2017 Skoda Octavia update detailed

As previously revealed, the Octavia has been given a significant facelift at the front and rear including a wider radiator grille, a more masculine bumper with wider air inlets and unique split headlight arrangement.

Overseas, the 2017 Octavia comes with a nine-strong engine line-up including four turbo petrol and four turbo-diesels ranging from 63kW to 135kW, plus an 81kW natural gas-fuelled 1.4-litre G-TEC unit.

Engines will continue to be mated to manual or automatic transmission options including six or seven-speed dual-clutch DSG autos. Most will be front wheel-drive, though there will be all wheel-drive variants powered by the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines.

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Don’t expect to see all of those powertrains in Aussie cars though, with Skoda Australia telling WhichCar it is looking to carry over petrol and diesel FWD drivetrains from the current range along with a newly boosted 165kW 2.0-litre TSI motor for the sporty Skoda Octavia RS variant.

The new Octavia is a little longer, 20 or 30mm depending on variant, which translates to more interior space including 73mm rear legroom and boot capacities for the sedan and wagon of 590- and 610-litres respectively.

New interior features include two USB ports in the rear, folding tray tables on the back of the front seats, a removable LED torch in the wagon's cargo area and optional heated steering wheel and customisable key profiles for extra comfort and convenience.

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The Octavia has new generation driver assistance technology rarely found in its class including Trailer Assist reversing mode, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert, self-parking and autonomous emergency braking.

Infotainment comes in three levels: Bolero, Amundsen and range-topping Columbus. More responsive 9.2-inch touchscreens also feature.

The Skoda Connect app offers a range of new mobile Infotainment and Care Connect, the latter providing assistance and support such as automatically calling emergency services if it senses the car has been involved in an accident,

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The Columbus navigation system also provides an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and has an optional extra LTE module for super-fast data transfer. In addition, inductive smartphone charging is also available.

Infotainment services include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when paired to an appropriate smart phone.

Australian range specifications and prices for the 2017 Octavia range will be revealed closer to its mid-year launch, though expect standard kit in the entry-level Ambition model to include adaptive cruise control, Skoda Connect with dual Apple and Android, 17-inch alloys and rear camera.

It will come with Skoda’s new five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.