The new Skoda Octavia is here and Autogefühl has had the opportunity to put it through its paces.
Underpinning the new Octavia is the same MQB Evo platform from the new VW Golf, Audi A3, and SEAT Leon. Compared to its predecessor, the new Octavia is 19 mm (0.7 inch) longer and 15 mm (0.6 inch) wider but retains the same 2,686 mm (105.7 inch) wheelbase.
The review starts out discussing the new exterior design of the Skoda before moving on to the cabin where a series of significant improvements have been made over the predecessor. For example, there is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display as well as a central infotainment system available in 8- and 10-inch forms.
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According to the review, the infotainment system’s software is better than what the new Golf and Leon have but isn’t quite as nice as the Audi. The example tested was the Combi/Estate and came with the available panoramic roof. Despite that, it offers enough headroom for the 6’1’ (185 cm) reviewer. Found in the second row are two USB-C ports, a full-size power outlet, and heated seats. Another cool feature is the hidden swivel tow bar system which a host of VW Group models have used for many years now.
A number of powertrains are available for the new Octavia. Sitting at the base of the range is a 1.0-liter TSI Evo turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 109 hp (110 PS) while the range-topping Octavia iV plug-in hybrid has a 201 hp (204 PS) powertrain made up of a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 13 kWh battery. Also offered is the Octavia RS iV plug-in hybrid with 242 hp (245 PS).