The ŠKODA Octavia has always offered that little bit extra. The new generation builds on this, by adding more space, much more equipment, the latest technology and, of course, value for money.
The new Octavia will be available in the UK with four advanced engine options: two petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 105PS (1.2 TSI, 1.6 TDI CR) to 150PS for the 2.0 TDI 150PS model. On sale in the UK from the 16th March 2013, prices for the new Octavia start from just £15,990 with models separated into ŠKODA’s familiar three trim levels of S, SE and Elegance. Diesel versions start from only £18,040.
Price/value comparison
The new ŠKODA Octavia, with is wide range of standard equipment, is great value, both when compared to the previous generation and when comparing the value of additional standard equipment at each trim level step.
- Buyers opting for the entry level S model get an additional £3,500 of value over the equivalent predecessor car.
- The mid-range SE is fitted with extra equipment worth £2,220, yet it costs a mere £1,200 more than the S model. It represents an enhanced value offering of £3,890 over the outgoing model.
- The flagship Elegance model adds £1,850 in price over the same engine in SE trim, but comes with additional features worth £3,575. Compared to its predecessor, it has an additional value offering of £5,300.
Exterior Design: Unrivalled space offering optimum functionality
- Dynamic, timeless and distinctive design
- 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider than the second-generation Octavia
- Wheelbase has grown by 108 mm
The new ŠKODA Octavia is the third model to embody the brand’s bold new design language.
ŠKODA design chief Jozef Kabaň and his team restyled the car from head to toe, creating an engaging and elegant new look. Never before has an Octavia appeared as dynamic and at the same time as timelessly elegant, distinctive, refined and assured on the road as the new model.
Compared to its predecessor, the Octavia has grown significantly in length and width. The new model is 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider than the second-generation Octavia. At the same time, the wheelbase has grown by 108 mm, further benefiting the interior dimensions.
The side aspect of the new ŠKODA Octavia has become markedly more dynamic when compared to its predecessor. This is down to the long wheelbase, shortened front overhang and C-pillar positioned as far back as possible. The tornado line provides the car with optical stretch and distinctively highlights its coupé-like silhouette. A special new characteristic is an upswept window line in the rear doors, the so-called “fin” – a small, but effective design idea providing the car with a forceful appearance and direction.
The rear design also focuses on precision and perfect proportions. Everything is in the right place, well-positioned and tidy. ŠKODA’s trademark rear lighting graphic with its distinctive C-shaped contour gives the rear of the car an unmistakable look at night.
Interior Design: Appealing, Price and Refined
- Best in class boot volume at 590 litres
- Significantly increased dimensions compared to second generation Octavia
- New touchscreen infotainment system fitted as standard
- Colour Maxi-dot display available for the first time on a ŠKODA
The new ŠKODA Octavia sets benchmarks for interior space and practicality. “The new Octavia offers space such as is otherwise found only in higher classes,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development.
Few, if any, cars in the compact segment offer more interior length (1,782 mm), more knee room (73 mm) and more headroom at the back (980 mm). At 590 litres, the boot volume is also best in class. Other interior dimensions have also increased significantly compared to the second-generation model: front head room: + 8 mm, front elbow width: + 39 mm and rear elbow width: + 26 mm.
The interior of the new Octavia impresses with its elegant horizontal lines and generous amounts of space. The bold dashboard rail provides the interior with a refined feel and means that the driver has a clear and optimised view of the instruments.
Centrally located in the centre console is the radio infotainment system. The newly developed systems feature touchscreen displays of up to 8-inches in size with proximity sensors fitted as standard on all models. Underneath the infotainment module are the controls for the air conditioning system. Clarity and precision are a recurring theme in all aspects of the interior.
One example of this is the redesigned, white-backlit instrument panel. For the first time in a ŠKODA, the multi-function Maxi-DOT system in the centre of the instrument cluster is in colour (standard on Elegance models).
The door panels in the new Octavia also provide a feeling of quality. The electric window controls are perfectly positioned, while, on the driver’s side, the electric mirror adjustment controls sit underneath the door handle.
