The Skoda Octavia range sees changes for the new model year, making it “more clever than ever.” The best-selling mode for the Czech carmaker, the Octavia sees new LED headlights (now four units instead of two), a more aggressive grille (similar to the ones on the Kodiak SUV), and mildly updated tail-lights. The bonnet brings some creases into the fray, and the whole range sits on redesigned alloys ranging from 16” to 18”.
One of the biggest updates to the new Octavia is inside, with three new infotainment systems: Bolero, Amundsen, and Columbus, on top of the existing Swing. The new units enjoy a capacitive glass touchscreen, with the two top units featuring GPS navigation. Columbus systems have the most acreage, measuring 9.2”, with the whole system claimed to be more responsive to light input. The interior also sees revised materials and colours, and the introduction of an ambient lighting package with up to 10 selectable colours.
Driver assistance technology also sees a small update to include trailer assistant and predictive pedestrian protection. A new rear radar brings with it blind spot detection and rear traffic alert which assists drivers when reversing out of a space, along with a rear camera.
The ‘Simply Clever’ features continue, with little things to make living with the Octavia more enjoyable than ever. These features include programmable keys (which allows different drivers to save different settings on their keys), bottle holders that make opening them a little easier, and a removable torch in the boot for Estate models.
Globally, the Octavia will be made available with five TSI petrols and four TDI diesels, ranging rom 1.0-litre to 2.0-litre, with output ranging from 63kW to 135kW. The Australian market cars shouldn’t see any changes though, when it hits the market in mid-2017. Engine options should include the existing 110kW 110TSI petrol, 110kW 110TDI diesel, 162kW 162TSI RS, and 135kW 135TDI RS units.
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