Overview

The Skoda Octavia and the Volkswagen Jetta have been stepping on each other's toes ever since the latter landed on our shores back in 2008. These two have always been portrayed as slightly more expensive, beautifully built, German-engineered saloons and these characteristics are exactly what distance them from the others in this class. They are for people who don’t mind paying a bit more for quality.

Back to stepping on each other's toes, the Jetta has always been slightly more expensive than the corresponding Octavia – it’s Volkswagen's idea of positioning itself as the more premium saloon brand, while Skoda handles the ‘value’ end of the market.  

That's not exactly the case now. Pointing to how the Octavia is now moving upmarket (as compared to the Laura) this top-end Octy diesel automatic costs Rs 2,000 more than the Rs 19.43 lakh it costs to get a mechanically similar Jetta Highline. This slightly pricier trend is like that for all engine, gearbox and trim combinations you get in the Octavia. But does that make it the better car, especially since VW recently updated the Jetta with a mild facelift and a few premium features?

To win this battle, the Octavia has to be a clear cut above the Jetta. Is it, or could you spend near-identical money on either one and be just as happy? Continued..