This is what passes for a small, budget sedan in Europe. The 2009 Skoda Octavia can be fitted with an optional 1.4 TSI or 1.8-liter turbo, both of which can be equipped with the same 7-speed DSG transmission as the 2009 Audi S3. There should also be a range of punchy, economical diesels. The Octavia looks like it’s based on a lengthened VW Jetta platform, sharing many of its interior features with the 2008 and prior Jetta and Golf. That’s a good thing, especially in a car that will be bigger, more practical and cheaper. We’ll have full details tomorrow or Friday as our Paris Motor Show coverage continues.

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