The New Skoda Octavia Revealed at Melbourne Motor Show

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, February 27, 2009: Škoda Australia is revealing its exciting new Octavia model range at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

Designers and engineers approached the job of transforming the Škoda Octavia with great care, aware of the fact that improving such a well-engineered car would pose quite a challenge. An almost fundamental revision of the Octavia’s appearance brings the current model up-to-date with Škoda Auto’s modern design philosophy.

When looking from the front, the key enhancements to the new Octavia include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The rear of the vehicle features new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated ‘cat eyes’.

Inside the Octavia, the steering wheel, dashboard, air conditioning controls and trim inserts on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics and an improved lineup of Škoda audio and satellite navigation systems are available. New materials and functional features have increased comfort and operating safety in the passenger compartment of the new Octavia.

Passengers sitting in the rear seats of the new Octavia can enjoy great comfort and space. Large doors make it easy to get in and out of the car. The tailgate of the Liftback makes storing bulky luggage in the boot a simple task. With a capacity of 560 litres in the Liftback and 580 litres in the Wagon, it sets a benchmark for volume in its class. Folding down the rear bench extends the boot volume to a remarkable 1420 litres, a capacity which expands to 1620 litres on the new Octavia Wagon.

The engine line-up of the Octavia range has also changed, with two petrol and one diesel variants to choose from.

For the first time a 1.6-litre petrol engine is being offered in the Octavia range as the entry level specification. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, delivering decisive gearshifts, a 6 speed automatic transmission is also available as an option. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 75kW of power and 148Nm of torque, providing a proven and reliable choice for drivers.

The 2.0 TDI (diesel) engine delivers torque that can compete with many V6 petrol engines. With 103kW of power at 4,000rpm and producing an enormous 320Nm of torque from as low as 1,750rpm, the 2.0 TDI engine delivers an exhilarating and satisfying drive.

The second, superbly engineered, petrol engine on offer is the turbocharged 1.8 TSI, producing 118kW of power and 250Nm of torque. This 1.8 TSI has replaced the original 2.0 FSI (110kW) engine and is the only engine in the Škoda Octavia range to be offer with the optional 7 speed DSG transmission – the latest in innovative technology from the Volkswagen Group.

The new 7 speed DSG transmission represents two exciting advancements. On one hand it is the first 7 speed gearbox for front transverse mounting; and on the other hand, it’s the first dual-clutch gearbox with a ‘dry’ double clutch.

The benefits of this 7-speed DSG include providing the comfort of a conventional automatic transmission with the dynamic drive of a manual transmission. The result is less fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. The 1.8 TSI matched with the 7-speed DSG transmission consumes just 6.7 litres of premium unleaded petrol per hundred kilometres (combined consumption, ADR81/02), with CO2 emissions at a low 157 g/km.

The new Škoda Octavia range will be launched in March 2009.