Ever since the fourth generation Octavia
entered production last year, Skoda has constantly expanded the range by
introducing different powertrains. Now, the Czech compact car is available with
a mild-hybrid assembly in the United Kingdom, in a premiere for the brand, with
the model dubbed the Octavia e-Tec.
Power comes from a small 1.0-liter TSI
petrol burner, rated at 110 PS, which works in conjunction
with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission as standard. The unit has three
cylinders, a turbocharger with variable vane geometry, lightweight aluminum
crankcase and pistons, and balanced connecting rods. It works together with a
48-volt lithium-ion battery, which allows the car to coast with the ICE turned
off for extended periods, according to Skoda, and a belt-driven starter
alternator. The model features an energy recovery system as well.
Order books for the new Octavia e-Tec will
open on September 22 in Great Britain, with the model available in the two body
styles, liftback and estate, and two trim levels. For the Octavia SE First
Edition, customers will have to pay a recommended retail price of £ 23,005
(US$ 29,769), while the long-roof variant will become available from £ 23,985
(US$ 31,037). The SE Technology spec will launch from £ 23,255 (US$ 30,092) and
£ 24,235 (US$ 31,361) respectively.
This is only a first taste of the
electrified Octavia, as the vehicle will be joined by the iV plug-in hybrid
variant at a later date, and will also launch in the sporty vRS iV trim, which
combines the 1.4-liter TSI with an electric motor for a total of 245 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
