Škoda Auto to present upgraded Octavia at the start of 2017
Czech carmaker Škoda Auto is likely to present the new, modernised version of its third-generation Škoda Octavia already at the beginning of next year, the Czech News Agency reported on Friday, citing sources from within the company.
The new Octavia is expected to feature a split headlamp layout and minor changes at the rear. Inside, new technologies such as new safety features and driver assistance systems are anticipated, to keep up with the Superb and Kodiaq models.
The Czech carmaker is also expected to come out with a new larger version of its small SUV Yeti, which will be manufactures in its plant in Kvasiny alongside the Seat Ateca. The carmaker will also present upgraded versions of its Citigo and Rapid models.
In 2018, Škoda Auto plans to introduce a modernised version of Fabia and in the same year or a year later, it should also come up with the coupé version of the Kodiaq, designed for the Chinese market and a smaller Škoda crossover to rival the Nissan Juke is expected to be on sale after the year 2018.
Škoda auto’s first hybrid model is likely to appear on the market in 2019. According to the company’s CEO Bernhard Maier, Superb should become the first hybrid model in Europe. The company’s first hybrid models sold in China should be the Octavia and Kodiaq. According to Maier, no specific date has been set when these models will appear on the market.
Škoda Auto launched a Digital Lab in mid-2016 serving as an incubator for new ideas. According to Bernhard Maier, the Digital Lab is to start operating as its own individual company by the end of the year.
