New 2020 Skoda Octavia Combi Edition Launch

New 2020 Skoda Octavia Combi Edition Launch

Skoda’s best-selling model, the Octavia, has been significantly overhauled. The compact model has debuted during an internal event hosted in Prague, Czech Republic, in both Combi (estate) and liftback body styles.

It might be based and closer related to the updated version of the Volkswagen Golf, but Skoda’s newest, fourth iteration of the Octavia, seems to be geared towards being, or at least been seen as by consumers, a way more pocket friendly and, ultimately, sensible alternative for those who can’t afford an Audi A4 and still want a VW product. To do so, it has been given an elegant re-styling and a more upmarket interior.

Based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, it promises better driving dynamics wrapped up into an even more practical and roomy body style. Mind you, the Octavia has always been the roomiest compact car, and the fourth generation has improved in all major aspects.
With a length of 4,689 mm (186.6 in), the Octavia liftback is 19 mm (0.8 in) longer than its predecessor, whereas the Combi is 22 mm (0.9 in) longer. It rides on a 2,690mm (105.9 in.) wheelbase, that places it directly in the compact category. Its width has increased by 15 mm (0.6 in) in both cars and the boot volume is the largest in the compact class: 600 liters (21.2 cu-ft) in the liftback and 640 liters (22.6 cu-ft) in the wagon, up by 10 and 30 liters (0.4-1.1 cu-ft), respectively.

Visually, the biggest improvement is at the front end where, as we already knew, it has ditched the controversial split-headlamp design for a more elegant approach. The car also boasts new grille, bumpers, more pronounced lines that run across its length, slimmer taillights and the ‘Skoda’ lettering in the middle of the tailgate. Basically, when everything comes together, the Octavia looks like a smaller version of the mid-size Superb – and that’s a good thing.
or the interior, Skoda has chosen a more revolutionary approach which brings the new Octavia in line with other VW Group models. The dashboard panel is similar to the one used in the Golf Mk8, and includes the placement of the infotainment system and central air vents. The steering wheel rocks a two-spoke design and behind it, drivers will look at the digital instrument cluster.

The center console has also been redesigned and leaves generous room for the biggest of smartphones in front of the gear selector, which features the shift-by-wire technology in models equipped with the DSG gearbox. The ambient lighting contributes to a youthful and modern design, which is being boosted by the head-up display.