Earlier this month, Skoda Auto India delivered some good news – the start of production of the all-new Octavia. The carmaker even confirmed that it would launch the car in question by the end of April 2021. Sadly, that’s not going to happen. The event has been pushed forward indefinitely, which means we still don’t have a launch date yet. No points for guessing – the delay comes courtesy of the COVID-19 outbreak, which is spreading like wildfire in India.

Zac Hollis, the brand director at Skoda Auto India, confirmed the delay in Octavia’s launch via a social networking platform. Here’s what he said:

“Sometimes, it’s important to take a pause and come back stronger. We at ŠKODA AUTO have postponed the launch of the all-new Octavia until the current situation improves. We will keep you updated on the launch developments. Stay safe and let us do our part to fight this virus.” pic.twitter.com/88jVHwiRkz

— Zac Hollis (@Zac_Hollis_) April 22, 2021

Skoda hasn’t revealed much about the upcoming Octavia. That said, we do know a few specifics. Like before, the Octavia will have a Lauren & Klement (L&K) trim line, and there will be two new colour options – Lava Blue and Crystal Black. Also, Skoda will offer the car in a petrol-only guise. That’s just like all other Skoda and Volkswagen models.

Calculated guesswork leads us to believe that the Octavia will have the same engine that also powers the Volkswagen T-Roc, and did its duty in the Skoda Karoq. That’s a 1.5-litre TSI unit that produces 148bhp/250Nm. Skoda will offer the motor with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG to attract a wider audience. Both those engine-transmission combinations will also be part of two upcoming models – the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun.

Sharing the same powertrain in multiple models might sound boring. But that activity will keep the costs in check. That, in turn, translates into enticing ex-showroom prices. As far as the list of features is concerned, it could pack stuff like a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electric parking brake, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, Skoda’s new two-spoke multifunction steering wheel and push-button start/stop.

When it goes on sale, the new Skoda Octavia will have just one direct rival – the Hyundai Elantra. The real test for the car would be to lure customers away from similarly-priced SUVs, such as the MG Hector and the Tata Harrier.