Skoda aims to make the fourth generation of its bestseller even more versatile, refined and prestigious. Did it succeed? Selling practical cars in significant volumes at reasonable prices is what Skoda is better at. Nowhere is this more evident than in the modern Octavia, which has amassed over 6,5 million sales worldwide over three generations since their introduction to the Czech automaker's lineup back in 1996. During that time, the Octavia has regularly accounted for up to a third of Skoda's production. in Mladá Boleslav at a plant in the Czech Republic and most of its profits as well - everything that comes out of the new, fourth-generation model with enough to live up to. Well aware of what is at stake, Skoda defiantly rose to the challenge. Despite the ever-increasing number of SUV models in the brand's lineup, it's understandable that the Octavia still commands a lot of respect among those holding back the development of the budget wallet. And this is fully reflected in the attention to detail and depth of engineering displayed by the new model. Up close, there's an eye-catching richness in the Octavia's design that hints at greater maturity than with any of its predecessors. This is reflected in elements such as its bold new chrome grille, angular headlights, sculpted hood, hard and deep cut flanks, plus Skoda's claim that the car is up to 14% more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor. As it has been for the past 23 years, the Octavia offers a choice of two body styles: a liftback or an estate, like here. Both will be available from the start of UK sales, which has now been delayed until the second half of 2020, due to transport restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Prices have yet to be announced, but we expect the new Octavia properties to start at £22,000, with the option being driven here, probably around £26,000. Beneath its sharply drawn appearance, the Octavia retains the versatile MQB platform that it first adopted in 2012 and is now widely used by the Volkswagen Group – albeit in a slightly modified form, with added rigidity and the rigidity of its hot-formed steel and aluminum structure. The Octavia retains the 2686mm wheelbase of the car it replaces, but, in a move to provide more interior living spaces and load-bearing space, the property has grown moderately; the length has grown by 22mm to 4689mm, the width has increased by 15mm to 1829mm and the height has increased by 3mm to 1468mm. Retaining the MQB platform means many points of the third generation Octavia are also carried over to the new model, as is the electromechanical steering and suspension system that uses a combination of a MacPherson strut at the front and a torsion beam or multi-link rear, depending on the model, but all detail changes to make the car more comfortable. Overall, there are four different chassis options, including top-of-the-line Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with driving mode selection system installed on our test vehicle. Together with a common 10mm lower ride height, this brings adaptive damping and different driving modes that will allow you to change the steering, damping and throttle mapping characteristics. But while the mechanical basis remains the same, Skoda's SLR developments have been brought to the eighth generation of Volkswagen Golf, next to which the Mk4 Octavia was conceived, by providing a vehicle with a redesigned electric architecture. This comes with more advanced active safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance with two levels of autonomous functions, as well as matrix LED headlights. range of power units. They include two turbocharged petrol units, one diesel in three different tune states, a compressed natural gas (CNG) powerplant, a pair of mild hybrids and, in line with recent company developments, a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid. They come mated to a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive on select models. The front-wheel drive 2.0 TDI option uses the latest evolution of the Volkswagen Group turbocharged 2,0-liter four. -cylinder diesel engine, which now powers all Octavia diesel models, with 148bhp and 265lb ft of torque. Among his developments are new pistons and connecting rods – both of which aim to provide his further refinement. In addition, there are two dual metered urea injection catalytic converters that are claimed to cut NOx emissions by 80% compared to earlier incarnations of the engine, providing it with Euro 6d-temp compatibility. Inside, Octavia has made a clear move upmarket and in doing so has exposed itself to an entirely new group of potential customers who are looking for premium brand value, equipment and technology. Whether this will offend the existing buyer base remains to be seen.
Skoda Octavia station wagon 2.0 tdi review 2020
