The fact that Volkswagen Group recently renewed its flagship model Golf also opened a little more space to renovate the 2017 Skoda Octavia.

We do not want to assume that Golf dictates the pace for the new Octavia, but a hierarchy in the company, however, must be established.

Renewed 2017 Skoda Octavia and Skoda Octavia Combi

If we know Audi brings innovations in the premium class, Golf is the pioneer in the most popular class. And what new Volkswagen Golf has to show, of course, can not be offered immediately in Skoda and Seat.

With refreshed Octavia 2017, Skoda is catching up higher ranked Group brands

Refreshed 2017 Skoda Octavia is getting more and more competitive.

Yet it seems that the time gap between the brands is getting smaller. Of course, the materials are not at exactly the same level. But with systems that have now been given to the new 2017 Skoda Octavia, it can compete with many competitors. Even compared to Golf it should not be too embarrassed.

2017 Skoda Octavia exterior: biggest change are headlights

2017 Skoda Octavia new headlights, with optional full-LED technology.

However, the renovation does not include only technical innovations. There are also some design changes. Especially we will need to get used to the new front part, although the more or less different are only the headlights. Are they beautiful? Well, it is in the eye of the beholder. To be completely honest, we have some doubts about the general likeability.

On the other hand, the headlights can now be completely in full-LED technology. The front bumper is also slightly different, probably because they needed to place the radar sensor somewhere. However, the renewed 2017 Skoda Octavia is 11 millimeters longer than its predecessor (2017 Skoda Octavia Combi for eight). The rear wheels are a little farther apart, while the wheelbase remains the same.

Interior Skoda Octavia changes are hidden in electronics

2017 Skoda Octavia interior

The similar story continues in the 2017 Skoda Octavia interior. At first glance, it seems that no drastic changes have been made. New interior materials are there, and for those who like to enjoy in the car, they added a new ambient lighting with the possibility of selecting between ten colors.

2017 Skoda Octavia: The Columbus navigation system is at the top of the range with a 9.2-inch diameter.

A more detailed look will reveal much more. There is a brand new multimedia screen with a larger and more readable display. This offers a huge variety of information. How much, it depends on the equipment chosen. Thus, the best system, named Columbus, equipped with a 9.2-inch large screen, offers LTE internet connection and a Wi-Fi network. SmartLink+ is able to connect with a variety of phones, of course including Apple’s Car Play and Android Auto.

Apps, apps, apps… even renewed Octavia can’t and won’t do without them

Skoda Octavia Connect app offers the connection to the call center.

A little along the lines of other cars and partly because of the European directive, the 2017 Skoda Octavia offers a connection to the call center, including appropriate assistance in case of an accident. Additional new applications (Skoda Connect App) brings the connection of the car with a smartphone, and consequently it is possible to check the condition of the car, the amount of fuel, if the doors are locked, the location of the parked car and even the location of the car while driving, including the data about the drive.

But that’s not all. The internet connection (the data transfer must be provided by the customer) provides a wealth of information about the weather, parking lots, petrol stations and important news of the day.

2017 Skoda Octavia is a good assistant

2017 Skoda Octavia has all the latest VW Group assistance systems.

Just as a long as the list of possibilities offered by the new information system, is the list of different assistance systems. The new 2017 Skoda Octavia is available with almost all known Volkswagen Group systems. Maybe the only thing that is not available is the system for automatic driving in traffic jams. Everything else is available, either as standard or as additional equipment.

Trailer Assist, the Predictive Pedestrian Protection function, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert are new to the portfolio. The same applies to Crew Protect Assist. It works together with Front Assist including the City Emergency Braking function. Park Assist comes in a new, enhanced configuration.

New Skoda Octavia engines? Nothing new.

The engine options in 2017 Skoda Octavia and Octavia Combi are mostly known from before.

The engine range remains more or less known. There will be four petrol and four diesel options, and one engine powered by natural gas (see the detailed engine options list later in the article). All-wheel drive is possible with the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI engine option. Depending on the engine power, Skoda Octavia offers five- or six-speed manual or six- or seven-speed automatic (DSG) transmission.

2017 Skoda Octavia technical details

Dimensions

• Length: 4,670 mm (Combi 4,667 mm)
• Width: 1,814 mm
• Height: 1,461 mm (Combi 1,465 mm)
• Wheelbase: 2,686 mm
• Ground clearance: 141 mm (138 mm with 4×4)
• Luggage compartment: 590 liters (Combi 610 liters), 1,580 liters with folded rear seats (Combi 1,740 liters)

2017 Skoda Octavia Combi luggage compartment: with 610/1,740 liters still sets the benchmark in its class.

Skoda Octavia competition and rivals

It is quite difficult to determine the 2017 Skoda Octavia competitors. Comparing the price side, it can offer more space, and from the dimension side, it usually is quite cheaper. We’ll go from the price side this time.

• Opel Astra
• Peugeot 308
• Renault Megane
• Seat Leon
• Volkswagen Golf

Engines

Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI/63 kW

Turbocharged petrol engine, displacement: 1,197 ccm, maximum power: 86 hp, maximum torque: 160 Nm, top speed: 181 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 12,0 sec, average fuel consumption: 4.8-4.9 liters/100 km, CO2 emissions: 113-115 g/km.

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI/85 kW

Image credit: Skoda

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