The ŠKODA OCTAVIA delivers safety without compromise. This compact saloon was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test in 2013 for its exemplary safety features. Besides the safety systems outlined above, the following features are available as a standard or option in the OCTAVIA:
› EDL boosts acceleration or uphill driving in response to low traction under one of the driven wheels.
› XDS+ helps the driver during sharp turns and ensures that the vehicle behaves neutrally during dynamic cornering. The control electronics essentially simulate the presence of a self-locking differential to improve traction and driving dynamics during turns. As a result, the vehicle will take bends much more assuredly and naturally than before.
› ABS keeps the wheels from locking during emergency braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
› MSR counters the locking action of the driving wheels, which can occur when the driver decelerates on a smooth surface.
› By increasing the braking pressure, the braking assistant helps drivers in situations in which emergency braking is necessary. This can significantly reduce the braking distance required.
› The ASR ensures smooth starting and acceleration without the wheels spinning on slippery surfaces.
› Optional Electronic Tyre Pressure Monitoring keeps the driver informed of tyre pressure at all times.
› The optional Hill-Hold Control assist helps drivers start uphill safely. The system activates itself on gradients of five per cent or more and ensures easy and safe uphill starting without the use of the hand brake. The system keeps the car from rolling backwards or stalling.
› Flashing brake lights reduce the risk of rear-end impact, especially when approaching traffic jams on highways or suddenly braking in front of an unexpected obstacle.
With its intelligent 4×4, the OCTAVIA provides great stability and traction under various driving conditions. The drivetrain with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch deals with even the slightest change under OCTAVIA wheels within milliseconds. Under normal conditions, the car drives like a regular front-wheeler. In snow, mud or ice it turns into a 4×4 without you even noticing.
The torque distribution to all four wheels is automatic and depends on the driving environment. The ideal torque for the rear axle is calculated by the control unit. Adjustments are made by variable pressure on the clutch plates.
The idea of the Start-Stop system is to switch the engine off every time there is no need for it to be running, a particularly practical feature in an urban environment as it cuts down significantly on fuel consumption. The Start-Stop system is activated automatically after the engine is started and can be manually switched off at any time.
What happens when energy is recovered? Kinetic energy is transformed into usable electricity, which is stored in the battery or used in electric systems. During engine braking, the alternator supplies the electricity to appliances and recharges the battery. This saves on the fuel that would otherwise be used for these tasks.
One of the modes offered by the Driving Mode Selection system is Eco – a mode for environmentally conscious drivers who make economical driving a priority. A specific feature of the Eco mode is the coasting mode in cars with automatic DSG transmission. Coasting mode is used when you are driving without your foot on the accelerator.
The right choice of gear ratio can save fuel and increase driving comfort. Lower engine speeds equate to lower fuel consumption and quieter engine operation. The symbols in the upper right corner of the display either confirm that the current gear is correct or recommend changing up or down a gear.