As owner of Skoda cars i was curious to check out the new Skoda Octavia 2013. Skoda claims the new model is lighter than the predecessor, which is good for fuel economy.

On show was the Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI DSG hatchback/sedan Elegance in black metallic paint. The powerplant has been modified to output 10hp more compared to the predecessor. Technical specifications is something that you can easily obtain from Skoda or a local retailer. The actual look and feel of the car is more difficult to do remotely. This article will focus more on those things you cannot see on a spec sheet.

 

Rather sharp looking front. You can still see the resemblence with the previous model facelift from released in 2009.

 

 

The outer body shape is attractive from front side angle too.

 

 

 

The large boot is something that has always belonged to the Octavia. The c-shaped rear lights look stylish as ever. Skoda remains true to its legacy here.

 

Moving on to the interior.

 

 

Somehow the dashboard does not feel as luxurious as in the previous model. Skoda has removed the horisontal trim. Multifunction display has gotten colour graphics. The automatic gearshifter is elegant. Personally I prefer a 3-spoke steering wheel over the 4-spoke model. The center console audio unit has a simplified look. Some chrome around the buttons would have improved the impression here. I must admit I preferred the previous generation steeringwheel over this one. In my view Skoda should avoid introducing sharp edges to the steeringwheel design.

 

The door trim has a sleek look but the door handle has a feel of cheap plastic, a step down from the predecessor. The door trim could have had larger area covered by textile or leather.

 

 

The new seats have good shape. At least all drivers over 170cm tall should find the seat shape and support statisfactory. The taller drivers will not suffer from front seats designed for shorter people like in the new Ford Focus 2013. The biggest issue with the new seat was the used textile fabric. The used Fabric is something that I would have expected to find in a SEAT Leon or Altea. Let's hope Skoda is not going to follow the example of SEAT. This fabric is somehting that you could do in a Skoda Octavia Active as a entry level offering or if you strech it may be in a Octavia Ambition, but not somthing that should be in a Octavia Elegance. Skoda should go back and look at the fabrics used in the first generation Octavia Elegance. The fabric used there exceeds the latter models. Even the second generation Octavia Elegance upholstery feels better than the upholstery in the 3rd generation.

 

Fortunately style sensitive customers can choose also leather or Alcantara upholstery. Let's hope Skoda adresses the upholstery issue in next model year.

 

 

The second generation Octavia has been an extrodinary product. Skoda did wisely in delaying the 3rd generation market lanuch. For Skoda it is hard to introduce something to the market that beats the predecessor. The technical capabilities of the 3rd generation may supersede those present in the second generation but for interior astethics I cannot help the feeling that the 2nd generation facelift Octavia L&K as well as a Superb Elegance provides a more luxurious experience.

 

If you need to get a new car the new Octavia is well worth considering. Existing 2nd generation facelift owners, there is no rush to upgrade.