Conventionality is always known to be challenged by modernity or inspired invention. Taking this trend forward we have a conventional sedan i.e Volkswagen Vento being compared to the new Skoda Octavia.
Price
The much awaited Skoda Octavia starts from 13.95 lakhs whereas Vento is available in the price range of 7.32 – 9.96 Lakhs. The fact that the best model of Vento costs less than Octavia clearly underlines the unaffortability of Octavia for an average Indian household even though it happens to be affordable in Skoda range.
Brand
Skoda is clearly the winner is this round as Volkswagen whose existence may be quite unknown to quite a few as the company was just founded in 2007 in India. Also the Volkswagen sales are dropping in the market since 2012. Whereas Skoda has remained steady in its sales performances and been a symbol of class.
Exteriors
Volkswagen has definitely tried to perfect their Vento with sharper indicators embedded in smarter headlights which not only appeal to the eyes but also help them in adverse climates. Character lines of this car and the body-coloured rear view mirrors blend effortlessly and give a muscular character to Vento. Areas most prone to scratches feature a black base for added protection. The beauty sporty new alloy wheels are the last straw and with this the car seems get heads turning on its way. The exteriors of both the cars seem quite similar in the wheel department. This new Octavia is the first car in the Skoda series which holds the new brand logo ‘Laurin and Klement’ proudly embedded to the front bumper and the stylish Grill. The base model has halogen headlights while the top variant boasts the bi-xenon headlamps with daytime LED lights and Full LED tail lamps. The side profile of the car is almost similar to the old Octavia. So it’s safe to say that both cars are impossible to ignore, however Octavia just fixates us.
Interiors
The new Octavia offers a revised music system and new display screen with touch. Adaptive cruise control optional keyless entry, automatic door and ignition system, panoramic sunroof, dual zone air conditioners, CD/MP3 with Infrared remote controller, appealing wood finish and impressive leather upholstery and parking assist make driving an out of the world experience. The new Octavia has 6 airbags; other safety features which this car will have are parking sensors with sound, automatic lane guidance, emergency city braking system and ABS with EBD. Vento offers the ease of audio controls, call answering and Bluetooth control. The RCD 220/320 music system with 4 speakers, integrated USB, AUX-IN and SD card slot takes the journey in Vento to another level. Both cars have space for everything from bottle holders to a place for your goggles. However space vise Skoda is unbeatable with its 590 litres of space that too when the rear seats are not folded. Skoda once again triumphs.
Engine
The new Octavia will offer both petrol and diesel engines and 3 variants namely Ambiente, Elegance and Active. The 1.8 petrol engine is expected to offer 110 KW of power and diesel 2.0 TDi engine is expected to offer 105 KW of power. Elegance will be available in both the versions i.e. diesel and petrol with 2.0 TDi engine which should offer 105KW of power. These all offer manual as well as automatic transmission and their mileage can be estimated around 19kmpl. Vento is also available in both diesel and petrol with its 1.6 L engine and three variants. 1.6L petrol engine delivers 77kW of power and a torque of 153 Nm at the ease of 3800 rpm. Hence, offering a fuel-efficiency of 15.04 km/l for the manual transmission and 14.4 km/l for the automatic transmission. The 1.6L diesel engine produces 77kW of power and an amazing torque of 250 Nm from 1500 rpm to 2500 rpm. It offers a fuel-efficiency of 20.5 km/l under (ARAI) test conditions. Engine wise Octavia seems the viable option
On The Road
On the road however Vento is said be very comfortable and easy to handle, it is for sure that Octavia will prove superior and give Vento a run for its money. All we have to do is wait till 3rd October for the unveiling of the new Octavia.
Final Verdict
The viable option seems that the buyers wait for the unveiling of Skoda and then make a choice as for money oriented buys a slip in the cost of Vento can be expected and for the Skoda lovers’ magic of the new Octavia may just mesmerize you.
