Remember the W212 E-Class? Yes, the last one that Mercedes-Benz adorned with dual headlights. Produced in pre-facelift form from 2009 to 2013, the W212 now acts as a muse for Skoda’s design team. I’m afraid that’s a yes, the 2017 Skoda Octavia facelift possess dual headlights. Happily, however, this change also brings forth optional full-LED technology and sharper-looking taillights.
To become available from the end of 2016 for the 2017 model year, the refreshed bestseller of the Skoda lineup is more than meets the eye. The grille, for example, is aligned in design to that of the 2017 Skoda Kodiaq. The front and rear bumpers have also been rejuvenated. Beyond the exterior, an even bigger update has been brought to the Octavia’s onboard goodies.
Next-generation infotainment systems are available in all four trim lines, from the Swing to the Bolero. What’s more, the Amundsen and Columbus sat nav systems now boast capacitive displays. For the Columbus, the screen measures 9.2 inches. Other than that, the range-topping infotainment and navigation system adds a SIM card module for 4G LTE and a WLAN hotspot.
Staying true to the manufacturer’s “Simply Clever” adage, the Octavia now benefits from an extended range of safety and assistance systems. The highlights are Trailer Assist, Front Assist predictive pedestrian protection, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert, and a parking assistant. Further on the tech front, the Octavia now boasts a customizable key and a heated steering wheel. An electric tailgate is an optional extra in the Octavia Combi.
In terms of oily bits, the 2017 Skoda Octavia can be had with five TSI and four TDI powerplants, ranging from a 1.0-liter three-banger to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The least powerful of the lot churns out 86 PS. At the other end of the scale, an 184 PS 2.0 TDI engine matched with a seven-speed DSG will have to make do. For those who need all-wheel-drive, the Octavia can be had with such a system as long as the engine is the 1.8 TSI or the 2.0 TDI.
Next-generation infotainment systems are available in all four trim lines, from the Swing to the Bolero. What’s more, the Amundsen and Columbus sat nav systems now boast capacitive displays. For the Columbus, the screen measures 9.2 inches. Other than that, the range-topping infotainment and navigation system adds a SIM card module for 4G LTE and a WLAN hotspot.
Staying true to the manufacturer’s “Simply Clever” adage, the Octavia now benefits from an extended range of safety and assistance systems. The highlights are Trailer Assist, Front Assist predictive pedestrian protection, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Traffic Alert, and a parking assistant. Further on the tech front, the Octavia now boasts a customizable key and a heated steering wheel. An electric tailgate is an optional extra in the Octavia Combi.
In terms of oily bits, the 2017 Skoda Octavia can be had with five TSI and four TDI powerplants, ranging from a 1.0-liter three-banger to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The least powerful of the lot churns out 86 PS. At the other end of the scale, an 184 PS 2.0 TDI engine matched with a seven-speed DSG will have to make do. For those who need all-wheel-drive, the Octavia can be had with such a system as long as the engine is the 1.8 TSI or the 2.0 TDI.