Restyled version Skoda Octavia third generation, designated A7 FL (Facelift), has become one of the most anticipated events in the C-Class segment. The car, which was already extremely popular in Russia and Europe, received not just cosmetic improvements, but also a number of significant technical improvements. The engineers of the Czech concern tried to make the model even more modern and competitive in the face of tough competition with Japanese and Korean counterparts.
Many buyers are wondering whether it is worth overpaying for the updated version or whether it is better to take the pre-facelift version. To make an informed decision, it is necessary to study in detail the changes in optics, radiator grille, and also understand how the line of power units has been transformed. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the model. Octavia A7 FL, so that you can assess its real value and prospects.
Appearance and stylistic innovations
The first thing that catches your eye when meeting the facelift is the new front part of the body. The designers abandoned the old narrow radiator grille in favor of a wider one integrated into the bumper. This made it visually Skoda more squat and aggressive. The optics received a new form, and most importantly, LED optics became standard equipment on many trim levels, which was a big step forward compared to pre-facelift.
The rear of the car has also undergone changes. The LED lights now have a more complex internal structure and are optically connected by a chrome strip under the trunk glass. This gives the car a finished and expensive look. Importantly, the trunk lid now opens higher, making it easier to load large items into the spacious compartment. 568 liters in a sedan and even more in a station wagon.
The color palette has been expanded with new shades, including metallic and pearlescent, which highlight the lines of the body. However, you should be careful when choosing colors, as some shades, e.g. silver Quartz Gray, in the sun may look different than in the dealer's showroom. This is due to the features of multi-layer painting, which has become standard for top trim levels.
โ ๏ธ Attention: When inspecting a used Octavia A7 FL Be sure to check the joints between the fender and the hood. Uneven gaps may indicate poor-quality repairs after an accident, which is often found on used cars.
Interior and cabin ergonomics
The car interior has become more technologically advanced and of higher quality. The main innovation was the new multimedia complex, which now has a screen diagonal 9.2 inches in top versions. System interface Amundsen or Discover Pro became more intuitive, and the response speed increased. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are now standard, which is critical for today's drivers.
The steering wheel has also changed, receiving a new shape and tactilely pleasant materials. It now has additional buttons for controlling cruise control and multimedia. The seats have become more enveloping, and in trim levels with position memory, it is now possible to adjust the lumbar support in four directions. This significantly reduces fatigue on long highway trips.
The finishing materials have become softer to the touch, although in the basic versions the plastic is still hard. The instrument panel has new graphics, which can change depending on the selected driving mode. In sport mode, the arrows turn red, and in economy mode they turn green, which adds dynamics to the perception of information.
- ๐ New multimedia system with a large screen and support for smartphones
- ๐บ Improved seat ergonomics with better lateral support
- โจ High-quality finishing materials in the tactile contact area
โ ๏ธ Attention: Please pay attention to the state of the media screen. In some batches Octavia A7 FL There have been problems with the protective layer of glass peeling off, which creates the effect of a โgreasy stainโ on the display.
- Sedan
- Station wagon (Combi)
- Sports version (RS)
- Minimal interest in the body
Range of engines and transmissions
Under the hood Skoda Octavia A7 FL the most significant changes have occurred. Old naturally aspirated engines have given way to new turbocharged units of the family EA211. Now the base option has become a 1.4-liter turbo engine with power 125 hp, which provides excellent dynamics with moderate fuel consumption. It is paired with both a manual transmission and a DSG robotic transmission.
For those who like more active driving, a 1.8-liter engine with a power of 180 hp, which accelerates the car to hundreds in less than 8 seconds. This engine is often paired with 4x4 all-wheel drive and sports suspension. It is also worth mentioning the diesel versions 1.6 and 2.0 TDI, which remain popular among taxi drivers and truckers due to their reliability and efficiency.
The DSG-7 (DQ200) gearbox with dry clutches has become the object of close attention. Despite its effectiveness, it requires regular maintenance. Owners should change the mechatronics oil every 60,000 km, and clutch - depending on driving style. The manual transmission has remained a reliable alternative for those wary of complex electronics.
- โ๏ธ New TSI turbo engines with improved efficiency
- ๐ง The DSG robotic gearbox requires strict maintenance regulations
- ๐ Diesel versions offer excellent traction at low speeds
What you need to know about the DSG gearbox?
