Take a Rider?

PITSTOP

Skoda Auto have launched a new variant of the Octavia "� the Rider. According to the automaker, the new variant is 'aimed at creating a new dimension of style for the discerning customer.'

Priced at Rs 10,60,000 (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the Rider fits in between other Octavia variants "� the base model Ambiente and the upper-end Elegance. The Laurin & Klement continues to be the top-end Octavia.

No changes have been made to the mechanicals, but the Rider's interiors get a mild makeover. There's new dual-tone fabric upholstery, silver-finish centre console, an armrest between the two front seats, and 15-inch alloys.

The car is available with either a 2000cc, 110 bhp petrol engine or a 1900cc, 90 bhp turbodiesel. In either case, buyers still have to make do with the five-speed manual transmission that's standard on the Octavia. An automatic gearbox option is due.

Future focused

Mumbai-based styling company, DC Design, are now showing their new SUV "� the Circa 2020 "� which is also the 500th car to come out of the DC Studio. Purported to be 'a wild mix of an exotic sports car and SUV,' the Circa 2020 is completely handcrafted, and was completed in a mere 90 days.

Styling is muscular and substantial, vertical headlamps and a truck-like grille dominate the front, and wheels are huge, 20-inch alloys.

There are aluminum accents aplenty, and the interior features high-grade leather. The Circa 2020, according to DC Design, is meant to showcase the shape of things to come from their styling studio, and is a look at the future. Congratulations on the landmark, DC!