The 2017 Skoda Octavia is here, complete with a revised exterior and equipment tweaks designed to make it an even more family wagon. Here is what you need to know, including the UK price and when it goes on sale.
A new Skoda will never make you grin from ear to ear, but some of you care about sensible motors and one of the best around, if driving excitement means little to you, is the Skoda Octavia. Available in Hatch and Estate forms, it offers sensible motoring in a sensible package at a sensible price.
Considering Skoda is owned by VW and that the Octavia is underpinned by VW’s MQB chassis, essentially what you are getting is a cut-price Passat and that is a good thing for the anti-badge snob brigade.
Let’s also remember the stigma of owning a Skoda is largely gone, thanks to those clever self-deprecating adverts from a few years back. These days the manufacturer makes solid cars that come with a generous warranty.
So here we are, with a 2017 Octavia arriving very soon. Read on to find out the full UK price details, what engines are available, how it differs to the old Octavia and when you can order it.
1) 2017 Skoda Octavia: How does it look?
The new Octavia is obviously still an Octavia, but a few revisions freshen it up a bit, including a revised front end that has a new quad light layout and, on higher trim levels, full LED headlights. It also gets the crystalline detailing seen on the new Skoda Kodiaq sports utility vehicle.
2) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What about the engines?
There are six engines you can have under the bonnet of the 2017 Skoda Octavia (but not all at the same time). The entry-level example is a 1.0-litre TSI with 115PS and CO2 of 110g/km, while the top-spec 2.0-litre TDI offers up to 184PS and CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. More frugal than fun, which is what you expect from a sensible family motor.
3) 2017 Skoda Octavia: Is there something sportier?
There is, indeed. The four-cylinder 2.0-litre TSI petrol delivers an extra 10PS this time around, taking the total to a healthy 230PS (227bhp) in the case of the 2017 Skoda Octavia vRS it comes attached to. CO2 comes in at 149g/km so it will cost more to tax after April 2017, but that is the price to pay for a much nippier drive.
4) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What about four-wheel drive?
There is no real need for four-wheel drive unless you live in Scotland, but it is an option. The absolute cheapest way to get it is to go for the 2.0TDI 150PS in SE L rim, but it has to be the Octavia Estate. Expect to pay £25,855 for the privilege before optional extras. Four-wheel drive is also available on the Scout, Laurin & Klement and vRS models, which are more expensive.
5) 2017 Skoda Octavia: Is the infotainment stuff better?
The 2017 Octavia’s top-spec infotainment system – originally seen in the Kodiaq – feature a 9.2-inch display, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the entire range. Access to Infotainment Online can be had if you fancy the odd weather report or parking space availability, but it will cost you extra, although some trim levels see the first year included free.
6) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What about practicality?
The dull but important numbers are the same as before so that means 590 litres of boot space if you keep the rear seats in place and 1,580 litres if you put them flat. As for the 2017 Skoda Octavia Estate, that manages 610 litres rising to 1,740 litres and can be had with an automatic tailgate for hands-free opening and closing. Leg and head room remain the same as before so most passengers will be comfortable.
7) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What about new creature comforts?
It is now possible to spec a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting with a choice of 10 colours and a customisable key that can store multiple driver profiles. A trailer assist mode is also available that can control the steering when slowly reversing, while a new rear radar and camera has paved the way for Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert to improve safety.
8) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What about standard extras?
In addition to the aforementioned Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, all 2017 Octavias are equipped with air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment display, alloy wheels, LED rear lights, XDS electronic differential lock and automatic post-collision braking.
9) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What do higher trim levels get me?
Above S is SE, which adds cruise control, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, driver personalisation (including three keys), front fog lights, chrome door handles, rear parking sensors and a driver fatigue sensor.
Above that is SE Technology, which adds adaptive cruise control, an Amundsen eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, WiFi hotspot and front and rear parking sensors. SE L, meanwhile, adds Alcantara and leather upholstery, full LED headlights, sunset glass at the rear, a gloss black front grille and colour maxi-dot trip computer.
For the poshest Octavia money can buy, the Laurin & Klement spec adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 9.2-inch Colombus infotainment system, Canton sound syste, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and lumbar support and park assist and lane assist.
The Scout model offers its own revisions geared towards off-roading, including 4×4, special Scout Alcantara and leather upholstery, increased underside protection and full LED headlamps.
The vRS, meanwhile, enjoys sporty extras such as sport seats and paddles for the DSG transmission if specced over the manual gearbox.
10) 2017 Skoda Octavia: What is the UK price?
Prices start from £17,055 for the 1.0-litre TSI in S trim rising to £30,025 for the 2.0TDI 150PS 4×4 Laurin & Klement. A vRS Hatch 230PS DSG costs £26,520 or £27,720 for the Estate. The vRS and Scout models will be available at the end of Q1 2017, with everything else available to order from the 25th of January. Got all that?
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