Dry clutches of the DQ200 robot are sensitive to overheating in traffic jams. It is recommended to switch the gearbox to neutral during long periods of parking in order to extend the life of the mechanism.
Chassis and handling
Suspension Octavia A7 FL has undergone changes, becoming more balanced. Engineers retuned the shock absorbers and springs to give the car better road holding at high speeds without becoming too harsh. The front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension provide a decent level of comfort on Russian roads.
The steering has become more informative, especially in combination with the system Progressive Steering (variable gear ratio), which is available in expensive trim levels. At low speeds, the steering wheel becomes lighter, making parking easier, and on the highway, it becomes stiffer, ensuring trajectory stability. This is a very useful feature for city driving.
The vehicle ground clearance is 152 mm, which is a compromise between sporty handling and cross-country ability. For bad roads this may not be enough, so many owners install protective body elements. Sound insulation has also been improved with additional layers of material in the arches and floor.
Be sure to take it for a test drive over rough terrain before purchasing. If the suspension makes dull knocks when passing speed bumps, this may indicate problems with the stabilizer struts or silent blocks of the levers.
Security systems and assistants
Safety in Octavia A7 FL reached a new level thanks to the implementation of the system Front Assist with automatic braking function. This system is able to recognize a pedestrian or obstacle and automatically stop the car if the driver does not respond to warnings. A blind spot monitoring system is also available, which is especially useful when changing lanes on the highway.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows you to maintain not only your speed, but also your distance from the vehicle in front. In traffic jams, the car can come to a complete stop and start following the leader. This significantly reduces the load on the driver in heavy traffic. Traffic Sign Recognition also helps you avoid fines by displaying current speed limits on the dashboard.
A rear view camera with dynamic guides has become a mandatory element in most trim levels. It greatly simplifies parking by showing the trajectory of the car depending on the position of the steering wheel. Some versions have a 360-degree camera available, creating a panoramic view around the car.
| System | Function | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Front Assist | Emergency braking | Basic/Top |
| ACC | Adaptive cruise control | Top |
| Blind Spot | Blind Spot Monitoring | Average/Top |
| Lane Assist | Lane keeping | Top |
Reliability and typical problems
Despite the high reliability, Octavia A7 FL has a number of typical problems that you should be aware of before purchasing. The main "sore" is the turbocharger on TSI engines, which may require replacement after about 150,000 km. There is also a stretching of the timing chain, which requires replacement when a characteristic ringing occurs when cold.
In electrical engineering, problems often arise with tire pressure sensors and comfort control units. The media screen may freeze, requiring a reboot. In the cabin, you should pay attention to the squeaks of plastic, which over time begins to irritate when driving over uneven surfaces. This is not critical, but it reduces the feeling of comfort.
Rust on the body is rare, but it is worth checking the sills and arches, especially on cars operated in regions with aggressive salt. The paint coating is quite thin, so chips appear quickly. It is recommended to apply a protective film to the front of the body immediately after purchase.
- ๐ฉ The timing chain needs to be replaced before knocking occurs.
- ๐ The turbine may fail at high mileage
- ๐ Electrical sensors sometimes give false alarms
Regular maintenance and the use of high-quality consumables are the key to a long life Octavia A7 FL. Failure to change the engine and transmission oil will result in costly repairs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Which engine is better to choose for the city?
For city use, the best option is the 1.4 TSI engine with 125 hp. paired with a DSG robot. It provides sufficient dynamics for overtaking and has low fuel consumption in traffic jams.
Is the DSG gearbox reliable on the Octavia A7 FL?
Yes, subject to regular maintenance. The DQ200 robot (dry clutch) is more reliable than previous versions, but requires an oil change in the mechatronics every 60 thousand kilometers. Avoid long stops in traffic jams on the drive.
Is the ground clearance different for a sedan and a station wagon?
The ground clearance for both versions is the same - 152 mm. However, due to its greater length and weight, the wagon may be a little more sensitive to bumps at high speeds.
Is it worth getting the version with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive (4x4) is recommended if you frequently drive in snow or off-road. In urban environments, the front-wheel drive version is more economical and cheaper to maintain.
How often should the timing belt be changed?
The official regulations prescribe replacement every 210,000 km, but experienced craftsmen recommend changing the chain or belt (depending on the engine) earlier, with a mileage of about 100-120 thousand km, to avoid breakage.