- The highest selling Skoda now gets more features and additional hardware
- Bigger dimensions along with a new plug-in hybrid and gas powered powertrain
After a long wait, many teasers and few leaks later, Skoda has finally lifted the covers of the new-gen Octavia. The fourth-gen Octavia is bigger, has more features and safety tech, and a plethora of powertrain options compared to the outgoing model.
Based on the new-gen Golf 8, the new Octavia is longer by 19mm (22mm in the estate) than the outgoing model and the width is up by 15mm while the wheelbase is now 2686mm. All of which means there’s more space on the inside. Skoda claims that the Octavia now has the best cabin space in its segment. The wheels are upped to 19-inch wheels while cargo capacity is increased to a whopping 600 litres.
Appearance wise, the 2020 Octi adopts the new family design as seen on the Scala and the Superb. The front gets a sleeker pair of headlamps which tapers off towards the grille. The grille, meanwhile, is wider and sleeker than the older model with chrome surrounds. The front bumper is simple yet elegant and makes the new Octavia look handsome from all angles. In profile, the roofline now drops sharply giving the Czech sedan a very coupe-ish stance. At the back, the familiar looking LED taillamps are very Superb-like and looks stately, to say the least.
Major changes on the inside include a large floating touchscreen which can be had in eight-inch or upgraded to 10-inches. Skoda claims that the cabin has undergone a substantial step-up both in terms of features and quality. There’s also an optional ‘Ergo’ package for added comfort. Behind the newly-designed two-spoke steering is the new-generation of VW’s Virtual Cockpit with 10.25-inch all-digital display. One interesting feature here is the ‘shift-by-wire’ gearstick which is more of a flick switch. Also making its debut is three-zone climate control and a host of connectivity features. Skoda has left no stones unturned in terms of safety and practicality with new driver assistance systems such as predictive cruise control, cyclist protection and pedestrian safety.
Engine wise, there are a host of powertrain options including petrol, diesel, hybrid and also gas. The range starts with a 1.0l-litre three-pot petrol making 108bhp which is topped by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit producing 148bhp. Both these engines get mild hybrid has well. Meanwhile, the desirable petrol motor is a 2.0-litre TSI engine pushing out 187bhp and comes mated to the seven-speed DSG. The diesel is available as well and it comes in three states of tune – 114bhp, 148bhp and 197bhp. It can be had with DSG gearbox, all-wheel drive but no hybrid tech. Introduced for the first time, the hybrid Octavia has a 1.4-litre petrol and 101 horsepower electric motor. A combined output of 201bhp comes with a 50 kilometres of electric driving range and a 0-100kmph time of 7.9 seconds. And there’s a 1.5-litre TSI motor too which is powered by CNG.
Meanwhile, the high performance vRS and the rugged Scout trims will follow as well. The new Octavia will hit the streets late next year. We expect it to arrive at our shores once it goes on sale in the international markets.
