Skoda Drops New Images of 2013 Octavia III Including First

If what the rumor mill is saying is true, then we're literally counting days until the online unveiling of the next generation of Skoda's most popular model, the 2013 Octavia Mk3, which could explain the number of teaser images being released by the Czech carmaker.



A couple of days after Skoda provided us a setwith photos of the rear combination lights and the rear window and C-column treatment, the VW Group-owned company published three more images on Friday.

The latest ones show the new front grille with the piano black vertical bars, the side mirrors that incorporate turning lights and somewhat more interestingly, the interior where we see the steering wheel with the voice command buttons, the center console with the large screen for the infotainment system and the chrome trimmings of the instrument gauges.

Skoda officials have hinted at a higher quality and better-equipped interior as the introduction of the more affordable Rapid allowed the company to move the new Octavia more upmarket.

 

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New 2013 Skoda Octavia III: Czech Compact Fighter's Design Illustrated

Skoda may be a foreign name to many on United States soil, but in Europe, the brand is quite popular. Driving this popularity is their money making press called the Octavia - it's Skoda's small car offering that battles with the likes of the Ford Focus, Opel/Vauxhall Astra and the Volkswagen Golf series.

In fact, the latter even has blood ties with Skoda due to Volkswagen buying the Czech subsidiary back in 2000; and that bond will become even closer with the next chapter of Octavia as itjoins the Golf and Audi A3 on the diverse MQB platform.

In it's current form, the Octavia has been soldiering on for eight years with two body-styles; including a sedan/liftback and wagon. Whilst restrained and almost Jetta-like, it has to be said the outgoing car has a handsome appeal akin to a James Bond villain wearing a Tuxedo. However the market doesn't stay still and older model-cycle vehicles can get lost in obscurity if not updated and refreshed.

This is where the 2013 Skoda compact offering comes into view; it's all new with a fresher design language that hopes to set a point of difference in an already crowded segment. In creating this illustration, I've noticed some design influences inspired by the VisionD concept car that debuted at last year's Geneva Motor Show. That concept stood out for having a long wheelbase coupled to a dynamic roofline and short overhangs.

Unfortunately, those influences appear to be weakly translated to the production version. Forget the long wheelbase and short overhangs (specifically the sedan), the car appears to be a warmly re-skinned Jetta. The roofline carries more dynamism of the concept, as do the lower hard creases running the length of the doors. Sadly, the aggressive wheel arch flares didn't make the transition, however, the C-Shaped rear lights have – and which are now becoming a Skoda signature characteristic.

The chiseled front would have to be the most dominant aspect of the new look. The grille is intersected by an over-biting snout (incorporating Skoda's new logo) that runs up the center of the hood. Below this is a waterfall arrangement of black teeth to fill the grill's chrome lined border - it may not be dramatic but it does look unique for the small car segment. As your eye's glance down, the lower air intake eschews the above theme and makes do with a honeycomb pattern insert. Whilst the headlights with LED running lamps appear non-dramatic, they do look crisp; the projector lamps are encased in black bezels with subtle light reflecting channels that mimic the waterfall bars.

Overall, the new Octavia keeps the restrained appeal that graced its predecessor, something that should keep middle Europe buying them in droves. However, if the brand were to open for business on American soil, fortunes maybe extremely tough against more radical designed offerings from the more established big players.

What do you think; would the Skoda stand a chance in the US market or would it just be a Czech labeled wallflower?

 

 

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Skoda Begins Teasing New 2013 Octavia with Promo Film

The countdown for the official unveiling of the third iteration of Skoda's popular Octavia begins with a promotional film that concentrates on the design process, which, judging from the recent spy shots, is arguably one of the less interesting aspects of the Czech carmaker's model.

The new 2013 Octavia evolves the design of the current model and applies it on a slightly larger body that rides on the Volkswagen Group's much-touted MQB platform architecture.

We will also see a new generation of petrol and diesel engines that will include a fuel-efficient 1.4-liter TSI with a cylinder deactivation system, while later on, Skoda will enhance the range with its flagship RS (vRS in the UK) model powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine featured in the next Golf GTI.

A spacious estate model will join the lineup in about a year's time from now.

 

 

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