The refreshed 2017 Skoda Octavia has been revealed showing off a tweaked front and rear and improved safety and communications system.

THE SKODA OCTAVIA is possibly one of the most underrated vehicles on the market in Australia, and now the refreshed 2017 Octavia has been revealed. It boasts a new-look front and rear, with the redesigned front borrowing hints from the brand’s big SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq.

“The Skoda Octavia has always been in a class of its own in the compact segment,” says Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier. “As the ‘heart of the brand’, the Octavia has decisively shaped Skoda outstanding development from the very start, and has made the company what it is today: an internationally successful automotive manufacturer with a presence in more than 100 markets worldwide. With the now extensively revised Skoda Octavia, we are keen to continue this development sustainably.”

New, split head lights have been fitted and a new front bumper with a more prominent badge, which are all intended to give off an impression of “width and presence”.

The interior space remains as it was, which is one of the largest in the medium-car segment, with around 1782mm of interior room and boot space of 590 (sedan) and 610 litres (wagon); with folded rear seat backrests growing this to 1580 and 1740 litres respectively.

The update has brought new infotainment systems to the Octavia. “All three systems – Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus – now have capacitive displays in glass design that respond to light touch. The Columbus now features a full 9.2-inch display; the top system has a WLAN hotspot and, if desired, a SIM card module with an LTE speed for an ultra-fast connection to the Internet”.

Enhanced safety systems, borrowing, again, from the Kodiaq have also been added, including the trailer assistant which will take over the steering when the vehicle is slowly reversing, while predictive pedestrian protection complements Front Assist. “In addition, the parking assistant has been further optimised. Thanks to the rear radar, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert ensure safe lane changes and also help while reversing out of a parking space. The rear-view camera displays the car’s immediate surroundings via the on-board monitor”.

New features have been added to the Octavia for the update, including a customisable key, allowing multiple users to save their own vehicle settings, as well as a heated steering wheel, bottle holders which facilitate the opening of bottles, and the estate version features a removable torch in the boot.

The engine remain the same, and while pricing hasn’t been announced or an introduction date announced locally, it’s expected the refreshed Octavia will arrive Down Under towards the end of next year.