2021 Skoda Octavia 140TSI bound for Australia
The 2021 Skoda Octavia will gain a powered-up 140TSI variant in Australia, government documents reveal – and it's expected in Australian showrooms by the end of this year.
Filings in the Australian government's Road Vehicle Certification System show the new-generation versions of Skoda's Octavia liftback and wagon will gain a mid-tier 140TSI engine option, as a middle ground between the volume-selling 110TSI models, and the performance-focused RS flagship.
Powering the model will be a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine shared with a range of other Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi products locally, sending 140kW to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
A torque figure isn't quoted in the RVCS listing, however other vehicles with the same 2.0-litre engine and state of tune develop 320Nm.
Above: Skoda Octavia RS sedan. Top of story: Skoda Octavia 110TSI sedan. Bottom of story: Skoda Octavia RS interior.
Crucially, unlike the related Karoq 140TSI Sportline SUV, the Octavia 140TSI is expected to go without a petrol particulate filter – an emissions-busting device designed for strict European emissions rules, which in Australia would require 98 RON premium unleaded fuel as a minimum, or otherwise risk breaking the PPF and fitting a $1500-$2000 replacement.
It's likely the 140TSI will arrive first with similar styling to the existing, sub-RS flagship 110TSI Style, before morphing into a sport-look Sportline model later down the road once such a variant is revealed globally, with unique bumpers, larger 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and black accents.
According to the RVCS listing, 19-inch alloy wheels could be standard-fit, while sport-tuned adaptive dampers could be offered as part of an option package.
Drive understands the 2021 Skoda Octavia 140TSI won't launch in Australia alongside the wider 110TSI and RS range in April/May, but rather will lob later in 2021, likely in the third quarter of the year (July to September inclusive).