The 2017 model of the Skoda Octavia will feature a new engine and as is the trend, it will be a small turbocharged unit which offers better efficiency whilst offering a level of performance that should please most drivers.
Honey, I shrunk the engine
The new engine to be fitted in the 2017 model is a 1.0 litre three-cylinder unit and is the first of its kind to be ever to be fitted to an Octavia. It may be small but it won't be down on power, 113bhp is on offer and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG. When using the manual you can expect a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds whilst 9.9 seconds will be offered by the DSG. Both offer a top speed of 126mph but in estate form that drops slightly to 124mph with 0-62mph times of 10.1 seconds (DSG) and 9.8 seconds (manual).
The new engine is 8% more efficient than the 1.2 litre unit it replaces and offers 62.8mpg in hatchback form. 104g/km is emitted by the manual gearbox and the DSG is marginally higher with a figure of 105g/km. The manual estate also offers 62.8mpg but emits 105g/km whilst the DSG version offers 61.4mpg and 106g/km.
DCC offers a more versatile drive
DCC or Dynamic Chassis Control enables drivers to choose how they want to drive the car, whether it be economically or quickly. It will only be on offer for Octavia models that produce 148bhp so it will not be available on the 1.0 litre model. On the Octavia VRS and VRS 230 there will also be a mode to make it more comfortable for everyday driving for those times where you may want a more leisurely drive.
It's clever too, in hazardous situations it can go from Comfort mode to Sport mode automatically to provide higher stability, better tyre grip and shorter braking distances, thus making the car safer. The system uses an electronic valve which controls the oil flow within the DCC shock absorbers whilst a fast control unit operates the valve depending on the road condition, the driver’s driving style and the selected mode.
'Simply Clever' by name, simply clever by nature
Both the hatchback and the estate offer the biggest boots in class and plenty of space can be found in the cabin but convenience doesn't stop there. The optional rear-view camera is kept clean with washer jets, an umbrella can be found under the passenger seat and iPads can be mounted to the back of the front seats. You can also opt of the Skoda Phonebook which allows for wireless smartphone charging thanks to near-field communication so you don't need to worry about remembering any leads.