Skoda->ke82 has begun testing the next generation Octavia->ke1949 months ago, and today the company finally decided to release the official information of its best sold model ever. The model arrives just two months after the official unveiling of the new Rapid and will be put on sale early in 2013.

The new Skoda Octavia will replace the second generation unveiled back in 2004 and will move from the current A5 (PQ35) platform to the new MQB platform. This is also the platform used for the seventh generation Golf->ke164, which means that the next Skoda will share most of its technical parts with the Golf.

The new generation Octavia will be offering a new exterior design language - also seen on the Rapid sedan - and will deliver "lots of room, quality, precise workmanship, modern, mature technology, timeless design, high functionality and the best price-value ratio."

Update 12/11/2012: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the new generation Octavia.

2013 Skoda Octavia

Specifications
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  • Model: 2013 Skoda Octavia
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Pros
Cons

Exterior and interior

The new generation Octavia will be built on the company's new MQB platform, meaning it will significantly grow in length and width: it will be 90 mm (3.54 inches) longer and 45 mm (1.77 inches) wider. The wheelbase will also be 108 mm (4.2 inches) bigger offering better interior room for the rear passengers.

On the exterior the new Octavia looks sportier and more dynamic than the model it replaces thanks to its more pronounced horizontal lines and the new coupe-like silhouette. Up front the model will be distinguished by Skoda's new logo and new headlamps design. The rear has also been redesigned so it now offers precision, classiness and perfect proportions.

The interior has also been completely redesigned with better quality materials and new technologies, including an all-new generation of radio and radio navigation systems.

Safety features:

-*Front Assistant/emergency braking function (from May 2013),

-*Lane Assistant,

-*multicollision-braking/automatic brake actuation in an accident,

-*Crew Protect Assistant/securing of the vehicle in an accident situation, -*Driver Activity Assistant (fatigue detection)

-*an active front hatch for pedestrian protection

-*up to nine airbags,

-*3-point safety belts

-*knee airbags (standard in EU countries)

-*rear side airbags

Engine lineup

Under the hood Skoda will place a lineup of newly developed petrol and diesel engines. For the first time the Octavia will be offered with a 1.6 liter TDI engine that delivers an impressive fuel consumption of just 3.4 liter per 100 kilometers (69 US mpg). Next to this engine, the sedan will receive four new petrol engine and three other modern TDI common-rail diesel engines.

All engines, except the entry-level petrol and diesel options, will be offered with start-stop system and recuperation. Customers will have the possibility to choose between both manual and automatic DSG transmissions, with all-wheel-drive versions arriving at a later date.

Prices

The new generation Skoda Octavia will go on sale early in 2013. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the new Octavia will include the usual models: Toyota Camry, Ford Mondeo and Honda Accord - all of them recently updated with new exterior looks and improved engines. The 2012 Camry received a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine for the top version. Ford's new Mondeo gets a new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, plus a new hybrid version.