New 2021 Skoda Octavia Sportline unveiled

Skoda will soon launch its popular Sportline trim-level on the fourth-generation Octavia. The new model is due to go on sale in the UK towards the end of the year with a few sporty styling tweaks and some more technology options.

Cosmetic upgrades over the standard Skoda Octavia include new 18-inch alloy wheels, a fresh front splitter, a revised radiator grille, a rear diffuser and black badging. The Sportline is available as a hatchback or an estate, with the former option coming featuring a black tailgate spoiler fitted as standard.

Inside, the new Skoda Octavia Sportline features piano black trim for the dashboard, a new fabric finish for the instrument binnacle and a pair of sports seats, trimmed in Skoda’s breathable Thermoflux upholstery. Buyers will also get a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Octavia Sportline has long been a slightly cheaper alternative to the vRS, but retains some of the hot flagship’s sporting credentials. As such, it’ll be available with the same dynamic chassis control system and adaptive dampers as the vRS, offering specific settings for “comfortable” or “sporty” driving.

Buyers will be able to choose from a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as either front or four-wheel drive. The range opens with a 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol unit, generating 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. 

It’s paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available as an option. The DSG also adds 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

Above that sits a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which is a new introduction to the Octavia line-up. This motor produces 187bhp and 320Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard.

Three diesels will also be available, all of which are based around the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The cheapest option has 113bhp; the middle version 148bhp and the most expensive model offers 197bhp.

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The fastest diesel will come with a seven-speed DSG and four-wheel drive as standard, although buyers will be able to specify the drivetrain as an option on the 148bhp model.

At the top of the Octavia Sportline range will be a plug-in hybrid model. The system comprises a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor and 13kWh battery for a combined output of 201bhp and 350Nm of torque.

In the standard Octavia, Skoda says the powertrain will deliver 34 miles of pure-electric range and up to 282.5mpg, although those figures could change slightly due to the Sportline’s larger wheels and more aggressive bodywork.

Now read all the latest news on the Skoda Octavia vRS line-up here…