Skoda Octavia renovated model to soon feature remote parking capability
Skoda is keeping its Octavia up to date with some minor visual updates. While it may not be the most compact car on the market, it's still fresh enough to warrant these cosmetic changes. ntv.de recently had a chance to test the second series of this vehicle for the first time.
Going through a facelift can be a blessing for both the manufacturer and the consumer. For the manufacturer, it allows them to refresh their model at a low cost, potentially attracting a wave of new buyers. For existing customers, they won't have to replace their vehicle prematurely. So it's a win-win situation, right?
The new design of the Skoda Octavia has been carefully evolved. By making the daytime running lights more noticeable and placing them prominently in the front section, the car has a more eye-catching appearance without changing its basic layout.
Skoda likes to play a little game with journalists when they review their updated models. They know just how to present certain features as brand new when they've been around for a while. For instance, they highlight the fact that the new headlights feature adaptive matrix LED technology. But it was already available before. However, this is just a minor detail.
It's worth taking a trip down memory lane before fully assessing the latest Octavia. Skoda has brought along the original model from 1959. In a time when Eastern Bloc manufacturers had attractive vehicles and driving was a different experience, Skoda produced cars that were technologically advanced. A short drive in the over 60-year-old Czech car with a clunky four-speed manual transmission, poor gear synchronization, and indirect steering shows just how far cars have come. But the classic department at Skoda has upgraded this sample. The 1.2-liter engine now has 300 cubic meters more and produces around 70 hp instead of 45. This compact car, weighing around 900 kilograms (4.07 meters), is quite sporty on the road.
The current Octavia is more focused on comfort than performance, at least when it comes to the entry-level variants. With an exterior length of 4.70 meters, this car is comfortably situated in the midsize segment, providing ample space. The soft suspension (adaptive if desired) ensures smooth handling. Optional air-conditioned massage seats add a touch of luxury for those who spend a lot of time on the road. The entry-level options are the 1.5 TSI (priced at 30,730 euros) and 2.0 TDI (34,430 euros), which offer 115 hp. But ntv.de chose these models for their review because not every vehicle needs to be a high-performance machine.
The 150 hp versions represent a happy medium for those who want a little extra oomph. They cost 33,400 euros for the petrol engine and 36,000 euros for the diesel. They accelerate a full second faster than their weaker counterparts, making them more suitable for those who enjoy a bit of speed. But the benefits of these upgraded engines are not limited to acceleration; they are also noticeably refined.
It's clear that the engineers have focused on insulating the Octavia well, resulting in a quiet and comfortable interior. If you opt for the petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it comes with a mild hybrid system that includes a gliding function. When you depress the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily shuts down the engine, which happens smoothly. You can only detect this on the rev counter.
If you drive calmly, you can expect to use about 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, and Skoda even promises 4.0 liters for the diesel. This means the diesel has a range of approximately 1000 kilometers, a feature that will be welcomed by long-distance drivers.
The infotainment system of the current Octavia has also received some upgrades. The screen has grown to 13 inches, and the integration of ChatGPT should make the voice assistant more efficient, although this needs to be tested thoroughly. Finally, you can now charge your smartphone wirelessly with 15 watts of power and built-in cooling. It takes a bit of time to understand how to operate all the important functions on the screen. Although the touchscreen responds quickly, it's slightly overwhelmed by the number of buttons.
Skoda is known for its innovative approach: Soon, the Octavia will be able to be remotely parked from the outside using an app. It already has the capability of parking automatically while sitting in the car. And that's not all, as it comes with several other tried-and-tested features. For instance, there's the built-in ice scraper in the fuel filler flap or the umbrella that's always carried along. Then there's the spacious trunk space of 1700 liters in the estate, which is quite popular in Germany.
However, what won't be available in the price list is the plug-in hybrid version. The manufacturer has not yet disclosed whether it will be added later on. This could be due to demand. An electric Octavia drive is not expected. Skoda is usually more cautious when it comes to electric vehicles compared to other Volkswagen Group brands. But all-wheel drive variants and a 265 hp top model will definitely arrive, which indicates that the Octavia will have a sporty side as well.
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Source: www.ntv.de
