Skoda Octavia facelift expected in 2017

The Skoda Octavia is expected to receive a midlife upgrade next year for the European market. With Skoda’s 2017 plans for India already out, we expect the new Octavia to reach Indian shores in 2018. The new Octavia will follow the Superb’s footsteps on the design front.

The new Superb is a looker with its sharp lines and chiselled fascia. While the signature front grille will be carried forward, it may become squarer and might be stacked upright for a more aggressive look. The wide air dam on the bumper will also get its edges sharpened and, according to the images, headlamps may be split into twin elements. We have our reservations on the split headlamps especially because it isn’t something we have seen on a Skoda. The body shell will continue to be the same while the tail lamp internals might be tweaked along with the rear bumper.

On the inside, you will get the latest touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Bluetooth telephony et al. While there are speculations that it may get gesture control or Skoda’s adaptation of Audi’s virtual cockpit, we are not really sure if the Octavia may get either. The creature comforts like split-zone climate control, cruise control, electric sunroof, power seats and mirrors will all be included. The safety cocoon from the current car will be carried forward to the new Octavia.

Under the hood, in Europe, the Octavia gets a bunch of engine options starting from the 1.0-litre TSI for the base model to the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre TSI for the RS amongst petrol engines. As for the diesel, you will have the range topping 2.0-litre TDI along with smaller engine options for the lower-spec cars. In India though, we have the 1.4 TSI, the 1.8 TSI and the 2.0-litre TDI as of now, with the 2.0-litre TSI coming in with the Octavia RS in 2017.