Skoda has dropped a couple of design sketches that
provide a first glimpse of the new generation Octavia liftback. Like practically all official
renderings, these too portray a very eye-catching design. In the Octavia’s
case, we can see sharp lines that run across the entire length of the body,
distinctive new front and rear ends, oversized wheels and a sloping roofline
that makes it look almost like a smaller version of the Volkswagen Arteon.
Now, we’ve already seen Skoda’s popular compact car
being tested, and it looks nothing like the Arteon. If anything, the new
styling can be considered evolutionary and brings it closer to the larger
Superb, while also dropping the controversial split headlights.
Since the Czech automaker now has a proper compact
hatchback, the Scala, it is able to make the Octavia more upmarket. The vehicle
will be built using the same updated MQB platform as the Golf Mk8, as well as
the Seat Leon and Audi A3, and will share most of the engines with these models.
Aside from the usual petrol and diesel units, it’s expected to get mild-hybrid
and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well.
Like before, the 2020 Octavia will continue to be
offered in saloon (liftback) and estate body styles, while the jacked-up Scout
and sporty RS will join the lineup later on. Skoda will pull the covers off
the new-gen Octavia before the end of the year, and it is rumored that they
have chosen November 11 as the official unveiling date, so we should get more
teasers in the coming weeks.
