Skoda Octavia to Add Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Powertrains Alongside Diesel Options

Skoda has confirmed that the Octavia will soon offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This move is part of the brand’s strategy to expand the Octavia’s electrified options. Skoda technical chief Johannes Neft told Autocar UK that customers can expect pure-hybrid and plug-in hybrid solutions for the Octavia in the future.

Key Highlights

• Skoda Octavia will offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in future
• Hybrid systems will share technology with Volkswagen Golf and T-Roc hybrids
• Plug-in hybrid Octavia to use 1.5-litre petrol engine and 19.7kWh battery pack
• Diesel engine options will remain available for the Octavia
• All-electric Octavia is in development but not expected before decade's end

Upcoming Hybrid Powertrains

The new hybrid systems for the Octavia are expected to share technology with the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen T-Roc hybrids. Both models are set to debut later this year. The hybrid setup is likely to use Volkswagen Group’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, a 1.6kWh battery pack, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In this system, the electric motor powers the wheels at lower speeds. The petrol engine activates when higher power is needed. For the Golf and T-Roc, this hybrid system is expected to deliver outputs of 138hp and 172hp. Both power levels are likely to be available for the Octavia as well.

Plug-in Hybrid and Diesel Options

Skoda is also developing a plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia. This variant is expected to use a setup similar to the current Volkswagen Golf eHybrid. The plug-in hybrid system combines the same 1.5-litre petrol engine with a larger 19.7kWh battery pack and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In the Golf eHybrid, this setup provides an electric-only range of up to 142km. The Octavia, being a larger vehicle, is expected to have a slightly lower electric-only range. Despite the addition of electrified options, Skoda will continue to offer diesel engines for the Octavia. Johannes Neft stated that the company plans to maintain a complete range of combustion engine versions for the model.

Future All-Electric Octavia

An all-electric version of the Octavia is also in development. Skoda previewed this model with the Vision O concept at the Munich motor show last year. However, the production version of the electric Octavia is not expected to arrive before the end of the decade.