Can the new Skoda Octavia improve on the previous model?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the new almost controversial design. To start with we get these new set of headlights that have a new LED Day time running light design that is definitely unique. It looks similar to the new 3 Series. We get 2 sets of boomerang lights and one of them stretches into the newly shaped grill. The grill is thinner than before making the car look wider but personally, I did like the bigger grill on the previous one, but this grill does make it look more premium. the lower air vent is also different, and we also get some bigger side vents that have more of a sculpture than before. the VRS version has a different front end that is a lot edgier than before and doesn’t look as good as the pre facelift which is a shame.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we don’t get any physical changes apart from the obvious new colour and wheel options. We do get this nice sleek silhouette which I do like, and we do also get minimal creases.
Exterior – Rear
So, moving round to the back and we do get some discrete changes. These include the new Skoda lettering as well as a new set of taillights that have the same split design language as other new Skoda’s to hide the boot shut line at night. The bumper has also changed to make it more aerodynamic and sportier too. overall then the design is different from before, but it isn’t bad. It will take time for it to grow on people I think as it isn’t something Skoda has done before but I am on board with the change. Let’s have a look and see what engine and gearbox options you can get on the new Skoda Octavia Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, for the engine options, you can either have Petrol, Petrol Mild Hybrid or Diesel. The petrol engine is the usual 1.5 litre TSI unit producing 114 bhp. this can do 0-62 in 10.4 seconds and can only be had with a 6 speed manual. You can have this engine with a DSG gearbox but this has a mild hybrid setup. 0-62 is slower at 10.6 seconds too but it is slightly efficient. There is another Petrol engine and this is the same 1.5 litre TSI but it now has 149 bhp. this can be had with a 6 speed manual or a DSG with mild hybrid assistance. 0-62 is delt within 8.5 seconds for the manual and DSG. The next engine is the 2.0 TDI diesel engine. This has 114 bhp and a 0-62 time of 10 seconds and this is mated to a 6 speed manual. There is also a more powerful version with 148 bhp. this can only be had with a DSG gearbox and the 0-62 time is reduced to 8.5 seconds. The price of the new Skoda Octavia starts at £26,775. There will be a hot VRS version and some plug in hybrid models but we don’t yet have any details on them yet. Lets have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new Skoda Octavia facelift and mostly everything is the same as before. we get the same seats, centre console, dashboard, steering wheel and door cards. What is new though is the infotainment system and instrument cluster. They both have new graphics and now have the MiB4 software built in. the screen size is also much bigger than before too with a size of 13 inches. This is also standard throughout the range, and it is very easy to use. It is basically exactly the same as the new Volkswagen version and if you want to know how that is click on the top right-hand banner to go and watch that video. There are some new materials too which just keeps the interior that bit more premium. let’s have a look at what the rear seats are like.
Practicality
So, getting into the back and space is quite decent. For a 6-footer you get a decent amount of legroom, but headroom may be an issue because of the sloping roof. The materials are still of high quality in the back too. We also get these new head restraints that support your neck when you fall asleep. You also get a storage compartment on the floor that can be removed, and you also get rear heated seats as well as rear climate control and air vents and 4 cup holders in total. There is even USB C sockets to keep the kids happy. Let’s have a look at the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot and you are welcomed with 600 litres with the seats down. This is the same as before, but it is still very impressive. Folding the seats flat and you get 1,555 litres. For the estate model this increases to 640 litres with the seats up and 1,700 litres with the seats down.
Summary
So, what do I think of the new Skoda Octavia. Well, the best parts are the interior and practicality. That will always be the best part about the Octavia. The outside is better on the pre facelift, but it isn’t as bad as some facelifts. The design is different yes, but it will grow on people. It gives the car a more premium and sportier look. Something we haven’t seen before on a Skoda.
Exterior 4/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 14/15
Model | Skoda Octavia SE L |
Engine | 1.5l Turbo, 149bhp, 0-62 = 8.5 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 7 Speed Automatic DSG |
Price | £31,250 |
On Sale | Now |
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