Skoda’s best-selling model has been given a welcome facelift – enter the new Skoda Octavia! Coming in the fourth generation of modern-era Octavia’s, you can definitely tell that Skoda has put the effort into making the popular family car as beautiful as it is practical.
With the Czech automaker being part of the Volkswagen group, the new Octavia is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf. But that’s where the similarities end, as the design and feel of Octavia is markedly different and decidedly more interesting.
The feature-packed and premium feel of the Skoda Octavia moves it away from traditional mainstream rivals such as the Toyota Corolla and Seat Leon and more towards higher-end models like the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3.
If the latest Octavia is anything to go by, Skoda is definitely on the right path with their new model. Read on as we look at some of the reasons why in this Skoda Octavia review.
Variants and Pricing
The latest Octavia presents you with the choice of three trim levels in either a sedan (liftback) or wagon body type (also known as the Skoda Octavia Estate overseas). Starting at the base model is the appropriately named Octavia Ambition, followed by the Octavia Style and finally the top specified Octavia RS.
Price of the Octavia starts from $30,390 for the entry level trim Sedan Octavia Ambition up to $49,090 for a Wagon Skoda Octavia RS.
A range of optional upgrades are also available to add to the already feature-rich standard inclusions and give you more comfort, practicality and safety. Octavia Style can choose to add the Tech Pack or Luxury Pack (or both), and a Premium Pack is available for the Octavia RS.
Buyers of the wagon body can also open up the cabin space with the option of a panoramic sunroof.
Skoda Octavia Exterior
With an exterior design that’s far from boring, you can look and feel good in an Octavia, featuring sleek dynamic lines complemented by a distinctive front grille and large 18-inch alloy wheels. Full LED headlights and crystalline rear LED lights with dynamic indicators also add a more sophisticated touch.
Skoda Octavia Interior
The inside of the Octavia welcomes you with a perfect harmony of comfort and functionality. Upholstery for the seats and trimming are made from soft comfortable fabric or leather appointed lushness.
The dashboard ties in with the car’s exterior lines, emphasising continuity of space, and the infotainment display is positioned high up on the dashboard in the driver’s immediate field of view and in pleasant symmetry with the instrument panel. Attractive chrome details and LED ambient lighting all work to enhance the mood of the cabin.
Space and Practicality
There’s plenty of room for everyone in the Octavia’s cabin, which is good news, especially for passengers and child seats in the rear.
With a whopping 600L of boot space in an Octavia Sedan with the rear seats upright, there’s enough room for at least 4 or 5 large suitcases, more than enough to satisfy even the heaviest of packers. And you get 40L more in the back of a wagon.
Skoda’s trademark Simply Clever solutions can be found throughout the cabin of the Octavia. These thoughtful and useful features include a sunglasses compartment above the rear view mirror and a jumbo sized compartment in the centre armrest that can also be air-conditioned to keep snacks nice and cool – no melting chocolate here!
Not to mention the ingenious umbrella compartment inside the driver’s door, so you always have an umbrella at hand in an easy to access location. Brilliant!
Engine and Performance
The Octavia is a front wheel drive vehicle, and there are two engine choices in its range – a 1.4 litre with an 8 speed automatic transmission or 2.0 TSi engine with a 7 speed dsg gearbox. Both are turbo petrol engines and there is no diesel engine option for the Octavia.
Tiptronic gear changing is also available, allowing you to use the Octavia in a 7 or 8 speed manual mode.
The Skoda Octavia Sedan has a respectable fuel economy of 5.7L/100km, and the wagon uses 5.9L/100km. The sporty and more powerful Octavia RS uses 6.8L/100km in both body styles.
Technology
Skoda has packed the Octavia with the latest in technology and smart features to help you stay connected and comfortable.
The most prominent feature is the huge 10-inch touch screen located on the centre of the dash, which gives you access to control features like ambient lighting, smartphone connection using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 3D satellite navigation. A wireless charging pad is also available for your phone, so you’ll never be without battery again!
The KESSY keyless system means you don’t even have to take the keys out of your pocket or handbag to lock/unlock and start/stop the Octavia. And with the Electric Tailgate and Virtual Pedal, you can open and close the boot without needing to touch your keys.
The Emergency Assist feature ensures you get help when you need it most (for example, if you suffer an accident or sudden breakdown).
Safety
Having received a maximum 5 star ANCAP ratings, the Skoda Octavia has all the necessary features and latest technology to keep the whole family safe. At least 8 airbags, Isofix anchors points for children’s seats and chock full of passive and active driver assist systems. Some noteworthy features include Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and blind spot detection.
Conclusion
There is a lot to love about the new generation Skoda Octavia. Equipped with lots of space, the latest in modern technology and safety systems, and clever design ideas, the Octavia can definitely satisfy the needs of you and your family.
Come down to Perth City Skoda or give us a call today to book a test drive of the new Octavia or.
