2017 Skoda Octavia facelift: Top 5 things to know

Skoda is about to launch an updated version of the popular Octavia. Here are some things you need to know about the executive sedan

Skoda introduced the new-generation Octavia in India in 2013. Since then the executive sedan hadn’t received an update thanks to which it was starting to show its age, especially in the features department. Now, the Czech car maker is all set to bring in the refreshed model to our shores on July 13. Take a closer look at all that is new in the 2017 Skoda Octavia facelift.

1.) Cosmetic Updates: First things first, this Octavia is just a facelift. This means that it not only retains the same underpinnings but in terms of design too, it retains the silhouette as the outgoing model. That being said, the Octavia facelift now gets a redesigned front bumper and bonnet which gives the front-end a wider stance. The horizontally stretched out headlamps have given way to a split two-barrel setup. The top-end trims get adaptive LED headlamps with auto high-beam feature. The fog lamps are LED type too. Skoda has made minor changes to the alloy wheel design and the taillamps too.

2.) Interior Updates: The Octavia facelift gets a new steering wheel that has been borrowed from the Superb. Behind the wheel, the dials on the instrument cluster now have a new backdrop. The centre console is now finished in piano black which goes well with the beige finished dashboard. But the highlight of the Octavia facelift is the new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that takes the centre stage. The outgoing model just had a 6.0-inch unit and it wasn’t touchscreen either. This infotainment unit comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link.

3.) Additional Features: Aside from the touchscreen infotainment, the Octavia facelift gets a few other additional features too. The 2017 iteration gets auto park feature like the Volkswagen Passat, Hill hold, and electronic parking brake. Passengers at the back get two USB ports for charging their mobile phones. The top-spec models also come with 10 colour ambient lighting. The Octavia facelift gets four airbags as standard equipment while the top-end trims come with eight airbags. It also retains some of the features from its predecessor like the panoramic sunroof, cooled glove box and safety features like ABS, ESP, Brake Assist and more.

4.) Same engine options: Under the hood, the Octavia facelift retains the same engine and gearbox options as before. Buyers interested in a petrol Octavia get to choose from a 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre turbocharged motors. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the 1.4-litre TSI makes 148bhp and 250Nm. The 1.8-litre TSI, on the other hand, is only offered with a 7-speed DSG. It makes 178bhp and 250Nm. Of course, the Octavia facelift will continue to be offered with Volkswagen’s bread and butter 2.0-litre TDI unit. This engine sends all of 141bhp and 320Nm to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

5.) Expected pricing: Ideally, the addition of features and the revised design would have resulted in the facelift demanding a higher price tag than the outgoing model. But it may not be the case. Thanks to the Goods and services (GST) rollout, all cars longer than 4 metres in length and with engine capacity of more than 1.2-litre petrol / 1.5-litre diesel will now be levied a 43 percent tax. This class was earlier charged a tax of 51.6 percent. The reduction of 8.6 percent is sure to reflect in the price when Skoda launches the car on July 13.