Skoda has launched an all wheel drive version of the popular Octavia sedan for European markets. Unlike India, the Skoda Octavia is available in sedan and estate body-styles in European markets. The new version, badged as the Octavia 4x4, joins the list of the European Octavia range that includes normal sedan, estate car, AWD estate (Scout), vRS sedan and vRS estate. On offer in the new Skoda Octavia 4x4 sedan, there will be a choice of one petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol is a 1.8-litre TSI green-tec unit that develops 180PS of power and comes mated to a six-speed DSG transmission only. The claimed fuel efficiency of this variant is around 15 km/l in the European running cycle. Performance is brisk, too, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds and top speed of 229 km Diesel variants will come in three engine options- a 1.6-litre 105PS, a 2.0-litre 150PS and a 2.0-litre 184PS. The range-topping 184PS version of the 2.0-litre TDI green-tec diesel engine is claimed to return an efficiency of about 20 km/l in the European cycle while performance is equally impressive with the car hitting 0-100 km/h in a claimed 7.1 seconds. The top speed is 228 km/h (claimed). The drivetrain of both the petrol and diesel versions will employ a 4x4 system based on the fifth-generation Haldex clutch all-wheel-drive technology to deliver optimal grip and control on different terrains. In addition, this system comes with an electronic differential lock (EDL) as standard across the range, which acts as a boon on tricky/slushy road conditions. The Haldex 5 all wheel drive system on the Octavia 4x4 does not work permanently. Instead, it’s an intelligent system that makes efficient use of the four-wheel drive system. Under normal conditions, the system sends all of the power to front wheels just like it is in a standard front-wheel drive car. Power to the rear wheels is only sent if a loss in traction or slip is detected. The system works so effortlessly that the power transition between the front and rear wheels goes unnoticed to the driver or the occupants in the car. The addition of a 4x4 system on the Octavia sedan will increase the all-weather capabilities of the car. The Octavia sedan, even if we talk about the Indian version, is a good combination of style, space, functionality, comfort and safety at a competitive price. The inclusion of a 4x4 version in European markets only makes it even more appealing.
