Wednesday, September 25, 2013
By Kamal Swami
War of supremacy between Toyota Corolla Altis and upcoming Skoda Octavia
Toyota and Skoda are two established names in world of auto industry throughout the world and do not require any introduction to introduce themselves in front of anyone. Like other regions of world both these companies occupy an important position in Indian auto market, where Toyota, the Japanese auto giant has given some remarkable vehicles to Indian market namely Innova, Corolla, Etios, Etios Liva on the other side Skoda, the Czech auto maker has also offered some superb cars like Skoda Superb, Fabia, Yeti, Rapid, Fabia, Octavia. All these models of both auto legends have played an incredible role in strengthening their positions in Indian car market. In the endeavors of introducing new models in market Skoda is all set to launch its highly awaited generation next Octavia soon in Indian market. This has given birth to fight of supremacy between both the car makers. It is reported that Toyota Corolla will receive tough competition from upcoming Skoda Octavia.
To begin with engine configuration, Skoda Octavia has been upgraded with more powerful engine and is offered in three engine options including 1.4 litre and 1.8 litre TSI petrol engine followed by 2.0 litre TDI turbo diesel engine. Whereas Toyota Corolla Altis is energized with 2ZR-FE engine with displacement capacity of 1798 cc developing the power of 134 bhp at 6400 rpm and torque of 173 Nm at 4000 rpm. Similarly the diesel variant is equipped with 1364cc diesel engine that generates the power of 87.2 bhp and torque of 205 Nm at 1800 – 2800 rpm.
The upcoming facelift of Octavia has been designed on Volkswagen’s MQB platform which facilitates the car maker to exchange the technology of Volkswagen in designing front engine and front wheel drive vehicles. Skoda has upgraded the interiors of upcoming Octavia by making it more spacious than its ancestor. It should be remembers the Toyota had introduced Corolla for the first time in market during 2002, and then it launched Corolla Altis with much advanced technical features including enhanced interiors. It would be interested to know that wheelbase of Corolla Altis is 2600 mm whereas the wheelbase of Skoda Octavia is 2688mm. Other features adorned in Skoda Octavia includes ABS with EBD, six air bags, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable seats, projector headlamps, and many more. On the other side Altis offers ABS with EBD, airbags, driver side power window, jam protection, power door locking system etc. Well who wins the race is still hidden in future till the launch of Octavia.
