2017 SKODA OCTAVIA Assistance Systems and Superior Connectivity – Video
ŠKODA has equipped their bestseller with a new range of connectivity services: mobile online services under the label ŠKODA Connect. These are divided into two categories: Infotainment online services for the navigation systems Amundsen and Columbus are used for information and navigation; Care Connect services provide assistance and remote access to the car, regardless of the infotainment system.
One particularly useful feature of Infotainment Online is Online Traffic Information, which indicates the real-time flow of traffic along the selected route and suggests useful alternative routes in case of traffic jams. The services also provide customized information on fuel prices, parking information, news and weather information online. Via the ŠKODA Connect portal, routes, destinations and points of interest can be transferred directly from the computer to the navigation system. Especially for the system Columbus, there are other services, including Google Earth™ and Google Street View™. The Online Map Update service regularly updates to the latest maps available.
Among the Care Connect services, the emergency call (eCall) is one of the most important. If a restraint system is triggered after an accident, an emergency call centre is alerted. In addition, there is a notification function for minor accidents, as well as a breakdown call service. Service Scheduling is also included in the Proactive Services. Here the owner is contacted by the dealer before the vehicle’s service is due in order to arrange a convenient and timely appointment.
The new ŠKODA Connect app on the smartphone also supports more Care Connect services; one particularly interesting feature is the new remote services. The Vehicle status service, for example, informs you about the status of the vehicle’s lighting, or open or closed doors. The Parking-position function shows the location of the vehicle. Honk & Flash makes it easier to find for the vehicle by sounding the horn and activating the hazard lights. Area Notification and Speed Notification inform the owner if the vehicle is moved without authorization.
The driver assistance systems in the comprehensively upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA go beyond compact-class standards. Some come from higher segments and complement the already very extensive range. The predictive pedestrian protection is specialized for city driving. In the range between 10 and 60 km/h, it triggers an emergency brake if a pedestrian dangerously steps out into oncoming traffic. The system is part of the optional Front Assist that includes city emergency braking function. Blind Spot Detect supports the driver when changing lanes with two radar sensors monitoring traffic at the rear. If a collision is imminent, a warning light is illuminated in the exterior mirror housing. Rear Traffic Alert assists when parallel parking or leaving a parking space; it detects oncoming vehicles very early.
Another innovation in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is the optional trailer assist. Using the rotary switch for the exterior mirrors, the driver specifies the angle at which they want to reverse their trailer. When the driver then slowly accelerates, the system makes appropriate steering suggestions. Maneuvre Assist helps when reversing without a trailer, activating the brakes soon as it detects an obstacle behind it.