Quick Reads
- The Czech Automaker will introduce new hybrid and PHEV options for the Octavia
- The plug-in hybrid Octavia could return more than 100 km of pure EV range
- This shift might help skoda bridge the gap between ICE and total electrification
Skoda is gearing up to diversify its global powertrain options for the Octavia. The new Skoda Octavia, overseas, is expected to get new hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The manufacturer recently revealed its cheapest EV – the Skoda Epiq, and this move comes just after that, which shows the brand’s shifting strategy towards electrification. But, they are yet not ready to ditch the petrol for electricity.
Reports suggest that, with the next major update for the Octavia, the popular car will get a new full hybrid system that will boost its performance, as well as range, by quite a large margin. Skoda’s head of technical development confirmed while talking to a popular media house that the new Octavia will get a new-generation hybrid setup. This powertrain is also expected to be shared with the upcoming Volkswagen Golf, and T-Roc hybrids, which will be unwrapped later this year.
Apart from this, the Octavia iV – the plug-in hybrid model – will make a comeback globally. The updated PHEV model is expected to hit the markets in 2027 with significantly improved pure-electric range, which could be up to 140 km, under WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) conditions.
The upcoming Octavia PHEV is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) turbo-petrol engine mated to the electric motor, and combined, this setup would put out around 150 kW (205 PS) of peak power.
The brand has been steadily growing in the electric segment, and it has also revealed that the deliveries of the electrified vehicles, which include both BEVs and PHEVs, have doubled when compared to YoY (Year-on-Year) sales numbers. In all of this, the Octavia has been one of the best-selling cars in the brand’s portfolio, and this makes it the perfect candidate to be considered for this hybrid shift.
Our Opinion
Diversifying Octavia’s powertrains seems like a smart move to establish middle ground for the new generation of buyers. While enthusiasts might have a different opinion about this, and would still want the pure petrol package, this new hybrid tech would be the ideal pick for new generation buyers, who are still sceptical about switching to an EV.
While the India launch of this hybrid Octavia is not yet confirmed, given the rising demand for hybrids in the country, Skoda might bring this to India after the global launch. In our opinion, whether the brand brings this to India or not majorly depends on the market response and taxation policies.
