► Revamped Skoda Octavia unveiled
► Styling tweaks, tech upgrades
► On sale at the end of the year
The third-gen Octavia’s been around since 2012, so Skoda’s giving it a light update in an effort to keep buyers interested.
Both the hatchback and estate versions are receiving the upgrades, which range from a redesigned nose through to uprated multimedia systems.
What’s changed outside?
The front end’s got a little wider and more involved, with a new pair of lamps bracketing a prominent grille and a more pronounced Skoda logo.
Buyers will also be able to pick from a selection of new alloy wheel designs.
And on the inside?
Skoda’s upgraded the Octavia’s media systems; all offered now feature glass-fronted capacitive displays.The top-spec Columbus model packs a 9.2-inch screen and options include a wireless hotspot and a SIM card module internet connectivity.
Is it still just as practical as before?
Even more so, unbelievably. There’s a host of new ‘Simply Clever’ touches, including bottle holders designed to help you open bottles, a heated steering wheel and a customisable key that saves the settings of different drivers.
Skoda’s ramped up the safety for the 2017 model year Octavia, too. A trailer assistant system will control the steering while reversing, for example, while the likes of Rear Traffic Alert works to prevent any alarming moments when changing lanes.
What about the engine line-up?
Four engines will be available initially, and most will be offered with a choice of a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic.
The line-up is as follows:
- 1.0 TSI 113bhp
- 1.4 TSI 148bhp
- 1.6 TDI 113bhp
- 2.0 TDI 148bhp
When can I get my hands on one?
The revamped Octavia will go on sale towards the end of the year, and deliveries are pegged to start in early 2017. Prices shouldn’t change too much, so expect the revamped Octavia to cost upwards of £17k.
Read CAR magazine’s Skoda Octavia reviews
