A spy shot of the mid-life update for the Skoda Octavia was snapped up near Aurangabad. Dubbed the 2017 Octavia, this is a mid-life cycle refresh for the D-segment sedan and will debut in India within the next few months in the form of the sporty Octavia vRS before the standard model comes in sometime towards the end of the year.
The car that was snapped up testing is a standard model. This updated Octavia gets a new face which has split headlamps but retains the famous signature Skoda moustache grille while the side profile retains the low slung roofline but gets a new design for the alloy wheels. The C-shaped tail lamps have been retained in their entirety to allow the Octavia to continue with its signature look. There are some updates to the cabin in terms of features, but otherwise it remains unchanged from the outgoing model.
Given how Audi has begun to use the 1.4-litre TSI as a common petrol engine for the A4 and A3, we believe that the Octavia too will make use of the 150bhp/250Nm engine mated to a seven-speed DSG setup. The diesel is a 2.0-litre unit producing 141bhp/320Nm of torque and mated to a seven-speed DSG. The sporty vRS will make use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol pumping out 245bhp/370Nm with power going to the front via a seven-speed DSG.
The Octavia is a rare breed of D-segment sedan and stands out among the crop of SUVs and crossovers existing in that price range. It will take on the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze as well as SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson.
![Skoda Octavia [2017-2021]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/43966/skoda-octavia-rs-245-exterior5.jpeg?q=80 "Skoda Octavia [2017-2021]")
