As a world premiere, Skoda presented the subtly facelifted Octavia at the Paris motorshow on the 2nd October. Key exterior enhancements include the newly shaped headlamps, a more robust radiator grille, restyled bumpers and tail lamp covers. Inside, Skoda redesigned the steering wheel, the dashboard (white-backlit), the air conditioning controls and the decorative strips on the doors and the central console. Furthermore, new upholstery fabrics are available across all equipment levels.
Other improvements include the new adaptive xenon headlamps and the installation of front ‘WOKS’ headrests that promise to offer more effective rear impact protection. Under the bonnet, the only change concerns the addition of the VW Group’s new 1.4 litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that generates an output of 122bhp. The new TSI unit can be combined with a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic DSG transmission.
Press Release:
Škoda Auto AT THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW
As a world premiere, Škoda Auto is going to present a facelifted version of the Octavia at this year's Paris Motor Show (2-19 October, 2008).
Produced or assembled in altogether eight countries, the Octavia is Škoda's best seller. The rejuvenated version is now coming with a more emotionally powerful design. “The Octavia has always had a special position among Škoda vehicles. It is our most successful model, very popular worldwide. Now it has gone through a complete transformation that is apparent in the new interior and exterior, as well as the applied technology,” said Dr. Eckhard Scholz, BOD Member responsible for technological development. When looking from the front, the key enhancements include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The innovation of the rear part of the vehicle is mainly about new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated cat eyes. The interior offers an innovated line of Škoda audio and navigation systems. The steering wheel, the dashboard (white-backlit), the air conditioning controls and the decorative strips on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics are available across all equipment levels (Classic, Ambiente and Elegance).
New adaptive xenon headlamps enhance the vehicle's active safety, passive safety has been improved by installing front WOKS headrests for effective rear impact protection (in all equipment levels). Innovative changes are to be found also under the bonnet – Škoda is coming with a brand new 1.4 TSI/90 kW engine. Turbocharged 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol engines can be combined with a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic DSG transmission.