Skoda has unveiled its all-new fourth-generation Octavia, which is more stylish and tech-laden than ever before.
The Octavia is by far Skoda’s best-selling model, with more than 6.5m produced since the nameplate was relaunched in 1996. While first intended to be a budget offering with plenty of space, Skoda has continued to move the Octavia further upmarket ever since.
That’s highlighted by its new interior, with a completely redesigned dashboard and a greater use of soft-touch materials. An 8.25-inch touchscreen is also fitted as standard, while top-spec cars come with a larger 10-inch unit, which can be operated by gestures and ‘Laura’ – Skoda’s new digital assistant. It comes with in-built Wi-Fi, while the 10.25-inch digital Virtual Cockpit has also been reworked.
It will continue to be offered in both large hatchback and estate forms, with each being marginally longer and wider than the outgoing version. This plays into one of the Octavia’s key strengths – practicality, with the model continuing to offer the most spacious boot in its segment. Up to 640 litres are available on the Estate and 600 on the hatchback.
The latest model adopts a similar look to the refreshed Superb, as well as the more compact Scala, with a far more stylish design than before. LED lights are fitted throughout, while Skoda has aimed to give the model more of a ‘coupe-like’ look. Matrix LEDs offering even greater vision are available on the options list.
A comprehensive range of safety kit is also available – including side assist, predictive cruise control that can slow the car down automatically when the speed limit changes and the ability for the car to autonomously swerve to avoid crashes – rather than just brake.
Enquire now on a new Octavia
One of the key differences on this new Octavia is the introduction of electrified models into the range. The Octavia iV is the new plug-in hybrid variant – featuring the same 201bhp powertrain as the Superb, which allows for an electric range of 34 miles.
Mild-hybrid technology is now fitted to the 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol engines fitted with a DSG automatic transmission, with a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithium ion battery able to maximise efficiency.
Sticking to its ‘Simply Clever’ tagline, a series of new simple-but-effective features are fitted to the Octavia. A few examples of these are retractable rear sunblinds and umbrellas housed within the front doors (a cue that comes from Skoda’s flagship Kodiaq and Superb models).
The Octavia will land in the UK in Q2 next year, with pricing and specifications being announced nearer to then. There will likely be a sizeable price hike next to the current model’s £18,610 starting price, though.
