Skoda 2009 Octavia range

SKODA has taken the covers off a facelifted version of its Octavia medium-sized sedan and wagon range at the Paris motor show this week.

Due in Australia next year, the best-selling model for the Volkswagen-owned Czech brand worldwide has a number of cosmetic changes including “bolder” headlights, a “more robust” grille and a one-piece front bumper, while the rear end includes a new tail-light cluster and a refashioned bumper, the latter now with integrated reflectors.

Inside, there are new cloth trims, a revised steering wheel, white backlit instrument cluster, redesigned air-conditioning controls and different decorative strips on the centre console and doors.

Anti-whiplash front head restraints have been installed across all model lines, while adaptive Xenon headlamps have become available on select model variants.

A wider application of the Volkswagen Group’s seven-speed twin-clutch automatic DSG transmission has also been made, including 1.4- and 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engines.

“The Octavia has always had a special position among Skoda vehicles. It is our most successful model, very popular worldwide,” said Skoda Auto’s board member responsible for technological development Eckhard Scholz.

“Now it has gone through a complete transformation that is apparent in the new interior and exterior, as well as the applied technology.”

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