New Škoda Octavia offers plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid versions

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The new Škoda Octavia offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version for the first time, plus mild hybrid, diesel and petrol versions.

Following the lead of the latest Škoda Superb, the new Octavia offers fleets a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. It features a 1.4 TSI petrol engine delivering 115kW (156PS) and a 75-kW electric motor. Together, they produce a total power output of 150kW (204PS) and have a maximum torque of 350 Nm. It uses a 37Ah, 13kWh lithium-ion battery, promising an electric range of up to 55km in the WLTP cycle.

For the first time in the Škoda line-up, the Octavia is available in two ‘eTEC’ variants with mild hybrid technology.

Using a seven-speed DSG (the PHEV model uses a six-speed DSG), the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI produces 81kW (110PS) and the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI produces 110kW (150PS). Both use of a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. This allows eTec models to take advantage of energy recovery through regenerative braking and to ‘coast’ with the engine completely switched off.

Stop/start technology, reduces fuel consumption “and CO2 emissions even further” says Škoda, however, it is yet to publish the CO2 emissions figures for the new Octavia.

Efficient diesel

The manufacturer says its latest generation EVO diesel engines emit up to 80% less nitrogen oxide than its predecessor. This is achieved in part by a new ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment, where AdBlue is injected in front of the two catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other.

The 2.0 TDI models are available with a six-speed manual, or seven-speed DSG gearbox, with outputs of 116PS (85kW), 110PS (150kW) and 147PS (200kW); the latter being for the 4x4 version.

Petrol variants are offered as a 1.0 TSI EVO  with a six-speed manual gearbox and 110PS (81kW) power output, a 1.5 TSI EVO with the same gearbox and 150PS (110kW) on tap; and a 2.0 TSI, which comes with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 190PS (140kW).

New DSG offer

A long-standing feature in the VAG line-up, the DSG gearbox fitted in the Octavia breaks new ground for Škoda, as it is the first to use shift-by-wire technology. As the name suggests, this electronically transmits the driver’s gear selection to the transmission. In place of the familiar DSG lever, there is a new control module located in the centre console with a small rocker switch for selecting drive modes, as well as a button for the parking mode.

Safety

The new model features a range of passive and active safety features for company car drivers, with full LED matrix headlights and full LED tail lights featuring “crystalline elements and dynamic indicators” both available as options.

Additional safety systems include Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist, Exit Warning and the local Traffic Warning function are also making their debut at Škoda. Other new features for the OCTAVIA include Area View, Side Assist and Predictive Cruise Control, which – together with the updated version of Traffic Sign Recognition and the further improved Lane Assist, as well as Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist – forms the Travel Assist system. Using Hands-on Detect, this system also checks whether the driver is touching the steering wheel consistently. Up to nine airbags, including a driver knee airbag and rear side airbags, protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Head-up display

Another debut for Škoda is an optional head-up display. It projects information such as speed, navigation, detected traffic signs and activated driver assistance systems directly onto the – optionally heated – windscreen. The 4.2-inch, multifunction Maxi DOT 16-colour display comes as standard, while Tri-zone Climatronic makes its debut in the Octavia.

Keyless vehicle entry system (KESSY) is another option, as are noise-reducing acoustic side windows at the front.

Perhaps the most interesting option for fleet drivers clocking up high miles, however, are the “particularly back-friendly” Ergo seats. These offer an electric massage function and optional ventilation.

Infotainment system 

Additionally, the new Octavia offers a choice of four infotainment systems from the latest generation with screens measuring from 8.25 to 10 inches. Some of them can be operated using gesture control or by voice via the Laura Škoda Digital Assistant. The top-of-the-range Columbus infotainment system can – for the first time – display the navigation system’s maps in a different level of zoom than the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit (which, by the way, has also been further improved, making it even more user-friendly). This new function can be adjusted via a touch slider located below the display, which can also be used to control the volume.

The new Skoda Octavia goes on sale in the middle of next year, with a starting price of around £19,000, rising to around £30,000.

() Applies to COMBI
◻ Not yet available
* Combined maximum power output (combustion engine and electric motor)
** Maximum speed using combustion engine only

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