VW Jetta's distance cousin, the Octavia, has received new engine and transmission options for 2010. In particular, both the liftback and estate versions are now offered with a new, downsized 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine with direct-injection. This is the same powerplant that is expected to be fitted to the VW Polo later this year.

The 1.2-liter TSI produces 105 horsepower and can be matted to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission. However, expect Singapore's version (if Harvest Automobiles decides to bring it in) to be offered only with the DSG version. The new engine propels the hatch from 0 to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds (Estate: 10.9 seconds) while returning a combined fuel economy of 5.7 lt/100km. The performance figure sounds decent and it seems to hate visits to petrol station too.

This is a good opportunity for Harvest Automobile to once again promote the Octavia brandname among local buyers. Remove the HID lamps, headlamp washers, electric front seats, Alcantara seat (locally fitted leather will do) and pit it against the Corolla Altis in terms of pricing. I am sure we can see more Octavias zipping around if Harvest do the right thing.