Skoda Octavia range given value boost

The Škoda Octavia mid-sized sedan and wagon line-up has added a host of extra features in return for small price increases.

Volkswagen’s Czech brand says the value of additional equipment is worth $4300, even for models such as the entry-level Ambition manual that increases by $500 to $22,990 RRP (or $24,490 driveaway).

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All Octavia models, including the all-wheel-drive Scout, now feature autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear camera plus sensors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Škoda Australia has also introduced an optional five-year warranty, as well as a guaranteed future value scheme – designed to overcome concerns about resale.

The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine available for the base Ambition and mid-spec Style gets a small power increase to 110kW. The Style is again offered with an alternative, 2.0-litre diesel engine, also with 110kW but extra torque at 320Nm

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The mid-spec Octavia Style’s feature list includes 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon lights, front sensors, leather upholstery, navigation, 8-inch touchscreen and fatigue alert.

At the top of the tree remains the sporty RS model, which comes with additional gear including a stiffer suspension plus more powerful engines – either a 162kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol or a 135kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel.

All models pair engines with DSG dual-clutch autos, with the exceptions of the 110TSI and 162TSI models that also offer a six-speed manual.

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Various option packages are also offered depending on spec level, and also play the value card. The $3400 Sports Pack available for the Ambition trim grade, for example, brings the likes of a flat-bottom steering wheel, bi-xenon lights, 18-inch ‘Turini’ alloy wheels and black body trim that Skoda says collectively are worth $5670.

Choosing a wagon variant instead of the sedan again costs a $1700 premium.

Driveaway pricing ranges from $24,490 for the Ambition 110TSI manual to $44,390 for the RS 135TDI.