Škoda adds 1.5 TSI petrol to Octavia range

Škoda has expanded its petrol engine line-up with the addition of a new 1.5-litre TSI engine to the Octavia range.

It’s available to order now from £19,830, develops 150PS and features Active Cylinder Management (ACT) and common rail direct injection.

The new engine combines improved fuel efficiency and performance with lower CO2 emissions. In manual hatch form, the Octavia 1.5 TSI returns 57.7mpg on the combined cycle and has CO2 emissions of just 113g/km.

When specified with DSG, the 1.5 TSI also returns 57.7mpg and emits 114g/km of CO2. Estate models return 55.4mpg (Manual) and 56.5mpg (DSG) and emit 116g/km and 115g/km respectively. 

In terms of performance, the new engine can sprint from rest to 62mph in as little as 8.2 seconds  and has a top speed of up to 136mph.

The ACT system was first introduced to the Škoda range on the new Superb, and is activated between 1,400 and 4,000rpm, at a torque of between 25 and 100Nm and speeds of up to 70mph. If the driver presses the accelerator pedal hard, both cylinders begin to work again automatically. The cylinder shut-down has no effect on the smooth running of the engine and the mechanical switchover processes take place within one camshaft rotation. Depending on engine speed this takes between just 13 and 36 milliseconds. Accompanying interventions in ignition and throttle position smooth the transition. 

Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, a seven-speed DSG is available optionally.