The facelifted Škoda Octavia was presented with two specifications of the popular four-cylinder 1.5 TSI petrol engine. The model’s new base unit is an 85kW weaker variant and we asked Skoda how it differs from the original 110kW more powerful version.
The new facelifted Škoda Octavia was officially revealed on Valentine’s Day. The first novelty of the Škoda from Mladá Boleslav, along with a more modern design and an improved interior, also brought a modernized range of engines, with which, following the example of the Volkswagen Golf concern, it gives up the basic supercharged three-cylinder gasoline 1.0 TSI in the past. The new basic motorization thus becomes a weaker four-cylinder 15-liter.
The facelifted Škoda Octavia was presented with a new basic 1.5 TSI four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 85 kW (115 hp), which in the press release looks like only a weaker specification of the popular more powerful 1.5 TSI four-cylinder engine by 110 kW (150 hp). As a follow-up to our readers’ discussion, we asked Michaela Sklenářová, the Czech press spokesperson for Škoda Auto, and we bring you complete information about the new base engine for the Octavia. You will learn everything important in our short interview.
How much different is the weaker 1500 85 kW unit from the more powerful unit tuned to 110 kW? Is it only a software modification of the control unit, or are the mechanical components of the engines also different, such as the turbocharger?
Both 1.5 TSI engines are identical in terms of construction. They use a Miller combustion cycle and a variable geometry turbocharger. The intake system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine mounting and gear ratio are also matched. Different performance parameters are achieved by the application. Coupled with the DQ200 automatic transmission, both engines come standard with mHEV technology.
The Škoda Octavia 1.5 TSI is offered both with a conventional chassis (in normal, sports and raised variants) and with adaptive DCC shock absorbers. Each variant has a specific tuning, which further varies according to the equipment configuration of the car.
Our readers are wondering if the base 1.5 TSI 85 kW engine will have the ACT cylinder deactivation function, as well as the more powerful 110 kW version? If so, won’t it affect the refinement of the engine – especially considering the lower maximum power and torque?
Both engines are equipped with the ACT+ system. Cylinder deactivation works exclusively at lower loads and engine speeds. In terms of application, both performance versions are treated identically.
Is the control unit “open” for “chipping”, which is popular in the Czech Republic, i.e. tuning modifications of the engine software? Owners could see this as an opportunity to increase performance in the future.
Control units of Škoda cars are protected against manipulation of both software and data and characteristics. For example, they use checksum methods or software verification of the plausibility of input signals. If software tampering is detected, the control unit will be blocked and the immobilizer warning light will light up.
In addition, from 2023, all new engine control units destined for the European market are equipped with new safety features to meet the uniform provisions for the approval of vehicles in terms of cyber security according to UNECE Regulation No. 155.
For example, the control units must be “unlocked” before any changes to the settings, software or parameterization by logging in to a special server where, after authorization by the technician, the unit is released for modifications for a limited time. The number of authorized users on the server is strictly limited and controlled. All actions are monitored and archived on the server for retrospective analyses.
2024-02-23 17:53:00
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