2020 Skoda Octavia is bigger, more high-tech and will include a plug-in hybrid

Skoda has confirmed pricing and specifications for its fourth-generation Octavia.

The new model will be priced from £22,390 for the hatchback and £23,370 for the estate. Available to order from next month, the all-new Octavia gets a a revised design, plus a host of fresh technology and a range of updated engines.

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From launch, buyers will have the choice from three trim-levels: SE First Edition, SE Technology, and SE L First Edition. These will be joined later in the year by an entry-level S variant and flagship vRS performance model. A new plug-in hybrid is scheduled to arrive in the UK in Q3 of 2020, with pricing due to be revealed in the summer.

A PHEV … tell me more

Without question, this is the most interesting addition to the new range. Badged the Octavia iV, it’s the first Octavia to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Power comes from a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor; the combination creates a hybrid drivetrain with 201bhp and 258lb/ft torque.

The new Skoda Octavia brings major technology upgrades (Photo: Skoda)The new Skoda Octavia brings major technology upgrades (Photo: Skoda)
The new Skoda Octavia brings major technology upgrades (Photo: Skoda)

Skoda claims that the newcomer is capable of 34 miles on battery power alone — under WLTP testing — with the electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack with a 13kWh capacity. The carmaker has yet to confirm fuel economy figures. It will though have a six-speed automatic gearbox.

As for recharging, Skoda says the Octavia iV will be ‘wall-box friendly’ for faster recharges. It’s also important to stress the iV won’t simply be offered as a separate model either; the plug-in option will be available on all but the base S grade car and the off-road-inspired Octavia Scout.

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So, tell me more about the new Octavia

Well, the all-new model is longer and wider than its predecessor, and has an even larger boot. The new interior combines, what Skoda calls “class-leading practicality with outstanding functionality and high-quality materials”. Innovative connectivity features and new assistance systems further highlight the brand’s ongoing commitment to delivering maximum value to owners.

Among the highlights fitted to all models are third-generation MIB infotainment systems, Virtual Cockpit digital display, LED headlights, and wireless Smartlink for Apple CarPlay. The all-new interior features a host of high quality design features including a new two-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, shift-by-wire DSG selector, and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist.

The already huge Octavia has got even bigger (Photo: Skoda)The already huge Octavia has got even bigger (Photo: Skoda)
The already huge Octavia has got even bigger (Photo: Skoda)

What about trim levels?

To begin with the Octavia will come in three trim levels:

Octavia SE First Edition — from £22,390

The SE First Edition will initially be the entry-level trim grade in the new Octavia range. In terms of safety systems, it comes with front assist, lane assist and e-Call system that automatically alerts emergency services in the case of accident. SE First Edition models also feature an infotainment system with 8.25-inch touchscreen display, eight loudspeakers, and full smartphone connectivity. The cabin features five USB-C ports, including one in the rear-view mirror for connecting to a dashcam. Prices for the Octavia SE First Edition range start from £22,390 for the 1.5 TSI 148bhp hatch model.

Octavia SE L First Edition — from £25,150

Positioned at the top of the new Octavia launch range, the SE L First Edition sits on 17-inch Rotare Aero alloys, while the exterior is distinguished from other models in the range by chrome window surrounds and a chrome strip in the lower front bumper.
Inside there’s microsuede upholstery, heated front seats and LED ambient lighting, along with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory and lumbar support.Skoda’s Columbus infotainment system is also standard, and comes with voice control, Remote Access and Infotainment Online. 
In terms of safety and assistance systems, there’s blind spot protection, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist and adaptive cruise control with follow-to-stop. Drive mode selection and keyless entry on all four doors with start/stop are also standard fit. Prices for SE L First Edition models start from £25,150 for the 1.5 TSI 148bhp hatch.

Up to five USB ports, including one in the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam (Photo: Skoda)Up to five USB ports, including one in the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam (Photo: Skoda)
Up to five USB ports, including one in the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam (Photo: Skoda)

Octavia SE Technology — from £22,640

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Octavia SE Technology models have been specially created to appeal to business users and add 16-inch Twister Aero alloys, range-topping Columbus infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen display, Remote Access, and Infotainment Online. There’s also voice control and front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist. Despite the significant specification boost over the SE First Edition, prices for the SE Technology start at just £22,640 for the 1.5 TSI 148bhp hatch model.

And engines?

The new Octavia range launches with three engine options with power outputs ranging from 114bhp to 148bhp. The petrol option is a 1.5 TSI 148bhp while the entry-level diesel offering is a 2.0-litre unit that develops 114bhp. Both drive through a six-speed manual gearbox. SE L First Edition customers have the additional option of a 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel engine that comes with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard. More engine and transmission options will be added to the new Octavia range as the line-up expands throughout 2020.

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