Skoda Octavia vs Hyundai Elantra: Comparison

The new Elantra certainly looks the part, but what happens when you grab it by the scruff of its neck. Well, that’s what we’re at the BIC to find out. And we brought the Octavia along, in a matching shade of electric blue, to keep it honest.

Now we’re well aware that these aren’t sports sedans. And while you may not be setting record times during the daily commute, at the back of your mind you want to know which one is faster – don’t you? Well, that’s what we’re at the beautiful Buddh International Circuit to find out – because that’s the one place where we can unequivocally determine which one will set your heart racing. No matter the machine, this is our arena to reveal absolute truth in engineering!

They say a blue flame is the hottest kind. So it’s only fitting that these two models are at the top of their respective ranges – kitted out with everything from modern turbo-diesels and automatic transmissions to sunroofs and electric seats (they’re even ventilated in the Elantra). But the determining factor in this test is likely to be the fact that the Octavia has a 2.0-litre motor that produces 141 horses and 320Nm of torque, while the Elantra has a smaller 1.6 that generates 126bhp and 260Nm. The Skoda also has a six-speed dual-clutch that performs rapid-fire gear changes as compared with a considerably more relaxed six-speed torque converter automatic in the Hyundai. But the Skoda’s more advanced drivetrain will cost you just over three lakhs more than its more moderately priced rival – which is the price of a small car!