Skoda has revealed the main characteristics of its single most anticipated model, the fourth-gen Octavia liftback.
The new Octavia is slightly longer (4,689 mm / 15.38 ft.) and wider (1,829 mm / 6 ft.) than its predecessor. It also offers more trunk volume (up to 600l / 21.2 cubic feet in the liftback version, up to 640l / 22.6 cu.ft. in the estate/wagon version). The wheelbase will stay the same at 2,686 mm (8.81 ft.), but the aerodynamic drag ratio will go down to 0.24 (liftback) or 0.26 (wagon).
The engine range will be drastically expanded. The entry-level version will ship with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder unit rated at 110 hp (82 kW), followed by a 1.5-liter V4 with 150 hp (112 kW) and topped by a 2.0-liter V4 mated to a 7-speed DSG and AWD. The other trims will ship front-driven and will be available with manual transmission aside from the DSG. The only available diesel engine has two liters of displacement, but can be purchased in three boost stages: 115 hp (86 kW), 150 hp (112 kW), and 200 hp (149 kW). The latter two variants support AWD.
Two hybrids will enter retail some time later, one based on the 1.4 TSI engine and rated at 204 hp (152 kW), and another packing the same powertrain boosted to 245 hp (183 kW). A third hybrid powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) might emerge if the demand proves sufficient. Aside from a tiny nine-liter gas tank, it would get a battery of three CNG tanks capable of holding 17.7 kg of condensed gas. Its output to the wheels will amount to 130 hp (97 kW).
Aside from the normal suspension, three other variants will be available: Sport (-15mm / -0.6” ride height), Off-Road (+15mm / +0.6”), and Adaptive (-10mm/-0.2”).
The premiere will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on November 11, 2019.