The New Škoda Octavia

Škoda brings a fresh design, new technology and expanded line-up to market with the release of the new, highly refined Octavia Liftback and Wagon range.

As well as undergoing a number of technical improvements, the design of the Octavia has been fundamentally revised. The Octavia of 2009 has a distinctive new quality, both in a Liftback and Wagon form, and a clearly altered character.

To give the new Octavia broader market appeal, the engine line-up has been updated with two new petrol engines and one diesel variant.

For the first time a 1.6 litre petrol engine is being offered in the Octavia range as the entry level specification. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, delivering decisive gearshifts, a 6-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option. The 1.6 litre petrol engine produces 75kW of power and 148Nm of torque, providing a proven and reliable choice for drivers.

The second petrol engine on offer is the turbocharged 1.8 TSI, producing 118kW of power and 250Nm of torque. This 1.8 TSI has replaced the original 2.0 FSI (110kW) engine and is the only engine in the Škoda Octavia range to be offered with the optional 7-speed DSG transmission – the latest in innovative technology
from the Volkswagen Group.

The new 7-speed DSG transmission represents two exciting advancements. On one hand it is the first 7-speed gearbox for front transverse mounting; and on the other hand, it’s the first dual-clutch gearbox with a ‘dry’ double clutch.

The benefits of this 7-speed DSG include providing the comfort of a conventional automatic transmission with the dynamic drive of a manual transmission. The result is less fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. The 1.8 TSI matched with the 7-speed DSG transmission consumes just 6.7 litres of premium unleaded petrol
per hundred kilometres (combined consumption, ADR81/02), with CO₂ emissions at a low 157 g/km.

The diesel engine offered with the new Octavia is the 2.0 TDI which delivers torque that can compete with many V6 petrol engines. With 103kW of power at 4,000rpm and producing an enormous 320Nm of torque from as low as 1,750rpm, the 2.0 TDI engine delivers an exhilarating and satisfying drive.

Available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG transmission, the diesel offers exceptional fuel economy. When matched to the manual transmission it consumes just 5.7 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (combined consumption, ADR81/02), while the DSG transmission consumes only 6.4 litres/100km.

Designers and engineers approached the job of transforming the Škoda Octavia with great care, aware of the fact that improving such a well-engineered car would pose quite a challenge. An almost fundamental revision of the Octavia’s appearance brings the current model up-to-date with Škoda Auto’s modern design philosophy.

When looking from the front, the key enhancements to the new Octavia include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The rear of the vehicle features new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated ‘cat eyes’.

Inside the Octavia, the steering wheel, dashboard, air conditioning controls and trim inserts on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics and an improved line-up of Škoda audio and satellite navigation systems are available. New materials and functional features have increased comfort and operating safety in the passenger compartment of the new Octavia.

Passengers sitting in the rear seats of the new Octavia can enjoy great comfort and space. Large doors make it easy to get in and out of the car. The tailgate of the Liftback makes storing bulky luggage in the boot a simple task. With a capacity of 560 litres in the Liftback and 580 litres in the Wagon, it sets a benchmark for volume in its class. Folding down the rear bench extends the boot volume to a remarkable 1420 litres, a capacity which expands to 1620 litres on the new Octavia Wagon.