Three familiar trim levels are available for the new Octavia in the UK: S, SE and Elegance. A total of 12 colours are available for the exterior: three solid paints in Candy White, Corrida Red, and Pacific Blue, as well as nine striking metallic options, from Topaz Brown, Race Blue, Steel Grey, Brilliant Silver, Denim Blue, Rosso Brunello, Cappuccino Beige, and Petrol Blue to Black Magic with pearl effect.
Engines and Transmissions: Efficient and powerful
- Four advanced engine options: two petrol and two diesel
- Power outputs range from 105PS (1.2 TSI, 1.6 TDI CR) to 150PS for the 2.0 TDI 150PS model
- Up to 102kg lighter than the current model
- GreenLine II version achieves CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km and returns 83mpg (available late 2013)
The new Octavia will be available in the UK with four advanced engine options: two petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 105PS (1.2 TSI, 1.6 TDI CR) to 150PS for the 2.0 TDI 150PS model.
Engineers achieved significant improvements in the Octavia’s consumption and emission figures thanks to the introduction of new technologies, improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight. All engines are equipped with Start/stop and Energy Recovery as standard.
Despite its increased size and larger amount of technology on board, ŠKODA engineers have still succeeded in making the car up to 102kg lighter than the current model. This was achieved thanks to advanced lightweight engineering, a progressive body design, utilisation of high- and ultra-tensile steel and a careful selection of materials.
The petrol engines in the new ŠKODA Octavia are both turbocharged and direct-injection TSI units with four cylinders. The entry-level petrol engine is the 1.2 TSI. It develops 105PS, has combined-cycle fuel consumption of 57.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The TSI engine provides a maximum torque of 175 Nm at between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. As an alternative to the manual six-speed, the engine can be ordered with an automatic DSG seven-speed transmission.*
The 1.4 TSI 140PS is also available with a manual six-speed or an automatic DSG seven-speed transmission.* Fuel consumption of the 1.4 TSI is 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions are 121g/km for the manual version (124g/km when equipped with the DSG gearbox). The engine achieves maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1,500 to 3,500 rpm.
Both diesel units available in the new Octavia are turbocharged TDI direct injection engines. Fuel consumption of the 1.6 TDI 105PS with standard start/stop and manual five-speed transmission is 74.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 250 Nm at between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm. In addition to the manual gearbox, this engine can also be ordered with the automatic DSG seven-speed transmission.
The most powerful diesel engine for the new Octavia is the 2.0 TDI 150 PS. This high-performance engine achieves excellent environmental values with fuel consumption of only 68.2mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 106g/km (119g/km for DSG-equipped models).
The engine impresses with its outstanding smooth running characteristics and makes its maximum torque of 320 Nm available at as low as between 1,750 and 3,000rpm.
An even more economical GreenLine II version will follow later this year. Powered by an optimised 1.6 TDI CR 110PS engine, the GreenLine II version achieves CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km and returns 83mpg on the combined cycle, making it the cleanest and most fuel-efficient Octavia ever. In addition, a sporty Octavia vRS engine is under development, and will join the range at a later date.
Safety and Chassis: Protection of the highest level
- Automatic Post-Collision Brake fitted as standard
- Host of safety features making their debut on a ŠKODA – Front Assistant, Driver Activity Assistant and Lane Assistant
- Driver Alert (fatigue detection) fitted as standard from SE trim level
- City Emergency Braking available on an Octavia for the first time
In developing the new ŠKODA Octavia, an important goal was to make the car even safer. To achieve this, ŠKODA engineers developed a host of cutting-edge safety systems for the new Octavia.
After a collision in traffic, there is quite often the risk of a second impact: be it with the vehicle ahead, another road user, or with obstacles (crash barriers, trees). The Multi-Collision Brake, available for the first time in a ŠKODA, works to prevent this. In EU countries, ŠKODA fits this technology as standard. The Multi-Collision Brake automatically slows the vehicle after a detected collision – even if the driver is no longer pressing the brake pedal.
