As Skoda’s best-selling model the Octavia is fundamental to the success of this Czech brand.
Regarded for its impressive practicality, affordable pricing and standard kit levels, it’s a model with a loyal following.
And it’s just got even better with the introduction of the all-new fourth-generation Octavia, which aims to build on the outgoing version with additional features and practicality.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
It’s more practical than ever
The soon-to-be-replaced Octavia is already one of the most practical and spacious cars in its class, and thanks to increased dimensions on this new model, it allows both the hatchback and estate to be even larger inside than ever.
The hatchback’s and estate’s boot are now 30 and 10 litres larger than before, respectively, while an increase in width allows for improved passenger room than ever.
More of Skoda’s trademark ‘Simply Clever’ features have also been added to the Octavia, too. Highlights include a new integrated funnel on diesel versions when topping up the AdBlue. New retractable rear sun blinds have also been introduced, along with an automatically retractable load cover on the Estate version.
New exterior design
Skoda has aimed to take things further upmarket with the latest Octavia, and it’s certainly succeeded with the new model – giving it a premium feel like the flagship Superb. A new front-end design is one of the most impressive differences, while LED headlights are now a standard feature – rather than optional like they are currently.
Optional Matrix LED headlights that can automatically filter light around oncoming traffic are available on the options list, with this being a particularly premium touch.
New electrified powertrains
For the first time ever, the new Skoda Octavia will be available with a number of new electrified powertrains. First up is a new plug-in hybrid, which will be badged as the ‘iV’ – featuring the same powertrain as the Superb.
Elsewhere it also features mild-hybrid technology, too, which is available on the 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol engines, when paired with a DSG automatic transmission.
Further driver assistance tech
Driver assistance technology is undoubtedly one of the areas where manufacturers are having to work hard to implement new safety features in the car that aim to cut the number of crashes and incidents on the road.
The latest Skoda Octavia is available with an impressive number of features – including a new Collision Avoidance Assist, which can steer to avoid crashing, rather than just braking, which is all most of the systems on the market today can do. Turn assist features cameras that can look around a corner – meaning that when you’re turning left, if it senses oncoming traffic on your side of the road, the car can be automatically brought to a stop. Side Assist also develops on blind spot monitoring, while adaptive cruise control continues to be available, too.
A completely revised interior
Another area where you’ll see the Octavia moving upmarket is when it comes to the cabin, which now feels more premium than before thanks to a greater use of soft-touch materials. The latest generation of Skoda’s infotainment system is also used, with the model featuring an 8.25-inch unit as standard and a 10-inch unit on the high-spec models. A large 10.25-inch digital Virtual Cockpit is also available on the options list, too.
