In 1996, Škoda launched the small family car (C-segment) Octavia, which shares its name with a model produced between 1959 and 1971. Over time, this car became the Czech manufacturer’s flagship model in Europe, and its success was based not only on listening to customers and offering proven solutions, but also on a complete range of engines. Now, 4×4 drive is returning to the offer in a new petrol version with great performance.
This decision could be a good move by the Czech company, because its main competitors have kept this technology only in SUV models. All-wheel drive comes in both body styles, which is not the case with the new sports version (Octavia RS).
The manufacturer intends for this version to enter production in Q2 2025, while the first deliveries would start in early summer. The Octavia 4×4 comes with a 2.0-liter TSI engine with 204 hp, connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
The Octavia 4×4 is already available for order in Germany and will be launched in other markets in the coming weeks. As for pricing, it starts at 39,760 euros for the sedan and 40,460 euros for the Octavia Combi 2.0 TSI DSG 4×4.
In October 2024, Škoda presented the car with which it entered a new era of minimalist, lean and functional design, Škoda Elroq. This is the first Škoda model that will be produced with a new design called “Modern Solid”. It will be produced in Mlada Boleslav on the same production line as models with a combustion engine.
Škoda Elroq is a fully electric compact crossover available with three different battery sizes (55, 63 and 82 kWh). The Elroq 50 is powered by a single electric motor with 170 hp (125 kW) and 228 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque, and thanks to a 55 kWh Lithium-ion battery it has a range of 230 miles (370 km) . The Elroq 60 is powered by an electric motor with 204 hp (150 kW), and has a range of over 400 km thanks to a 63 kWh battery. Elroq 85 and 85x are the most powerful versions. Both versions are powered by an electric motor with 285 hp (210 kW), and thanks to the 82 kWh battery, they have a range of over 560 km.
The car is equipped with a shiny black Tech-Deck mask instead of the standard one that adorned the previous models, a series of innovative design elements that enable a top speed of 180 km/h and a drag coefficient of only 0.26. There are also a larger front bumper with a dark chrome insert like the one on the new Kodiaq, and the familiar “four eye” headlight graphic.
Inside, the Elroq offers more space for passengers and the largest luggage compartment in its segment with a volume of 470 liters (up to 1,580 liters with the rear seats folded down). There are also 13″ infotainment display with a new user interface, a number of innovative sustainable materials, new Simply Clever features including smart compartments that offer 48 liters of storage capacity and a storage net for the charging cable under the parcel shelf, a wide range of intuitive connectivity functions, advanced assistance systems and up to nine airbags.
The facility in Mlada Boleslav is the only one in the Volkswagen Group in Europe where electric and combustion engine models are produced on the same production line, which enables the company to respond quickly to changes in the market. Therefore, part of the Škoda Octavia production was moved to the Kvasiny plant last year, in order to get more space for the production of the most affordable electric crossover with a starting price of 33,000 euros.
High prices and poor sales results of electric cars have forced European manufacturers to focus more on hybrid cars, so manufacturers have decided to return to the offer of plug-in hybrids with an electric range of more than 100 kilometers. One of them is the new generation of Škoda Superb iV with an electric range of 120 kilometers.
Škoda Superb Hatch iV is powered by a 1.5-L TSI gasoline engine in combination with an electric motor with a total power of 204 hp (150 kW), paired with a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. The electric motor delivers 115 hp (86 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) and is powered by a 25.7 kWh battery, located under the rear seat. Thanks to fast charging of up to 50 kW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes. It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery using a domestic wallbox or an AC charging point with a maximum charging rate of 11 kW.
In addition to the standard driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual), the Superb comes with three additional hybrid options: E-mode, Hybrid mode and Sport mode, and it is well-suited to everyday driving.
When it comes to equipment, the new generation Superb comes with second-generation LED matrix headlights, a redesigned interior with Škoda Smart Dials for more intuitive operation, and an aerodynamic range structure with a choice of designs, improved safety features and advanced assistance systems.
The price of the car is still unknown, and orders will start in the next few weeks.
