2022 Skoda Octavia Sportline delayed beyond July
The Sportline variant of Skoda's newest mid-size car won't arrive in Australia until the second half of 2022 – a delay of approximately six months.
The 2022 Skoda Octavia Sportline won't arrive in Australia until the second half of this year, Drive understands.
Initially slated for launch in "early 2022", first Australian deliveries of the Octavia Sportline are now due early in the second half of 2022 – a delay of approximately six months – as Skoda Australia instead focuses on increasing supply of the variants already on sale, amid ongoing stock shortages.
The average wait time for a new Octavia is currently estimated to be approximately three months, with the exact figure depending on the body style and variant selected.
When the Octavia Sportline does arrive, it will in fact replace the current Limited Edition as the only Octavia variant powered by a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive.
Revealed for Europe in April 2021, the Octavia Sportline is similar in concept to Skoda's larger Karoq, Superb and Kodiaq Sportline models, by adding a sportier flavour to regular liftback and wagon variants, without the more hardcore edge offered by the hero RS.
However, compared to the Limited Edition, the upgrades are merely skin deep – consisting on the outside of a gloss black finish for the front grille, air intakes, rear badging and lower rear bumper, plus 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler on liftback models, and Sportline badges.
Inside, features specific to the Sportline in Europe include front sports seats, ThermoFlux fabric upholstery, a fabric-trimmed dashboard, 'Piano Black' inlays, a three-spoke Sportline-branded steering wheel, and illuminated sill plates with Octavia lettering.
It also offers sports suspension with a 15mm lower ride height, and available variable-ratio 'progressive' steering. Liftback and wagon body styles will be offered in Australia, as per the European model range.
Specifications for Australia are yet to be announced, however as a replacement for the Limited Edition, the Sportline is likely to blend its black exterior appointment and sporty interior features with the Limited Edition's long list of standard features.
These include matrix LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Canton sound system, tri-zone climate control, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, and an electric tailgate – though it's likely the Limited Edition's leather would be swapped out for the ThermoFlux fabric of overseas Sportlines.
Should the Sportline stay close to the current Limited Edition's equipment list, its pricing would be similar. The Limited Edition is priced from $51,490 drive-away as a liftback, or $52,990 drive-away as a wagon – up $1000 for the New Year.
Stay tuned to Drive for more details of the 2022 Skoda Octavia 140TSI Sportline, as its launch in early in the second half of 2022 (likely July or August) approaches, possibly as a Model Year 2023 (MY23) vehicle.
