The Skoda Octavia receive an aesthetic update and deep updating in technology, which give more added value. We’ve already tried.

Four years after its commercial launch, as they send these unwritten canons and many manufacturers take the letter, the third-generation Skoda Octavia receives what, spokespersons for the brand “is more than a mere facelift” or upgrade. Some of it can be understood that there if we consider that, apart from small to change his body, which is the best-selling history of the brand (van 5 million units since its launch in 1996) Skoda incorporates a long list of improvements within equipment, fundamentally.

Focusing on what is seen with the naked eye, the essence of Skoda Octavia 2017 in the aesthetic chapter is the substitution in front of the large headlights, which met all lighting functions except the fog, two smaller. The closest grilled (on Style and Laurin & Klement, painted glossy black bars) of each pair serve as beam and the exteriors of the crossing. Simultaneous lighting of the four provides light burst.

All the lighting functions can headlamps and LED technology headlamps, outside daylight that always uses the technology. They are standard on the two highest levels, and L Style&K and optional for Ambition and Like: may be worth between 995 and 1,035 the euros that cost, according to which engines for the light they provide, even because they incorporate the bend lighting function.

In the rear, depending on the trim level, all functions are provided leds (L&K series and optional for the rest) or exclusively such illumination for the brake and reverse gear is used.

Skoda Octavia 2017 engine range

The engine range varies little with respect to the Skoda Octavia counted since its launch in 2013, and was already revised the middle of last year. The form six engines, of which three are gasoline, one gas and two diesel.

The lower power, and the only three-cylinder whole family, is the 1.0 TSI 115 hp version, a motor with a reasonable stuck in the middle of the lap counter and that despite what might be expected by its small displacement, fits well into a saloon, on the other hand, is light to measure 4,67 m. This time we were able to drive it combined with a manual six-speed gearbox. The other transmission for this engine is a dual-clutch seven-speed DSG.

The next step in gasoline power is held by the 1.4 TSI, also with the same combinations of gearboxes. It has 150 HP. This engine is sold one adapted to work with natural gas version and 110 hp. In the bottom of the trunk, where in other Skoda could be a spare wheel similar to other dimensions, these Octavia CNG (also identified variously as G-TEC) have a waste tank gas up to 15 kg: by consumption obtained our contact, enough to cover more than 300 km, at a rate of 4.7 kg / 100 km. Their presence reduces the boot capacity, according to data provided by Skoda in 150 liters but there is a model that can afford market is precisely this Octavia, which in its five-door version and the other engines available from really huge capacity: 610 liters. The Octavia 1.4 TSI CNG also retains the 50-liter tank, as in the other models, so that when the gas is exhausted can continue to work with gasoline in it.

This engine is not particularly lively, but responds well once clearly exceeds 1,500 rpm and provided that he is not required at very high speeds.

Skoda wants to bet on this able to move with dual fuel version, to the extent that He will sell, once implemented promotional offers for 16,800 euros: Same price at which market the 1.0 TSI 115 hp, both with Active trim levels.

The most powerful engine in the range of gasoline, waiting for the restyling also reach the RS versions, is the 1.8 TSI 180 hp, an engine that makes the Skoda Octavia very fast in any condition and, particularly with the seven-speed automatic transmission (taking the place of manual six) it is also very nice.

Diesel, The 1.6 TDI is now 115 hp. It is the only engine with five-speed manual transmission, while the automatic is also available seven-speed. This is particularly suitable for this engine because better masks its thrust at a very low rate beyond the five-speed has longer developments in late March and therefore also more open regarding relations between the automatic. It is in the range, the engine that accredits the lowest consumption: standardises 4.1 l / 100 km with the manual transmission and 3.9 with automatic, ie 0.2 l / 100 km more than got the Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI which was sold until a few days ago, without the restyling. The reason for this increase, which is also recorded in other engines (in some cases such as 1.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI at a rate of 0.3 l / 100 km, or in the other two TSI, 0.1) and does not respond or a weight gain or changes in the developments, for example, is a review of the same by Skoda to approximate the actual expenditure that can get a customer.

He 2.0 TDI engine is 150 hp and only in the manual and automatic (double clutch, DSG, as elsewhere) have the same number of gears: six. Curiously, the development of the manual is somewhat longer than the machine: in top gear, 58 km / h per 1000 rpm compared to 56 of DSG.

He 2.0 TDI 150 hp with automatic and all-wheel drive (when it has the familiar body, Combi) now provides a novel combination within the range: the Octavia first wheel drive with the 7-speed DSG.

Skoda Octavia 2017: driving aids

Chassis, the most significant changes are two: expanding the width of the rear track 2 to 3 cm, depending on the version; and the possibility of fitting the variable damping hardness, DCC, linked to driving mode switch. That buffer is optional in versions of Skoda Octavia with engines over 150 hp and costs between 985 and 1,025 euros.

The difference between level firmer damping and comfortable is very clear, whereas, particularly in the Combi, the rear axle makes you feel more poised dramatically without affecting ride quality, otherwise adequate, but would improve to reach the cabin less aerodynamic noise. We will verify this point when we have an opportunity to lead on our test track with different versions.

Among the systems driver assistance include the appearance of a device automatic braking if risk of collision and part of the Front Assist (price varies from 300 to 310 euros) detector vehicles in the blind spot (750 to 790 euros), one of driving assistance reversing trailer which detects obstacles and automatically brakes or Two controls cruise RADAR, having its maximum operating speed of 160 km / h (slope between 580 and 600 euros) and another reaching 210 km / h (915 to 950 euros). Trailed can also regulate the rotation of the latter using the control knob mirrors.

Skoda Octavia 2017: Inside

At inside the Octavia changes focus on the front seats. There’s a heated steering wheel and a key that can store three user preferences, but also Simply Clever new practical solutions, as the central posabotes for opening bottles with one hand to lock the rotation thereof or flashlight wearing Combi and can be retrieved from the boot side and fastened with its magnet on any metal engine.

The system Skoda Connect It premiered at the Kodiaq SUV is also mounted on the Skoda Octavia, offering infotainment services on line as information on fuel prices near the car, parking places, detours to avoid traffic, weather … or emergency calls and information.

Four teams will be available sound, one basic, Swing is the universally standard and supports connection to a Smartphone in environments carplay Apple, Android, MirrorLink or SmartGate; he Bolero comes standard on Style and already it has a screen 8 “, Amundsen introduced by the browser on the previous computer and the most sophisticated of all, Columbus. In this screen it is 9.2 “and can create a Wi-Fi network, as well as providing services such as Google Street View and Google Earth. It works connected to the Smartphone user (as does the Columbus) or integrated in the car SIM card.

In addition, the Skoda Connect application, the owner of the Skoda Octavia can know not only where your car is located, but whether it has been used at a faster rate than the chosen, if it is being used without permission or transfer route plans of the tablet, phone or computer to the car and, even combine that with the agenda navigation user to set time of arrival at the appointment.