For those wanting a spacious family car, there have been few better options in the last decade than the Skoda Octavia.
Available as a hatchback or estate, this model is known for being impressively practical while offering great value for money. Now, there is a new fourth-generation model that continues to deliver in both of those areas.
However, this new Octavia offers much more than that, as it gets an even classier look, a host of new tech and electrified powertrains for the first time, with mild-hybrids available and plug-in models on the way.
So if you’re thinking about buying the new Skoda Octavia, here’s what you need to know…
What engines are available?
At launch, the Octavia line-up is limited, though both petrol and diesel versions are available.
Initially, the sole petrol engine available is a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It delivers the best performance in the current Octavia line-up, as it allows the car to accelerate to 60mph in eight seconds and hit a top speed of 142mph. At the same time, it will also return a claimed 50.4mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 127g/km. This engine will also receive mild-hybrid tech later this year, which will increase its efficiency further.
Moving over to diesel, the entry-level option is a new 113bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, too. It’s the most efficient Octavia currently available – returning an impressive 65.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of 113g/km. Its performance is also decent, too, for a relatively small output engine, as it allows the Octavia to reach 60mph in 10.1 seconds.
If you want an automatic Octavia, the only option currently available is a more powerful 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which combined with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. With this, the car can reach 60mph in 8.5 seconds, but it’s also good on fuel – Skoda claims it will return 61.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 120g/km.
A smaller 1.0-litre petrol engine is set to be introduced later this year, along with plug-in hybrids and sportier vRS variants offering up to 242bhp.
What trim levels are available?
At launch, Skoda is only offering a pair of ‘First Edition’ grades, with regular trims and more affordable options set to be introduced throughout 2020. Equipment highlights and pricing of the current line-up are as follows.
SE First Edition – from £22,390 (Hatch)/£23,370 (Estate)
Standard equipment is generous on the Octavia, and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 10.25-inch digital dials system. It also features rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.
SE L First Edition - from £25,150 (Hatch)/£26,230 (Estate)
Upgrade to the SE L First Edition and you get plenty of extra kit – including additional chrome detailing, larger 17-inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass on the styling front. It also comes with heated front seats, LED interior lighting, a larger 10-inch touchscreen and front parking sensors. Additional safety kit also includes blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
What about personalisation?
While the Skoda Octavia might not be a model that’s known for its personalisation, there’s a surprising amount of choice available. Starting with colours, there are 11 available – Race Blue and Velvet Red being two particular highlights. You can also upgrade to 18-inch alloy wheels to get a bolder look, too.
And while the Octavia comes with plenty of standard kit, there are still loads of options to choose from. It’s best to not to pick too many options as it can easily drive the price up – Matrix LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof being two particularly pricey extras at £1,575 and £1,150 respectively.
Options worth ticking, though, include leather upholstery (just £260), and a winter pack that includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated windscreen (£480 for the lot).
Enquire on a new Skoda Octavia