The upcoming Škoda Octavia will be equipped with a suite of new technologies including mobile online services and a number of new driver assistance systems designed to make driving more comfortable and safer.
Two connected services, labelled Škoda Connect, will be available when the facelifted model goes on sale in February 2017.
Infotainment online is available with the Amundsen and Columbus navigation systems. It provides Online Traffic Information, customized information on fuel prices, parking information, news and weather.
Via the Škoda Connect portal, routes, destinations and points of interest can be transferred directly from the computer to the navigation system. On the Columbus there are other services, including Google Earth and Google Street View.
Care Connect services provide assistance and remote access to the car, regardless of the infotainment system.
Among the Care Connect services is emergency call (eCall). If a restraint system is triggered after an accident, an emergency call centre is alerted. In addition, there is a notification function for minor accidents, as well as a breakdown call service.
Service Scheduling is also available; here the owner is contacted by the dealer before the vehicle’s service is due in order to arrange a convenient and timely appointment.
A smartphone link is also included via the Škoda Connect app with remote services. It can inform you about the status of the vehicle's lighting, or open or closed doors, shows the location of the vehicle and can sound the horn and activate the hazard lights.
Area Notification and Speed Notification inform the owner if the vehicle is moved without authorisation.
Driver assistance systems
Škoda says its new Octavia has been comprehensively upgraded to go beyond compact-class standards. The predictive pedestrian protection is specialised for city driving, at speeds between six and 37 mph it triggers an emergency brake if a pedestrian dangerously steps out into oncoming traffic. The system is part of the optional Front Assist that includes city emergency braking function.
Blind Spot Detect is also available and supports the driver when changing lanes with two radar sensors monitoring traffic at the rear. If a collision is imminent, a warning light is illuminated in the exterior mirror housing. Plus Rear Traffic Alert assists when parallel parking or leaving a parking space; it detects oncoming vehicles very early.
Another innovation in the Škoda Octavia is the optional trailer assist. Using the rotary switch for the exterior mirrors, the driver specifies the angle at which they want to reverse their trailer. When the driver then slowly accelerates, the system makes appropriate steering suggestions.
Manoeuvre Assist helps when reversing without a trailer, activating the brakes as soon as it detects an obstacle behind it.
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