Skoda Octavia 2020 | Simply Clever |

Skoda Octavia 2020

Debuting at a standalone event in Prague, the Octavia 4 (fifth if you’re counting the 1959-1971 model), follows in the new Volkswagen Golf’s footsteps revealed last month. The Czech sibling of Europe’s best-selling car continues to be at the higher end of the compact segment when it comes to size as the liftback is now 19 mm longer and 15 mm wider than before, at 4689 mm and 1829 mm, respectively. The Combi – which is Europe’s best-selling wagon – has also been stretched (+22 mm) and widened (+15 mm) and it now has the exact same length as the liftback. Both share a generous wheelbase measuring 2686 mm or the same as before. The increased footprint might not seem such a great idea if you plan on using the Octavia 4 in the city seeing as how the previous car was already quite large, but there are some benefits. For example, the liftback’s cargo capacity has increased by 10 liters to 600 while the wagon’s has jumped by 30 liters to a massive 640 liters. In addition, kneeroom for rear passengers is better than ever – at 78 mm or 5 mm more than the model it replaces. The increased footprint might not seem such a great idea if you plan on using the Octavia 4 in the city seeing as how the previous car was already quite large, but there are some benefits. For example, the liftback’s cargo capacity has increased by 10 liters to 600 while the wagon’s has jumped by 30 liters to a massive 640 liters. In addition, kneeroom for rear passengers is better than ever – at 78 mm or 5 mm more than the model it replaces. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but with the Octavia 3 facelift being heavily criticized for its “four-eye” look, we have a feeling many are happy with Skoda’s decision to revert to regular headlights. Optionally available with matrix LED technology, the headlights are sleeker than those of the old model and lend the car a high-tech look. Fog lights akin to those of the facelifted Superb are noticeable at the front, while the corporate grille now has more edges than before. As far as the oily bits are concerned, the engine lineup obviously mirrors that of the new Golf. It starts off with a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI gasoline unit developing 110 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft), which you can have with mild-hybrid tech. The four-cylinder 1.5 TSI is rated at 150 hp and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) and is also available in an electrified variant, with both carrying the “e-TEC” badge. The quickest Octavia upon launch will be the version equipped with a DSG-only 2.0 TSI developing 190 hp and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft), which will be good for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph (232 km/h). On the diesel side, the 2.0 TDI will be available with 116 hp, 150 hp, and 200 hp, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. Torque for the diesel can go as high as 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) for the all-wheel-drive model, which will complete the sprint in 7.1 seconds. What are your thoughts on the 2020 Skoda Octavia !? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for watching !