Skoda releases fresh Octavia

Skoda Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for its facelifted Octavia range.

Led by an entry-level model that increases by $500 in price, a mainstream Octavia line-up is available in showrooms now, with the upgraded Octavia RS – which is $1000 more expensive at base level – to follow.

Also due on sale here later this year are the revised Octavia Scout and the hot new 180kW Octavia RS 245 revealed at the Geneva motor show, but pricing for both models is yet to be announced.

Apart from bringing a fresh new dual-headlight design, Skoda says all models in the simplified, new-look 2017 Octavia sedan and wagon range — which no longer includes a mainstream diesel version — represent better value.

The entry-level 110TSI is now priced from $23,490 plus on-road costs, while the mid-range 110TSI Sport starts at $29,990 and the top-shelf Octavia RS from $38,890.

Manual and automatic versions of all three powertrains remain available for both body styles, while the auto-only Octavia RS 135TDI diesel sedan and wagon continues alongside the more powerful new 169kW Octavia RS – the only model to receive an upgraded engine.

Entry-level 110TSI models replace the former Ambition variant and come standard with seven airbags, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, fatigue detection, Multi Collision Brake and an upgraded reversing camera system featuring multiple views (as seen in the current generation Superb).

Also standard is a new ‘Trius’ alloy wheel design, LED tail-lights, adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, rear centre armrest, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, height- and lumbar-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, remote folding of the rear seats via the luggage compartment, dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning, voice control and floor mats.

Among the 'Simply Clever' inclusions is an umbrella under the passenger front seat, a double-sided mat in the luggage compartment, a mobile phone holder and a waste bin in the driver’s door.

Mid-range Sport models – which replace the former Style variants and follow the popularity of the previous Sport Pack – bring 18-inch ‘Turini’ dark alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, a black rear spoiler (sedan), mirror caps and door trims.

Other additional Sport features include full LED headlights, sports seats, Passenger Protect Assist system including two extra airbags for a total of nine, and Light Assist with rain sensor.

Apart from matching the old RS230 special-edition with 7kW of extra power, the volume-selling (in Australia) Octavia RS also brings a new front-end design, wider rear track and a new 'Black Pack’ including 18-inch black ‘Gemini’ alloy wheels and black body parts.

Inside, on top of the safety and convenience features from the entry and Sport models, the revised RS brings Skoda's best infotainment package including a new 9.2-inch touch-screen with Columbus satellite-navigation, eight-speaker audio, Smartlink with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and USB, AUX and (two) SD card inputs.

New Tech Pack and Luxury Pack options are available across the range, priced from $2300 for the former and $1600 for the latter depending on the variant. Details listed below.

Like all Skoda models, the 2017 Octavia is covered by the Czech brand's five-year/unlimited-km new-vehicle warranty.

2017 Skoda Octavia pricing (plus ORCs):
110TSI 6-speed manual sedan -- $23,490
110TSI 6-speed manual wagon -- $24,990
110TSI 7-speed DSG sedan -- $25,990
110TSI 7-speed DSG wagon -- $27,490
Sport 110TSI 7-speed DSG sedan -- $29,990
Sport 110TSI 7-speed DSG wagon -- $31,490
RS 169TSI 6-speed manual sedan -- $38,890
RS 169TSI 6-speed DSG sedan -- $41,390
RS 169TSI 6-speed manual wagon -- $40,390
RS 169TSI 6-speed DSG wagon -- $42,890
RS 135TDI 6-speed DSG sedan -- $42,490
RS 135TDI 6-speed DSG wagon -- $43,990

Options:
Tech Pack (Octavia) -- $4900
Tech Pack (Octavia Sport) -- $3900
Tech Pack (Octavia RS) -- $2300
Luxury Pack (Octavia) -- $4200
Luxury Pack (Octavia Sport) -- $1600
Luxury Pack (Octavia RS) -- $2800

Tech Pack:
- 9.2-inch touch screen Columbus satellite navigation system including USB, AUX and two SD card slots and eight-speaker sound system (Octavia and Octavia Sport)
- Full LED headlights with Adaptive Frontlight system (Octavia)
- Automatic Parking Assist (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Adaptive Chassis Control (Octavia RS)
- Advanced Keyless Entry Including Smart Start (KESSY) and alarm (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Premium Canton sound system including 10 speakers and digital equaliser (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Driving Mode Selection (Octavia, Octavia Sport)
- Light Assist (coming home, leaving home, tunnel light, day light) and rain sensor (Octavia)
- Manoeuvre Braking Assist (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Personalisation (vehicle setup) via key (Octavia, Octavia Sport)

Luxury Pack:
- Leather appointed seat upholstery (Octavia)
- Unique leather appointed seat upholstery with red stitching (Octavia RS)
- Electrically-adjustable driver and passenger seat and memory function (Octavia, Octavia RS)
- Lane Assist (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Side Assist with Blind Spot Detection (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Heated front and rear seats (Octavia, Octavia Sport, Octavia RS)
- Passenger Protect including two extra airbags (Octavia)
- Auto folding and dimming door mirrors with environmental lights (Octavia)