Review
Škoda continues to impress with the latest update of the Octavia range, offering second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights using advanced Crystallinium element tech, that comes into their own in night-driving.
VIDEO: Watch what automatic lighting can offer
AM got to drive the Sportline variant of the Octavia Estate Special Edition 1.5 TSI e-TEC on a long term basis and put the automatic lighting through its paces during a typically murky British winter.
Škoda has standardised LED technology across all the Octavia range. On the Selection and Sportline trim levels, the second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights are available as an upgrade, while they come as standard on the sporty RS model.
These advanced headlights house two LED modules - the outer bi-LED module handles both low and high beams, while the inner module features 36 individual matrix segments in two rows, an increase of 12 segments from the previous generation.
This upgrade makes for better precision in light distribution, allowing for brighter and more targeted illumination while ensuring that oncoming drivers are shielded more effectively when the high beam is active.
That's becoming increasingly important as glare is perceived as a safey risk for drivers of oncoming vehicles. According to the AA, brighter headlights have become a concern, with three quarters of its members saying they have been blinded by oncoming cars.
There has also been confusion over LEDs. Many new vehicles that use these LED light units have been homologated with the headlamp units. The whiter light these produce is more noticeable and humans eyes are drawn to notice whiter colour temperature light, but that is different to causing glare. These LEDs are road legal. LED bulbs though are currently not road legal and should not be confused with LED light units that are non-replaceable components.
The automatic shielding of oncoming vehicles using the car's sensors and cameras, allows drivers to keep their high beams on without worrying about dazzling other road users.
Precision
Functionality is where the Škoda's LED Matrix headlights truly shine - literally. The precise control offered by the 36 matrix segments means driving on unlit roads feels safer. This system is complemented by the replacement of traditional fog lights with an all-weather function, which adapts the light output to suit various weather conditions.
Whether it’s heavy rain, fog, or snow, the headlights adjust themselves to provide optimal visibility. AM found that the action was most noticeable in fog as the beam visibly shifts as the fogs increases or decreases in density.
The true test of any new technology is how it performs in everyday scenarios, and the second-generation LED Matrix headlights excel in this regard.
Driving the car on a long term basis during the bleak midwinter, AM found the system provided excellent visibility on dark, twisty rural roads in night-time conditions with both the greater light output and better shielding delivering a more confident and responsive driving experience.
The additional 12 matrix segments play a crucial role here, offering finer control over the light beam and ensuring every part of the road ahead is clearly illuminated.
The second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights are more than just a fancy new feature - they’re a genuine enhancement that makes night driving safer, and offers a sense of assurance even in the worst weather conditions.
New Finance Deals
Skoda ended 2024 with a sweetened finance option for the Škoda Octavia range and the New Year follows suit with the addition of a 0% APR PCP offer on the Octavia Estate SportLine which comes with a £279 service plan covering the first two consecutive services. The maximum 24-month term is offered through Škoda Financial Services.
At a retail cash price of £33,900 on a 10,000 annual mileage basis, using the manufacturer’s finance calculator, the latest offer with no Skoda deposit contribution at 0% APR will cost 23 monthly payments of £475.50 with a customer deposit of £6,102.
A £3,000 deposit contribution from Skoda at 6.9% APR with 49 monthly payments on the same 10,000 annual mileage basis sees monthly payments drop to £351.04 with the customer putting down a £6,102 deposit, although to get this offer, the car needs to be ordered by 31 March.
2024 Octavia Success
In what was a bumper year for new and revised Škoda models last year, this substantially updated Octavia range which introduced a number of key design enhancements and boosted specifications, saw a 3.5 per cent uptick in sales at 11,047 units.
As ever, the ultra-practical estate variant was the most popular choice for UK buyers, accounting for 60% of all UK Octavia registrations. It's not hard to see why.
Factsheet
Price: £35,900
Efficiency: 54.4-52.3 mpg 118-123 CO2 g/km
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Top speed: 139 mph
0-62mph: 8.6 secs
Author:
Aimee Turner
Deputy editor
AM deputy editor Aimée Turner has been a specialist B2B editor and journalist covering the international transportation sector for more than 20 years.
She has specialised in the significant safety, regulatory, and environmental issues that impact advanced technology businesses in the pursuit of more efficient, safer and sustainable transportation modes.