Another system making its debut in a ŠKODA is the Front Assistant* (standard on Elegance). This becomes active in case of an imminent head-to-tail collision. It uses a radar sensor integrated into the front end to continuously measure the distance to the vehicle ahead. The system reacts in up to four ways, depending on the distance detected. Should the sensors detect that a collision is inevitable, full braking force is applied.
In a speed range of 3 to 18mph, the Front Assistant works in conjunction with the City Emergency Braking Function to bring the Octavia to a stop automatically if the driver does not react to an obstacle in the vehicle’s path.
Driver Activity Assistant (fatigue detection), is available for the first time in the new Octavia (standard on SE and Elegance). Based on observed steering behaviour, the system recognises deviations from normal handling as a weakening of the driver’s concentration. A significant deviation from the characteristic steering behaviour will indicate fatigue of the driver, triggering a visual message in the cluster instrument – “fatigue detected - please take break” – recommending a pause.
The optional Crew Protect Assistant ‘prepares’ the driver and the passengers for an impending accident: In case of a detected risk – emergency braking, for example – the system pre-tightens the seat belts for both the driver and the passengers. In addition, the system closes the side windows (except for a remaining gap) and the sunroof in case of critical instable driving situations such as in strong oversteering or understeering with triggering of the ESC. This is done to prevent objects from entering the car.
The new Lane Assistant (option on SE and Elegance models) also considerably improves driving safety. The lane departure warning assistant lowers the risk of inadvertently leaving the lane. It supports drivers of the new Octavia especially on motorways with clearly visible lane markings. The system works with a camera integrated into the base of the interior rear-view mirror.
If sensors detect that the car is straying off line, the system will steer the car back onto the correct course.
In addition, a precise chassis, a long wheelbase and a rigid and light body structure combine to ensure an extremely stable handling. In the event of an accident, a comprehensive package of passive safety elements provides optimum protection for driver and occupants. In the area of passive safety, up to nine airbags (seven as standard on all models) and 3-point safety belts shield occupants from injury. Knee airbags and rear side airbags are available for the first time in an Octavia.
Technology: Supreme comfort through innovation
- Adaptive Cruise Assistant and traffic sign recognition making their debut on a ŠKODA
- New Intelligent Light Assistant and Driving Mode Selection fitted as standard from SE trim level
- New radio and navigation systems with touchscreen display and proximity sensor
- Host of 'Simply Clever' features to make life in the car easier
The new Octavia offers a number of advanced technologies normally reserved for higher-segment vehicles. In addition to making their debut in the new Octavia, some of them are becoming available for the first time ever in a ŠKODA.
Among these new features is the Adaptive Cruise Assistant – a system that automatically maintains a pre-set distance to the car ahead. The new Intelligent Light Assistant (standard on Elegance) will switch to high beam and back automatically, increasing comfort and safety in traffic.
The Automatic Parking Assistant makes parallel and bay parking the Octavia even easier. Also available for the first time (as part of the optional Columbus sat nav system), is traffic sign recognition.
Driving Mode Selection enables drivers to set certain vehicle driving characteristics at the push of a button (standard from SE).
Another first is the electric panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof: a transparent panorama roof. Also available is KESSY (Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-System), the automatic door-and-ignition-lock system.
The new Octavia introduces a new generation of radio and navigation systems. Touchscreen displays with proximity sensors and swiping functionality are available in higher-level systems, while the new CANTON sub-woofer and an acoustically optimised passenger space provide pure listening pleasure.
As in every ŠKODA, life for occupants is made easier by a range of ‘Simply Clever‘ features. Depending on trim level, a wide variety of features are available either as standard or as an option. These include:
- Foldable cargo elements for the boot, enabling safe anchoring of objects.
- A double-sided floor covering in the boot for the first time in an Octavia.
- An ice scraper is placed inside the filler flap.
- A warning vest holder is located underneath the driver’s seat and a rubbish bin inside the door panel.
- A multimedia holder has space for an iPod, a mobile phone and the like.
- A large overhead sunglasses compartment is just one of many storage bays, holders and hooks that make for a clutter free interior.
- An anti-misfuel insert.
- A boot cover that folds neatly away behind the rear seats.
Article source: www.skoda.co.uk