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, the Octavia liftback is 19 mm longer than its predecessor, whereas the Combi is 22 mm  longer It rides on a 2,690mm wheelbase, that places it directly in the compact category. Its width has increased by 15 mm  in both cars and the boot volume is the largest in the compact class: 600 liters in the liftback and 640 liters in the wagon, up by 10 and 30 liters, 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.

For 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.

The 2020 Octavia is offered with a wide selection of powertrains and, for the first time ever, it can be had with a plug-in hybrid. Named the Octavia iV, it packs a 1.4-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 204 PS and 350 Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed DSG. The 13 kWh battery gives it a range of up to 55 km in the WTLP test cycle.


The 2.0 TSI produces 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque and comes bundled with the 7-speed DSG and four-wheel drive. This is the quickest variant yet, until the RS arrives anyway, as it does the 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The PHEV is 1 second slower and the 2.0 TDI diesel does the sprint in 7.1 sec in its most agile variant, which enjoys 200 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

Other versions of the oil-burner are the 150 PS and 340 Nm, available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic. Choosing the AWD system will lift the torque by 20 Nm. A 116 PS model, with 300 Nm of torque when matched to the 6-speed manual, or 250 Nm with the DSG, is also available.


Aside from the aforementioned 2.0 TSI, the petrol lineup also includes the 1.5 TSI and 1.0 TSI, with 150 PS and 250 Nm, and 110 PS and 200 Nm. Both of them are offered with the stick shift only and are also available as mild-hybrids, with the same outputs. Completing the engine family is the 130 PS and 200 Nm 1.5 TSI that runs on CNG (compressed natural gas).


The first one to go on sale is the Octavia Combi, followed by the liftback a few weeks later. The RS and Scout models have already been confirmed for 2020.