Your guide to the development of the Skoda Octavia.

Find out how the Skoda Octavia family car has been remodelled over the course of its manufacture.

A popular mid-sized family car, the Skoda Octavia has been a key model for the Czech Skoda Auto company since it was first released in 1996. The name ‘Octavia’ comes from a previous model that was made from 1959 to 1971, but the current Octavia production line has had two generations subsequently produced.

The Octavia Mk1 was released in 1996 and ran until 2010, although sales within the UK did not begin until 1998. This 5-door hatchback was also made available as an estate version and used the Volkswagen Group A4 platform. Solidly built, with a range of features and in an affordable price bracket for family motorists, the Mk1 Octavia was a success despite having stiff competition from both Vauxhall‘s Vectra model and the Ford Mondeo. Leased Skoda Octavia vehicles became especially popular with taxi firms, who favoured its affordability and reliability.

In 2004, the Octavia Mk2 second generation became available based on the Volkswagen Group A5 platform as both a 5-door hatchback and a 5-door sedan. Diesel engines for this new Octavia model were all Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) and there were several internal combustion petrol engines available. Some markets took the name Skoda Octavia II or the Octavia 5, but in India it became known simply as the Skoda Laura.

 

The Octavia 4×4 and the Octavia Scout both feature four wheel drive systems which use Haldex Traction and computer controlled clutch centre coupling. However, the Scout was only available as an estate and resembles an SUV crossover. The UK motoring market can choose from a range of trims such as the Skoda Classic, Elegance and Ambiente. An eco-friendly version called the Greenline is also available. Standard issue features in the Octavia are four airbags, air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows and anti-lock braking system for emergency stops.