Skoda Octavia to get hybrid and PHEV powertrains abroad

Skoda has confirmed that the Octavia will gain both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in the future, as the brand looks to expand the model’s range of electrified options. Speaking to Autocar UK, the brand’s technical development head, Johannes Neft, said, “What you can expect for the Octavia is that you will get pure-hybrid and plug-in hybrid solutions in future.”  

The upcoming hybrid powertrains are expected to be shared with the technically related Volkswagen Golf and T-Roc hybrids, which are set to debut later this year.

1. Hybrid setup to use 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 1.6kWh battery
2. Plug-in hybrid version expected with a larger 19.7kWh battery
3. Electric Octavia due closer to the end of the decade

Skoda Octavia: Hybrid powertrain details

According to the report, the new hybrid setup is expected to combine Volkswagen Group’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, a 1.6kWh battery pack and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The motor is used to drive the wheels at slower speeds, with the engine kicking in under higher loads. In the Golf and T-Roc, the system is expected to be offered with outputs of 138hp and 172hp, and both versions are likely to make their way to the Octavia as well.

Skoda Octavia: Plug-in hybrid version also planned

Skoda is also preparing a new plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia, expected to use a setup similar to that of the current Volkswagen Golf eHybrid.

This powertrain 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, the setup delivers an electric-only range of up to 142km. However, the larger Octavia is expected to have a slightly lower EV-only range.

Skoda Octavia: Diesel engines to continue

Despite adding more electrified options, Skoda will retain diesel engines on the Octavia. Neft told Autocar UK that the company intends to continue offering a “complete range of combustion versions” for the car.

An all-electric Octavia is also in development and was previewed by the Skoda Vision O concept shown at last year’s Munich Motor Show. However, the production-spec electric Octavia is not expected before the end of the decade.