It was to be expected.
The pupil has caught up with the teacher.
Is this one of the effects of dieselgate?
Since this episode which discredited the Volkswagen brand, its satellite brands have taken the opportunity to emancipate themselves and reduce the gap that separated them from their mentor.
So it is with the latest Skoda Octavia.
Without being free from a particularly attractive price / performance ratio, its power of attraction is based, it is new, on technological content worthy of VW and a much more attractive style.
Despite the deployment of a full range of SUVs, this large sedan, already produced in more than 7 million units since 1996, remains even the best-selling model of the Czech manufacturer.
More than 100,000 units in front of the Karoq.
SKODA Auto
Particularly in its Combi estate variant, the Octavia is a judicious response to the need for space.
This silhouette perfectly emphasizes tighter and more slender lines, rewarded by an aerodynamic Cx of 0.26.
Extended by 20 mm (4.68 m), the Octavia is still positioned at the top of its category.
Reflection of this desire to shine: the tapered led optics are attached to the flared grille;
the worked sides reflect the light;
the refined taillights spill over the fenders.
A board draped in fabric
SKODA Auto
It is inside that the revolution is most visible.
To make VW jealous, the Octavia flatters the senses with a board whose edge can be outlined in wood draws a wave while the use of fabric for the upper part contributes to the cozy atmosphere and enhances the perceived quality.
From the MQB Evo platform that it shares with the Golf 8, the Czech sedan does not hesitate to take up most of the technology, most often on the condition of putting its hand in the wallet: hands-free opening, head-up display ( + € 670), customizable digital instrumentation, multimedia touch screen (from 8.25 to 10 inches depending on the version), semi-autonomous driving, functions with gesture controls or by voice command, tri-zone air conditioning (+ € 280), nine airbags, adaptive controlled suspension (+ € 990), Matrix projectors (+ € 1,200).
It adds an unusual two-spoke steering wheel, ergonomic seats that can integrate a heating and massage function and, among other refinements, the sound volume adjustment by sliding a finger below the screen.
Skoda
In addition to the panoply of electronic driving aids which have become the standard of modern cars, the Octavia continues to cultivate its singularity through some equipment contributing to the daily pleasure.
Mixture: umbrella stands in the front doors, an ice scraper in the fuel flap, smartphone storage pockets on the back of the front seats, windshield washer reservoir with funnel, reversible boot mat.
Already the benchmark in its segment, the trunk gains another 30 liters to reach 640 l while the rear-seat roominess remains a model of its kind.
SKODA Auto
When fully deployed, the range will include a wide range of engines (from 110 to 245 hp) to cover a multitude of needs: gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and natural gas.
Our first test was carried out at the wheel of the 2-liter TDi version with 150 hp combined with the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Equipped with the SCR exhaust gas treatment system requiring an AbBlue tank, this engine reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%.
Brilliant with very low consumption - 5.5 l / 100 km at the end of a varied route - this version is intended mainly for heavy riders.
They will appreciate the comfort of the suspension and the liveliness of the pickups (torque of 360 Nm constant from 1600 to 2750 rpm);
minus the brutality of the Stop & Start system and the sound of diesel.
Likewise, this motor programmed to track down waste too often switches to free-wheeling mode.
Its laziness when starting also forces you to activate the Sport mode, while its lack of progress is detrimental to parking maneuvers.
Our opinion
SKODA Auto
While being in the continuity of the previous model, the fourth generation of the Octavia places the cursor a little higher.
To the model's legendary rationality, this new generation adds the hint of whimsy that VW lacks with shimmering finishes.
Still, the Octavia charges a little more for its approval and enhanced benefits.
SKODA Auto
Technical sheet
Engine: 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 1,968 cc
Power: 150 hp from 3,250 to 4,200 rpm
Torque: 360 Nm from 1,600 to 2,750 rpm
Transmission: front-wheel drive, 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
Dimensions: L. 4.689 l.
1,829, h.
1473 mm
Weight: 1,960 kg
Box: 640 liters
EU consumption: 4.5 l / 100 km
EU CO2 emissions: 117 g / km
Speed: 223 km / h
Price: from 31 970 €