Introduction: The Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.4 TSI (150 Hp)
The Skoda Octavia has long been a cornerstone of the European compact car segment, renowned for its pragmatic blend of space, value, and robust engineering. The third-generation Octavia, introduced in 2012, received a significant facelift in 2017, further refining its appeal. This update brought a refreshed exterior design, enhanced technology, and a continuation of its strong powertrain lineup. The specific variant under review, the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.4 TSI (150 Hp), represents a sweet spot in the range, offering a compelling balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Skoda, a brand under the expansive Volkswagen Group, positions the Octavia as a more practical and value-oriented alternative to its platform siblings like the Volkswagen Golf, while often rivaling vehicles from a segment above in terms of interior space. Although Skoda vehicles are not officially sold in the United States, the Octavia holds immense significance in its primary markets across Europe, Asia, and other global regions, serving as a popular choice for families and fleet operators alike. The 2017 facelift aimed to modernize the Octavia, keeping it competitive in a fiercely contested market, particularly with its advanced small-displacement turbocharged gasoline engine.
Engine and Performance of the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.4 TSI (150 Hp)
At the heart of this particular Octavia model lies the Volkswagen Group’s widely acclaimed 1.4-liter TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) inline-four engine. This powerplant, identified by engine codes CHPB and CZDA, exemplifies modern engine design with its compact dimensions, direct fuel injection, and turbocharging augmented by an intercooler. With an engine displacement of 1395 cubic centimeters (85.13 cubic inches), it delivers a robust 150 horsepower, translating to an impressive power-per-liter ratio of 107.5 Hp/l.
The torque delivery is equally impressive for an engine of this size, peaking at 184.39 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) across a broad rev range from a low 1500 rpm up to 3500 rpm. This wide torque band ensures responsive acceleration and flexible in-gear performance, making the Octavia feel sprightly whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, a popular choice in European markets for its engaging driving experience and efficiency.
Performance figures highlight the engine’s capability, enabling the Skoda Octavia III (facelift 2017) 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 7.7 seconds. Its top speed is rated at 136.08 mph (219 km/h), firmly placing it among the more capable offerings in its segment. Beyond raw performance, the 1.4 TSI engine is engineered for efficiency. It boasts a combined fuel economy of 45.2 US mpg (5.2 l/100 km), with impressive extra-urban figures reaching 54.7 US mpg (4.3 l/100 km). This efficiency is coupled with environmentally conscious emissions, meeting the stringent Euro 6 standard with CO2 emissions of 121 g/km, reflecting Skoda’s commitment to modern, responsible automotive engineering.
Design and Features
The 2017 facelift of the Skoda Octavia III introduced a refreshed aesthetic, most notably characterized by its distinctive split headlight design. While somewhat polarizing upon its reveal, this feature gave the Octavia a more assertive and contemporary face, moving away from the pre-facelift’s more conventional single-unit lamps. The overall body type remains a practical 5-door hatchback, a configuration highly favored in Europe for its versatility. Measuring 183.86 inches in length, 71.42 inches in width, and 57.52 inches in height, the Octavia maintains its reputation for offering class-leading interior space, especially for rear passengers.
One of the Octavia’s enduring strengths is its exceptional cargo capacity. With a minimum trunk space of 20.84 cubic feet (590 liters), which expands to a cavernous 55.8 cubic feet (1580 liters) with the rear seats folded down, it surpasses many vehicles in higher segments. This practical design ethos extends to its five-seat configuration, providing comfortable accommodation for a family.
Modern features are integrated throughout the vehicle, consistent with its 2017 model year. While specific infotainment details are not provided in the technical data, it can be inferred that the facelifted Octavia would have included updated touchscreen systems, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and connectivity options common to vehicles of this era. Safety features are paramount, and the Octavia comes equipped with essential systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking
