2017 Skoda Octavia Facelift Review

Exterior Design & Features of new 2017 Skoda Octavia 

To look at, the Octavia still holds most of those design elements that gave it a dapper character. Clean straight lines that boast of sophistication and panache are what define the profile of the Octavia. The front fascia has received a major overhaul and now features a quad headlamp design. While the previous design was simpler and more functional, the new quad setup does add a bit of class and flavour to the new Octavia. The split headlamp seamlessly integrates with the chiseled front sitting between the butterfly grille which gets glossy black inserts. The inner lamps have been designed to complement the front grille and the outer ones look sharp and definitive. 

Skoda has also included an adaptive LED headlamp setup on the new Octavia. The LED lamps cast a decent beam and also get an auto high beam function. Skoda has also touched up the front bumper with the addition of a neat looking chrome strip running between the fog lamps which are now a shade sleeker. The bonnet also has been redone to add a touch of macho appeal and looks bolder than before. The side profile more or less retains the design DNA of the outgoing model but gets a set of newly designed 16 inch alloys. A seamlessly subtle shoulder line running from front to back gives the side profile of the vehicle a butch feel. Moving over to the rear, a set of reworked tail lamps along with the bumper get minor updates. The overall design and character of the new Octavia is essentially bolder than before.

Interior Design and Features of new 2017 Skoda Octavia 

Skoda has made a significant improvement in the cabin which comes in the form of an 8.0 inch touch screen infotainment setup. The change is visually evident and lends the dash a more premium feel. Skoda has even done away with the push buttons that surrounded the previous touch screen unit and replaced them with touch enabled ones. The functionality of the touch setup is quite good and it proves to be quite easy to operate. The infotainment setup gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity.

Skoda has also added features such as a park assist and ambient lighting for the top variant. Other updates include a smarter looking steering wheel and a redesigned instrument cluster. The interior colour combination of beige and black gives the cabin a modish appeal. The cabin is spacious and comfy with plenty of features to ensure the utmost comfort and convenience one desires in a saloon of this class. While testing out the park assist function we were quite surprised to find how handy it is in day to day use. The system engages almost seamlessly and the driver needs only to put in minimal effort. Another handy feature that has been incorporated on the new Octavia is a driver attention assist feature which reads the driver's inputs from the steering and will give a warning signal if it detects input patterns of drowsiness.

Engine and Performance of new 2017 Skoda Octavia

Most of the changes on the new Octavia are cosmetic and the Czech company has not introduced any changes to the powertrains. The saloon gets a choice of three engines - a 1.4L TSI, 1.8L TSI and a 2.0L TDI. The 2.0 litre diesel mill churns out 140.8hp and 320Nm of torque while the 1.4L TSI puts out 147hp and 250Nm. The 1.8L TSI petrol powered variant which I drove delivered a top of the line 177hp and 250Nm. The engine comes mated solely to a 7-speed DSG gearbox which is exceptionally smooth and equally thrilling. Peak power of 180hp comes in high in the band but a peak torque of 250Nm is readily available quite low in the rpm range (1250-5000rpm) thus delivering a very sporty performance on demand.

I also got to sample the 2.0L diesel which is more efficient than its petrol counterparts. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox. While the 1.8L TSI petrol delivers 14.7kmpl the 2.0L TDI diesel delivers 19.3kmpl. The diesel mill is punchy and proves to be a lot of fun on long open straights. The rear track has been increased by 30mm on the 1.8L TSI petrol which has a multi-link axle. The 2.0L TDI and 14.L TSI which get a compound link crank axle see an increase of 20mm. The increase has seemingly improved the control the driver gets over these vehicles. The Octavia is essentially very comfortable to drive thanks to a very well engineered suspension setup. The suspension also gives the driver great control over this vehicle making it a top pick for those who don't want to be driven. With a lineup of just the right safety features and driver aides, the Skoda Octavia proves to be safe and sporty at the same time. 

Verdict

Skoda has added just the right amount of flair to reignite the fire. The Octavia boasts of bolder looks with a sharper and stronger character. The interiors feel more contemporary and functional. What remains to be seen is the price which we expect to be anywhere between the Rs. 22-23 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) mark.