After a long wait, the new 2020 Skoda Octavia has been revealed. Australian buyers will need to be patient with a local arrival still more than a year away.
As is now the norm, the new Octavia has grown, with the hatchback measuring 19mm longer while the wagon has been extended by 22mm when compared with the current model. Both body styles are 15mm wider. Despite the larger body, the 2686mm wheelbase is unchanged.
There is more cargo capacity with 10L more space in the hatchback (600L) and 30L more in the wagon (640L).
The cabin gets a new dashboard featuring an 8.25- or 10-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the grade. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster will also be available as an option. There’s also up to five USB-C ports and wireless smartphone charging.
For the first time, Skoda will deploy shift-by-wire technology for operating the DSG, which electronically transmits the driver’s gear selection to the transmission.
In Europe, Skoda will offer the Octavia with petrol, diesel, and natural gas engines, along with plug-in and mild hybrid options.
The petrol range includes units ranging from 1.0- to 2.0-litres offering outputs from 81kW/200Nm to 140kW/320Nm.
The latest 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines will use mild hybrid technology when equipped with DSG. The system uses a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery to recover brake energy, support the combustion engine by providing it with an electric boost, and to coast with the engine completely switched off.
Going a step further in pursuit of efficiency is the plug-in hybrid which uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to deliver combined outputs of 150kW and 350Nm. When the 13kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged up to 55km of electric driving range is possible (WLTP cycle). PHEV buyers will be able to front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The diesel options consist of 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplants producing outputs ranging from 85kW/250Nm to 147kW/400Nm, however, given the current market trends, the oilers won't be offered Down Under.
Locally, it’s unlikely the new Octavia will be available within the first 12 months of production which officially kicks off in March next year.
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