The driver and passengers will feel pampered in the brand new interior. “The spacious and airy interior comes with all-new architecture, but remains faithful to the typical ŠKODA line, which perfectly combines functionality and aesthetics. The dashboard shape has been inspired by the characteristic face of ŠKODA cars and incorporates support for the hand so that it is easier for the driver to control the free-standing display,” says Oliver Stefani.
The all-new OCTAVIA is the first ŠKODA to feature a head-up display. Another revolutionary innovation is the DSG automatic transmission with a shift-by-wire system, which has made it possible to replace the selector lever with a small control module. This has fundamentally altered the way the centre console looks. The multifunction two-spoke steering wheel has also never been seen before. On-board entertainment is provided by third-generation infotainment systems, with the top-of-the-range version offering a 10-inch all-glass display. Efficient climate control is in the hands of the three-zone automatic air-conditioning.
New safety features are another important area. Here, too, the all-new OCTAVIA has made great strides. It is the first ŠKODA model, for example, to offer Collision-Avoidance Assist, designed to make evasive steering around a sudden obstacle easier and more precise, Turn Assist, making left turns even safer (in left-hand-drive cars), and Exit Warning, alerting you if opening the door could cause a collision with a passing car or a cyclist. Another new feature, Local Traffic Information, can warn you about traffic risks on the road. The system can alert you, for example, to black ice on the road or to obstructions.
The all-new OCTAVIA is not only beautiful to look at, but has also maintained and enhanced its practicality. Its already impressive boot volume has grown by 30 litres to total 640 litres in the estate version, while the liftback now accommodates 600 litres, up 10 litres on the previous generation.
There is plenty to choose from under the all-new OCTAVIA’s bonnet. Besides the enhanced petrol engines, which can be equipped with mild hybrid technology (mHEV) and new-generation Evo diesel engines, there is also a compressed natural gas (CNG) drive. The all-new OCTAVIA is even available as a plug-in hybrid. And yes, don’t worry, RS and SCOUT derivatives will be launched, too.
