Today, as you all already know, we have such a special Octavia day . We will end our probe into the history of one of the most successful Czech automobiles by presenting the third, i.e. last generation, Octavia.
Design
Definitely the most discussed item in the case of the new "Octa" is the design . According to the first spy pictures, many could have guessed that copying the Rapid (which was widely talked about before the premiere) would not be so hot. And it really isn't. The Octavia is more different from the Rapid than anyone could have expected.
The front of the Octavia looks much more mature than the Rapid and hints at where Skoda's design will go next. The main lights, which can also be equipped with LED diodes for daytime running lights, are distinctive. The radiator grille is classic, Skoda without any major innovations.
The relatively long rear overhang stands out from the profile. At least in the first photos, it doesn't look like the wheels are drowned in the body, which is only good. And the rear? We have already discussed this several times. In short, it reminds us of the older generation Audi A6 . But it definitely does not mean any design damage. Apart from the lights, however, the Octavia III does not deviate from the captured style of its predecessor. No dramatic lines, but a clean liftback body design.
Interior
More luxurious than most Skodas produced today. Maybe it was the very first thing that came to mind when looking at the photo of the interior. The three-spoke steering wheel looks better than the four-spoke one, and it finally doesn't have the "typical Skoda smile" on the steering wheel that the Superb or the last generation Octavia Tour boast of, for example.
The dominant feature is the large touch screen of the multimedia system with dimensions not yet specified. Under it, look for the climate control, for example. However, Skoda (of course) does not point out what will appear in its place in the basic equipment.
Dimensions
Octavia has never been one of the small cars in its segment, and it is not even now. The MQB platform of the concern allowed the Octavia III to stretch up to
If we focus on the internal dimensions, we find that the rear passengers are together
Engines
Of course, the latest technology will be used under the hood. The range of petrol engines starts with the 1200 TSI with 86 horses and ends with the 1800 TSI with 180 horses under the hood. In between, there will be room for two more engines – probably the more powerful 1.2 TSI and also for the 1.4 TSI , the parameters of which, however, Skoda will release later.
Skoda has also prepared several diesel units for ecologically minded individuals. In total, there will also be four units with volumes between 1.6 –
In addition to the eight engines mentioned above, Skoda is also counting on deploying the most powerful version of the RS and an even more ecological version with a CNG drive. As part of that "ecology", all engines, with the exception of basic gasoline and diesel, will also receive a stop/start system and brake energy recovery.
Power transmission will be handled by manual transmissions or DSG automatics with an as yet unspecified number of steps. And in addition to the two-wheeler, a four- wheeler is also expected in the future!
Gear
Due to the competition in its own stable, Skoda had to differentiate the Octavia not only in appearance, but also technologically. Safety will be taken care of by Front Assistant systems with an emergency braking function, Lane Assistant keeping the car in the lane, multi-collision brakes with automatic braking in the event of an accident, Crew Protect Assistant preparing the crew compartment for a potential accident, Driver Activity Assistant recognizing driver fatigue or an active hood for pedestrian protection or up to 9 airbags including knee driver and side bags for rear passengers.
For an additional fee, you can get functions not yet used in Skoda, such as the adaptive cruise control Adaptive Cruise Assistant , the traffic sign recognition system or the Intelligent Light Assistant .
The list of extras also includes an electrically controlled panoramic roof or the KESSY keyless unlocking and starting system. Of course, the "Simply Clever" details , which we already know from the Rapid, must not be missing either. You will find an ice scraper in the tank lid and a double-sided carpet in the luggage compartment.
Sale
The new Octavia will have its "world premiere" only at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year, but it should reach all dealers soon. At that time, the novelty will already be priced and selected journalists from all over the world will ride with it, as was the case with the Rapid. We, Skoda, can only keep our fingers crossed that the new Octavia will be at least as successful as the old one…
