Skoda recently took the veils off the 2017 Euro-spec Octavia. Now it may not look a whole lot different compared to the current car but it’s definitely got more character now thanks to the split headlamps and the new grille and that’s pretty much where the design upgrades end. What’s majorly upgraded though is the standard equipment list across all trim levels.
The biggest interior upgrade comes in the form of a new infotainment system which has screen sizes of up to 9.2-inches depending on the trim. In terms of cabin upholstery, the Ambition trim features a new black/brown combination with the instrument panel laid entirely in black. The other trims are enhanced with the inclusion of new patterns. In addition, the inlays have been revised s well. For the Style and Laurin & Klement trims, the Octavia now gets unique strips in the doors with ambient lighting as standard. For the Combi (estate), there’s an electric tailgate option, too.
Skoda has made tiny upgrades in the cabin to make it more practical. The bottle holders in the centre console, for instance, have been redesigned. There’s also an LED flashlight in the boot of the Combi and the front seat backrests can be fitted with folding tables.
The 2017 Octavia features three customisable key configurations for the indoor and outdoor lighting, climate control, infotainment system and electrically adjustable seats. Besides ABS, EBD and airbags, the 2017 model gets new safety kit such as predictive pedestrian protection system, rear radar, blind spot detection and rear traffic alert among others.
The 2017 Octavia will be available globally from the end of 2016. Skoda India, meanwhile, will bring it here sometime next year in both petrol and diesel trims which will include 1.8TSI and 2-litre TDI units.