2021 Octavia India Launch Delayed, Skoda Rapid AT Launch Next Month

Skoda has revealed that the 2021 Octavia India launch will be further delayed than anticipated at first. The premium sedan was expected to be launched by February next year.

The firm’s India Director for Sales, Service and Marketing, Zac Hollis stated the above while responding to messages sent to him on microblogging site Twitter.

Now we do not know why there is a delay and most importantly when it will get launched next year since Zac only said, “The new Octavia will not be launched early next year”.

He further stated that he cannot disclose further product information. One can only assume that the disruption caused by the global health crisis and the resultant lockdowns have played a part in this.

As with any automaker, Skoda too depends on its supply chain and when many links do not operate efficiently, the result is that automakers have to adapt accordingly, resulting in such postponements.

The premium sedan was spotted testing in India in July and when 2021 Skoda Octavia India launch takes place, it is most likely to come with turbo petrol options alone.

Zac also confirmed that the launch of the Skoda Rapid TSI AT will take place as per schedule next month. We had reported last month that the Rapid’s 1.0-litre TSI petrol motor will be mated to a 6-speed torque converter auto.

Obviously, the Rapid automatic will cost more than the manual. However, we expect the Czech carmaker is expected to price it aggressively to take on its rivals.