New Octavia is entirely new for Skoda as it ventures further upmarket

Invariably Golf-based and always classified as such, reports Iain Robertson, has never hindered the Octavia model’s perpetual hunt for recognition, which has been helped immeasurably by a reputation for total reliability and market acceptability.

Although Octavia has been a model for Skoda for 60 years, it has only been available since 1996 in the form we know it today. Yet, in that time, it has become one of the UK’s most popular family cars in either hatchback, or estate forms, defining the medium sector in stock outline, enlivening it in vRS and Scout forms and becoming as much admired by the emergency services, as taxi firms and private buyers, to which the operational benefits have been myriad.



While the VW-isation of all models across the VW Group has meant that Octavia was the sole remnant of standalone brand identity, it is fantastic that in its latest iteration, the new Octavia manages to retain Skoda distinctiveness, while hefting it onto a higher plane. It is a real corker!



Looking leaner, knowing that it is greener and dramatically improved across all elements of its design and engineering, the new Octavia has placed a defined line in the sand for the Czech marque. It is a genuinely new car, almost ground-up, with new ergonomically designed seating, a totally refreshed dashboard layout, with digitally reconfigurable instrumentation, shift-by-wire technology and a choice of plug-in, mild hybrid and efficiency enhanced petrol and diesel power options.



Four generations in and the Skoda Octavia provides even more boot space (600-litres hatch; 640-litres estate), within a body of greater length (+19mm hatch; +22mm estate) and width (+15mm). All lighting benefits from LED technology, including the new daytime running lamps signature, with Matrix automated illumination as an option. Alloy wheel options are now up to 19.0-inches diameter, which enhances overall the more dynamic styling of the car.



Inside, the new two-spoke steering wheel contains enough control interfaces for up to 14 functions, all without the driver being forced to remove his hands from the wheel. The dashboard architecture is more layered and the trim quality is vastly improved, with innumerable soft-touch surfaces and use of tactile materials. Even the interior lighting is possible in different colours and different lighting scenarios can be selected. On auto-gearbox models, a new stubby shifter is a major departure from past practice. The seating is improved with optional ventilation, chilling and heating, as well as massage functions, while head-up display is also available.



In Octavia iV form, the plug-in variant, a 1.4TSi petrol-turbo engine is supported by an electric motor to produce a cool 201bhp and a 35 miles range in EV mode. The 1.0 and 1.5-litre TSi petrol engines equipped with mild hybrid technology feature stop-start and coasting facilities to maximise fuel economy and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, the diesels now feature AdBlue ‘twin-dosing’ technology to clean-up exhaust emissions. As soon as we obtain the test cars, we shall be able to confirm performance figures and also announce the pricing levels, which have increased over the outgoing models but not by as much as the all-new Octavia warrants.

MSG Summary

Skoda is about to enjoy a real boom period for new Octavia demand. Much improved in all areas, with several ‘clever’ features incorporated, the new model looks and feels so much classier and is sure to become a market leader soon after its introduction early next year.

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