The Skoda Octavia turns 20, congratulations!

At Skoda they are celebrating. Today marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of one of its most popular and well-known models, the Octavia.

A model that has always been a success, and which today is already in its third generation, launched at the end of 2012.

Since its launch in the mid-1990s, the Octavia has written, page by page, a success story built on quality and reliability. The Octavia may not be one of those models that win hearts at first sight, but today it is striking how many first- and second-generation units are still seen on the roads.

First generation: space and reliability

The first generation was launched in mid-1996. It had been under development at Skoda since 1992, a year after the brand was acquired by the VW Group. The Octavia received a body developed using CAD technology (Computer Assisted Design), built on a newly designed platform at group level, a platform later used by numerous models such as the VW Golf IV, the SEAT Leon I and the Audi A3 I.

Its design was aimed above all at simplicity and practicality, as its straight, simple lines demonstrated. Interior space was one of its greatest strengths, with features such as a hatch-opening boot that offered easy access to a 528-litre load space. In the cabin, the safety features stood out, with both front and side airbags. The Octavia I was fitted with SDI/TDI diesel and petrol engines of up to 180 CV, and could be equipped with, among other things, xenon headlights, rain sensor or ESP.

It was built until 2010, when the first generation came to an end with record figures for the brand. The Czech brand delivered 970,000 saloons and more than 470,000 estate models.

Second generation: more refined design and more equipment

The second generation represented a decisive step forward for the Czech saloon

It was in 2004 that the Czech firm introduced the second generation of the Octavia to the market, a completely new model that brought numerous technologies new to the brand, such as the DSG dual-clutch gearbox or FSI direct petrol injection. In addition, the chassis was completely new, shared with models such as the VW Golf V, and offered improved features, such as a multi-link rear suspension system.

The Octavia continued to offer two of its key selling points in the second generation, price and space. In addition, the equipment options were expanded with the arrival of features such as electric seats, light sensor, integrated navigation and parktronic. Its engine range reached 200 CV for petrol engines and 170 CV for the diesel. Between 2004 and 2013, more than 1.6 million saloons and 900,000 estate models were sold.

Third generation: attractive and technological like never before

At the end of 2012 the third generation of the Octavia was presented, built on the new MQB modular platform of the VW Group. Of course, it is the model currently on sale, and so far the most successful in the model’s history. Just a few weeks ago the 1 millionth unit of this generation was produced, in a little under three years.

The new Octavia shows sharper lines while maintaining its identity. In addition, its interior refinement is far superior to previous models, going head to head with more expensive models in the segment. Its engines are all turbocharged, and it features technologies never before seen in the brand, such as traffic sign recognition, lane change assist and adaptive cruise control. To date, more than 5 million units of the Octavia have been built.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSkoda Octavia24 versions · from 35,200 €