The Skoda Octavia has been facelifted for 2017, with new front and rear end designs and updated in-car tech.
The biggest change is the black and brown colour scheme option on the Ambition spec Octavia, while new textures have been applied to the interiors of other spec levels. There’s also updated upholstery and optional ambient lighting, which is standard in range-topping Style and Laurin & Klement specs.
Among the updates are new ‘Simply Clever’ features, such as a new bottle holder which is moulded to the shape of plastic bottle bottoms, allowing them to be opened one-handed. A torch has been integrated into the bootlid of the estate, and a powered bootlid is also now an option.
There’s also a heated steering wheel and upgraded infotainment systems, with 9.2in touchscreens featuring in the highest-spec systems, which have been redesigned to give a higher-quality feel. An optional Comfort package comes with a customisable key, which can be programmed to save different drivers' settings, so multiple users can open the car and have their preferred seat adjustment, climate control and infotainment settings automatically applied.
Refreshed exterior styling
Skoda’s best-selling model receives a new more angular grille in the style of the recently launched Kodiaq SUV, along with new headlights, which are now LED units and divided into two sections, and redesigned tail-lights. The bonnet, meanwhile, gets a more streamlined appearance, and a range of newly designed 16in, 17in and 18in wheels are available.
There are now three available infotainment systems: Bolero, Amundsen and range-topping Columbus. Updated driver assistance technology includes trailer assistant, which will steer when you’re slowly reversing, and predictive pedestrian protection.
A rear radar assists the updated parking assist system, which now has Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert to warn drivers of approaching cars when reversing out of a space. There is also a reversing camera.
Skoda CareConnect, which provides breakdown and emergency assistance, is also offered.
The engine line-up consists of 113bp 1.0 and 147bhp 1.4 TSI petrols, and 113bhp 1.6 and 147bhp 2.0 TDI diesels.
Order books for the facelifted Octavia saloon and estate will open at the end of 2016, before first UK deliveries commence in early 2017.
