2020 Skoda Octavia set to make virtual showroom debut

Skoda has released more pictures of its new Octavia hatchback ahead of it arriving in virtual showrooms in July with prices expected to start in the region of £21,000.

The brand's best-selling car was meant to make its debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in March, but the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

>>> Skoda Octavia vRS iV revealed with plug-in hybrid power

A Skoda spokesperson told HonestJohn.co.uk that the brand was still intending to launch the car in dealers in July, but it would also be able to view in its virtual showroom.

Using the virtual showroom, prospective customers can arrange a personal live walkaround video of the model of their choice. This service is still being offered throughout the lockdown period, with Skoda staff providing tours from their own driveways.

The new Octavia is more premium and more expensive than the outgoing car, leaving the more affordable Scala to cater for buyers on a budget.

It's bigger than the old model, too - 19mm longer and 15mm wider than its predecessor, a car that was already significantly larger than rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Kia Ceed.

It shares a platform with the eight-generation Volkswagen Golf (as well as the new SEAT Leon and Audi A3), along with an engine line-up. This will include 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrols, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel with a number of power outputs.

There will also be a hot vRS plug-in hybrid model combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, capable of travelling up to 37 miles under electric power alone.

The interior is expected to represent a significant step-up in quality for the Octavia, with standard equipment including a Virtual Cockpit display in place of conventional dials and Skoda's third-generation infotainment systems including wireless Apple CarPlay.

Prices are yet to be confirmed but expect the new Octavia to start from around £21,000 when it arrives in showrooms from July.