Škoda Octavia Reveals Full Powertrain Lineup

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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17th March 2020

Škoda has published full powertrain details and images for its popular mid-sized family Octavia model that should have debuted at the cancelled 2020 Geneva Motor Show.

Headlining the range is the first PHEV power plant for the car fourth generation Octavia vRS iV although the entry-level Octavia iV also benefits from the technology. In the range-topper, a 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine and an electric motor deliver a combined power output of about 200bhp and 258ft-lbs of torque allowing the vRS iV to sprint from standstill to 62mph in 7.9 seconds.

With a capacity of 37 Ah providing 13 kWh of energy, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery claims an electric range of up to 37 miles on the WLTP rating. Some of the gasoline engine models are instead equipped with a mild hybrid system while the diesel engines come from the latest EVO generation and claims to emit up to 80% less nitrogen oxide. The choice of powertrains deliver outputs ranging from 105bhp upwards.

The automaker’s e-TEC mild hybrid versions employ either a 1.0-liter TSI or 1.5-liter TSI gasoline engine when equipped with a DSG transmission. Using a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery it is possible to recover brake energy, support the combustion engine by providing it with an electric boost and to coast with the engine completely switched off.

The 2.0-liter TDI EVO diesel engines apply a new ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment, where AdBlue is injected specifically in front of the two catalytic converters, which are arranged one after the other. Dynamic Chassis Control including the optional Driving Mode Select, now comes with slider controls within the different driving modes allowing the driver to change individual parameters such as the suspension, damping and steering characteristics or the operation of the DSG to suit their preferences.

Škoda also makes great play over the car’s latest infotainment systems and an enhanced Virtual Cockpit. It offers touchscreens measuring from 8.25-in to 10-in, with some of them operated using gesture control or by voice via the Laura Škoda Digital Assistant. The top-of-the-range Columbus infotainment system can, for the first time, display the navigation system’s maps in a different level of zoom than the 10.25-in Virtual Cockpit. This new function can be adjusted via a touch slider located below the display and can also be used to control the volume.

Technologies include connectivity using a built in eSIM includes the EU mandated eCall emergency service, up to five USB-C ports, inductive smartphone charging using the optional Phone Box and an optional acoustically enhanced interior with a new Canton sound system.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_