The new Skoda Octavia arrives roomier than ever and with a plug-in hybrid version

The fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia is here. The iconic saloon arrives roomier than ever and with a plug-in hybrid version offering an electric range of 55 kilometres.

The new Skoda Octavia has just been unveiled, and we can say it has been significantly updated. The model was dressed up for an event held in Prague, Czech Republic, where the saloon and estate versions could be seen.

Everything suggests it is more closely related to the updated Volkswagen Golf, but with a much more elegant design and a more spacious interior. It is based on the MQB platform of the Volkswagen Group and promises better driving dynamics wrapped in a more practical and spacious body style.

This fourth generation has been improved in all the main respects. It measures 4,68 mm in length, which makes it 19 mm longer than its predecessor, while the Combi version is 22 mm longer. The width has increased by 15 mm, and on both models the boot volume is the largest in the compact class, specifically 600 litres.

The Skoda Octavia: this is the fourth generation of the Czech saloon

Visually, the biggest improvement is at the front, where, as we already knew, it has abandoned the split-headlight design in favour of a more elegant approach. The car also features a new grille, bumpers, more pronounced lines running along its length, slimmer rear lights, and the letters ‘Skoda‘ in the centre of the tailgate. Basically, when everything comes together, the Octavia looks like a smaller version of the mid-size Superb.

Inside, Skoda has taken a more revolutionary approach for the brand, aligning the new Octavia with other models in the Volkswagen Group. The instrument cluster panel is similar to that used in the Golf Mk8 and includes the placement of the infotainment system and the central air vents. The steering wheel has a two-spoke design, and behind it, drivers will look at the digital instrument cluster.

The centre console has also been redesigned and leaves generous space for a larger smartphone in front of the gear selector, which features shift-by-wire technology on models fitted with the DSG gearbox. The ambient lighting contributes to a youthful and modern design, which is driven by the front screen.

What is the new generation of the saloon like?

The 2020 Octavia is offered with a wide selection of powertrains and, for the first time, can be had with a plug-in hybrid. The so-called Octavia iV includes a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 204 CV and 350 Nm of maximum torque, paired with a six-speed DSG gearbox. The 13 kWh battery gives it a range of up to 55 km on the WLTP test cycle.

The 2.0 TSI produces 190 CV and 320 Nm of torque and comes with a 7-speed DSG and four-wheel drive. This is the quickest variant so far, until the RS arrives anyway, reaching 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The PHEV is 1 second slower, and the 2.0 TDI diesel makes the sprint in 7.1 seconds in its livelier variant, which delivers 200 CV and 400 Nm.

Other diesel versions offer 150 CV and 340 Nm, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Choosing the AWD system raises the torque by 20 Nm. A 116 CV model with 300 Nm of torque is also available when combined with the 6-speed manual, or 250 Nm with the DSG.

In addition to the aforementioned 2.0 TSI, the petrol line-up also includes the 1.5 TSI and 1.0 TSI, with 150 CV and 250 Nm, and 110 CV and 200 Nm, respectively. Both are offered only with the manual gearbox and are also available as mild hybrids, with the same outputs. Completing the engine family is the 130 CV, 200 Nm 1.5 TSI that runs on CNG (compressed natural gas).

The first to go on sale will be the Octavia Combi, followed by the saloon a few weeks later. The RS and Scout models have already been confirmed for 2020.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSkoda Octavia24 versions · from 35,200 €