 32 Lakhs car even when their own Skoda Kushaq will be providing which is around Rs. 20 Lakhs (the most important feature in a car currently needed in a car). Hope someday Skoda will understand the Indian market better in India Plan 3.0 P.S- I wonder how we will use voice assistance when with parents?!

[@anshulagarwala3270]

@@sahajpatel2784 1. Do read my opinion again. 2. Sale numbers of octavia are doing nothing but just justifying my points. 3. I did not say anything about build quality and safety. Even tata and mahindra have great build quality and they offer great features too. 4. E class and all doesnt have ventilated seats yet we love them cuz they are a status symbol for a good majority of the customers. 5. And just see how complicated AC switches are in this car. 6. Will u buy a car for 35 lakhs just for the interior? P.S have a look at tucson..i know different segment. But has 5 star safety rating and great plush interiors and loads and loads of features!!

[@anshulagarwala3270]

@@sahajpatel2784 to sum it up Every car has its pros and cons. No car in the market is perfect!

[@hishubhamcoolrawat]

Looks dope but out of budget 😆

[@123shaa]

25 lakh on road make sense not more.

[@rohit_paradkar]

I think it will cross that mark

[@dhiwaharstalin4552]

No longer a sporty sedan. Just a floaty / comfy sedan with premium pricing!!

[@gsbraich6165]

Excellent car, but disappointed no sunroof.

[@sakshamsingh7780]

*GUYS WHICH SOFTWARE ARE YOU USING TO EDIT YOUR VIDEOS? PLEASE USE A PROFESSIONAL GRADE.... THE OUTPUT, THOUGH IS IN 1080p, BUT IT LOOKS PATHETIC. IT JUST LOOKS LIKE A SCALED UP VERSION OF 480p. WHEN THE WORLD IS MOVING TOWARDS 8K, WHERE ARE YOU GUYS HEADING TO????* 😐😐😐😐😑😑😑😑

[@sanatani_yogi]

There are lot of flaws , huge upgradation is needed... Even creta has much more features.... Disappointed

[@fazilahamed1240]

Check out the new 2022 Octavia L&K... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn-6YoeGqZKtr8k