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Skoda Octavia 2020: Czech Toyota Camry rival revealed

Skoda has taken the wraps of its new Octavia.

Skoda’s Octavia has grown up.

The Volkswagen-owned Czech brand unveiled the fourth-generation of its small liftback and wagon last night in Europe and it’s both bigger and available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There are 14 engine options for the new Octavia, but the headliner is the petrol-electric hybrid that pairs a 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor. It features a 13kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides for an EV-only range of 55km.

However, Skoda Australia is likely to skip the plug-in and instead focus on making the leap straight to EV models as part of the wider Volkswagen Australia strategy.

The new Octavia has grown, now measuring 4689mm long (a 19mm increase for the liftback). The new Octavia has grown, now measuring 4689mm long (a 19mm increase for the liftback).

The new Octavia isn’t due to arrive in Australia until late 2020 or even early 2021, so it's too early for the company to reveal any details about local engines and pricing.

However, expect to see the flagship Octavia RS continue sharing the powertrain of the upcoming eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI.

It features the latest evolution of the brand’s styling language, with a prominent front grille and, for the first time, the optional full LED Matrix headlights.

The new Octavia has grown, now measuring 4689mm long (a 19mm increase for the liftback), which puts it in the middle of a Toyota Corolla and Camry. It’s also 15mm wider for a more spacious cabin.

That also increases boot capacity, with the liftback now capable of swallowing 600-litres of luggage (an extra 10-litres) and the wagon up to 640-litres (a 30-litre expansion).

Inside, the new-look cabin includes VW Group’s latest mutlimedia system, with screens measuring from 8.2- to 10-inches. The 10.2-inch Virtual Cockpit (aka digital instrument panel) is also available and has been updated.

The new Octavia will feature a 10.2-inch Virtual Cockpit. The new Octavia will feature a 10.2-inch Virtual Cockpit.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Skoda without some ‘Simply Clever’ touches, like the new smartphone storage pockets built into the back of the front seats. And the Sleep package for the wagon that includes larger rear headrests and a blanket.

Skoda Australia has confirmed to CarsGuide that the brand will add the petrol-powered Karoq 140 TSI 4x4 in 2020. 

We’ll keep you updated on the new Octavia and Skoda’s other plans as more details become clearer as it gets closer to arrive in Australia.