2020 Skoda Octavia: Brand’s Future Best-Seller Featured In Fresh Photos, Video

Following last month’s detailed presentation of the all-new Octavia Combi, Skoda has dropped new photos and a video of the five-door Octavia liftback.

Taken during the international launch in Greece, the imagery gives us a clearer look at Skoda’s best-seller, now in its fourth generation of the modern era. Based on the MQB Evo platform that’s also used by the rest of VW Group’s latest compacts, the 2020 Octavia continues to be the most spacious car in its class.

That’s partly because the new Octavia is 19 mm (0.7 in) longer (4,689 mm / 184.6 in) in total) and 15 mm (0.6 in) wider (1,829 mm / 72 in) than its predecessor, though the wheelbase has remained unchanged at 2,686 mm (105.7 in).

See Also: All-New Electrified 2020 Skoda Octavia RS iV Is Both Driver And Eco Friendly

According to Skoda, there is now more space for passengers and luggage, with the cargo volume measuring 600 liters (21.2 cu ft). The interior is also more advanced technologically, offering a choice of four infotainment systems from the latest-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix and a permanent online connection via an integrated eSIM.

The central touchscreen display measures 8.25 to 10 inches and supports gesture control for some functions. Another first is the Laura digital voice assistant, with the 2020 Octavia also offering a Phone Box for inductive smartphone charging and up to five USB-C ports on board. One of them can optionally be had in the roof console above the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam, for example. Also optional is the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel.

Moving on to the powertrain department, the range is more varied than ever before. For the first time, the Skoda Octavia offers plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid technology, in addition to petrol, diesel and CNG engines.

Outputs range from 110 PS (109 HP) in the 1.0-liter TSI Evo turbo three-pot to 204 PS (201 HP) in the range-topping Octavia iV plug-in hybrid. This model pairs a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor and 13 kWh battery, offering an EV driving range of up to 60 km (37 miles) in the WLTP cycle. If that’s not good enough, there’s also the new Octavia RS iV plug-in hybrid which offers 245 PS (242 HP) and a similar EV driving range.

Another area the 2020 Skoda Octavia has seen big improvements is driving assistance technology. New systems include Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist, Exit Warning and Local Traffic Warning, among other features. The new Octavia was supposed to reach European dealerships in June but the coronavirus outbreak will likely postpone its launch.