Next-gen Skoda Octavia shapes up

The Skoda Vision O concept unveiled at the Munich motor show will inspire the next-gen 2028 Skoda Octavia in terms of design, dimensions and all-new tech, set to come fitted with the Czech brand's most advanced autonomous driving aids and all-new range-extender hybrid powertrain tech.

The wagon body style will live on with the 2028 Skoda Octavia and to prove it, the Czech car-maker pulled the drapes off a concept that will go on to inspire the fifth-generation mid-size sedan and wagon.

At the German motor show where it was revealed, execs were hesitant to reveal full details of the new Vision O concept but did say that it will be the first Skoda to be based on the Volkswagen Group's next-generation Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) that will also provide the basis for the next Mk9 Volkswagen Golf.

Other significant takeaways are reports that Skoda "will explore all options" when it comes to powertrains, with rumours suggesting that despite the SSP platform being a dedicated EV architecture, that the next Octavia will come with a version of the same range-extender hybrid (REEV) that has been developed for the Cupra Tindaya.

If so, expect the future Octavia to blend a dual-motor powertrain and produce more than 365kW and offer an EV range of around 300km on a full charge.

The same advanced REEV will also be capable of covering more than 1000km on a full charge and brimmed tank of fuel, while heralding ultra-fast DC charging.

Measuring in at 4850mm long, the Vision O also previews an Octavia that is significantly larger than the current wagon (4698mm) as it moves into territory inhabited by the flagship Superb (4902mm).

Luggage space is said to climb to 650 litres of space (+10L) seats up, extending to 1700 litres with the second row stowed.

Featuring a striking design that looks as if it were honed in a wind tunnel, the Vision O is said to show off Skoda’s Modern Solid design language.

The new 'Tech-loop face mask', that packages all the lighting elements, and illuminated Skoda logo will both make it to production, sources say, while the T-shaped LED light design at the rear will reappear on future Skodas.

Other new elements include pop-out door handles, integrated cooling vents on the bonnet and new louvres and sculpture elements that all hint at an ultra-low range-boosting drag coefficient.

Inside, the Vision O mimics the latest BMW iX3's full-width digital display, with the 1.2-metre long 'Horizon Display' spanning the entire lower edge of the windscreen and combines with a big centrally mounted infotainment system.

A centre panel with haptic feedback dials is also included which a multi-function steering wheel brings physical buttons.

New tech includes an AI-powered onboard assistant called 'Laura' and what's thought to be Level 3 autonomous driving aids that can handle all the driving duties, except when there's reduced visibility.

Unlike most Skoda models fitted with a driver’s door umbrella, the concept features four, along with a removable Bluetooth speaker and a fully integrated fridge.

Sustainability also improves, with recycled polyester seating and interior surfaces wrapped in Ultrasuede Nu, a new material derived from 65 per cent plant-based materials.

The next-gen Skoda Octavia should lead its class for tech when it lands in 2028 but its tenure is expected to be short-lived as just months after it arrives on sale, the equally all-new Volkswagen Golf is expected to rock up with yet more pioneering tech. Perhaps the biggest surprise is Skoda persevering with a wagon despite the global decline of the body style that was once much beloved by Australians.

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