Skoda Octavia III (facelift ) 1.6 MPI (110 Hp) Automatic

The Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.6 MPI (110 Hp) Automatic: A European Mainstay

The Skoda Octavia, a cornerstone of the Czech automaker’s lineup, has long been celebrated for its exceptional blend of practicality, value, and sophisticated engineering derived from its parent company, Volkswagen Group. The third generation, specifically the facelifted model introduced in 2017, represented a significant evolution, refining an already successful formula. Among its various powertrain options, the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.6 MPI (110 Hp) Automatic variant, produced between 2018 and 2019, stood out as a pragmatic choice for drivers in its primary European and Asian markets. This particular model, a five-door hatchback (often perceived as a liftback due to its deep-opening tailgate), offered a compelling package of efficiency, comfort, and ample space, cementing its status as a popular family car and fleet vehicle.

While the Skoda brand itself is not officially sold in the United States, the Octavia’s importance in global automotive markets, particularly in Europe, cannot be overstated. It competes fiercely in the compact family car segment (C-segment), offering an alternative to perennial best-sellers like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra, often at a more competitive price point while sharing much of the underlying technology. The 2017 facelift brought updated styling cues, enhanced technology, and subtle improvements to an already well-regarded platform, ensuring the Octavia remained fresh and competitive.

Engine & Performance: The 1.6 MPI (110 Hp) Automatic Powertrain

At the heart of this specific Octavia variant was a reliable 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, designated with the model code CWVA. This Multi-Point Injection (MPI) gasoline engine was engineered for smooth, predictable power delivery rather than outright performance, prioritizing fuel economy and low running costs – a key consideration for many European buyers. It produced a respectable 110 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, which was more than adequate for daily commuting and comfortable highway cruising. Torque output stood at 114.32 lb.-ft., available between 3,800 and 4,000 rpm, providing sufficient pulling power for a vehicle of its size.

The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which contributed significantly to the car’s ease of use and relaxed driving characteristics. This combination drove the front wheels, a common and efficient layout for vehicles in this segment. While not a performance-oriented setup, the powertrain offered a commendable balance. The Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.6 MPI (110 Hp) Automatic could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a reasonable 11.4 seconds, with a top speed of 121.17 mph. These figures underscored its role as a practical family vehicle designed for everyday driving, where smooth operation and efficiency often take precedence over blistering acceleration. The engine’s naturally aspirated design, combined with multi-port injection, offered a proven and robust solution, though it did include a particulate filter to meet evolving emissions standards during its production run.

Design & Features: Practicality Meets Refinement

The Skoda Octavia III facelifted model maintained its reputation for offering class-leading interior space and practicality within a compact footprint. Its body style, a five-door hatchback, ingeniously blended the sleek profile of a sedan with the immense cargo versatility of a wagon, thanks to its wide-opening tailgate. Measuring 183.86 inches in length, 71.42 inches in width (79.41 inches including mirrors), and 57.52 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 105.75 inches, the Octavia struck an excellent balance between exterior maneuverability and interior roominess.

The 2017 facelift brought several notable exterior changes, most controversially the split-headlight design, which gave the car a more distinctive, if polarizing, front-end appearance. Inside, the Octavia continued to impress with its high-quality materials, logical layout, and thoughtful “Simply Clever” features that Skoda is known for. With seating for five adults, the cabin offered generous legroom and headroom, particularly for rear passengers. The trunk space was a standout feature, boasting a minimum capacity of 20.84 cubic feet, which could be expanded to a cavernous 55.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it exceptionally practical for families, luggage, or hauling larger items.

Standard features for this era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety, ventilated disc brakes at the front, and disc brakes at the rear for confident stopping power. The electric power steering system, a rack and pinion setup, provided light and precise control, making urban driving and parking effortless. The vehicle rode on 16-inch wheel rims, typically shod with 205/55 R16 tires, offering a comfortable and compliant ride quality, well-suited to various road conditions found in its target markets. Its ground clearance of 5.55 inches and a minimum turning circle of 34.78 feet further enhanced its everyday usability.

Technical Specifications

Legacy & Market Impact of the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017)

The Skoda Octavia has consistently been the brand’s best-selling model, and the third generation, particularly after its 2017 facelift, continued this tradition of success. Its market impact in Europe and beyond was substantial, largely due to its positioning as a ‘more for less’ option within the Volkswagen Group’s vast portfolio. Sharing its MQB platform with revered vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, the Octavia benefited from robust engineering, sophisticated chassis dynamics, and access to advanced technology, yet it typically offered more interior space and a larger trunk at a more accessible price point.

In its primary markets, the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.6 MPI (110 Hp) Automatic competed against a broad array of rivals. Its direct competitors included other C-segment hatchbacks and sedans such as the Ford Focus, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Renault Megane, Peugeot 308, and even its platform-mate, the Volkswagen Jetta (known as Vento or Sagitar in some markets) and Golf. What set the Octavia apart was its unique blend of a near-sedan profile with hatchback utility, often referred to as a “liftback,” which provided unparalleled practicality in its class.

The 1.6 MPI automatic variant, while not the most powerful or technologically advanced engine in the Octavia lineup (which also featured turbocharged TSI gasoline and TDI diesel engines), played a crucial role. It catered to a segment of buyers who prioritized proven reliability, lower purchase costs, and predictable running expenses. Its naturally aspirated engine, combined with a conventional automatic transmission, offered a less complex and often more durable alternative to the increasingly prevalent turbocharged, direct-injection engines paired with dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. This made it a popular choice for fleet operators, rental companies, and private buyers seeking a dependable, no-fuss vehicle for daily use.

The Octavia’s legacy is built on its reputation for being a smart, sensible, and spacious family car. It consistently won awards for its value, practicality, and overall ownership experience. Despite not being available in the USA, where Skoda has historically not had a presence, the Octavia has carved out a significant niche globally, embodying Skoda’s brand promise of “Simply Clever” solutions and solid, dependable engineering. The facelifted third-generation model, with its comprehensive improvements and the reliable 1.6 MPI automatic option, ensured the Octavia remained a formidable contender in a highly competitive segment, reinforcing its status as a true automotive success story.