Overview
- Škoda has put an eight‑speed torque‑converter automatic behind the 1.0‑litre TSI, replacing the older six‑speed unit to directly address the car’s previous low‑speed hesitation.
- Test driving shows the closer gear ratios deliver smoother city shifts and the tall seventh and eighth gears let the engine idle at lower revs on highways, cutting cabin noise and improving real‑world fuel economy.
- The facelift also brings visible exterior tweaks and cabin upgrades, including a sharper grille, redesigned LED lights, a 10.1‑inch touchscreen with a Google Cloud AI companion, a 360° camera, ventilated front seats and a rear‑seat massage function.
- Safety and chassis tuning remain strong with a five‑star Global NCAP rating and a European‑tuned suspension that balances pothole absorption with confident cornering.
- Škoda has nudged up prices on higher trims and the revised 1.0 TSI still lags the larger 1.5 TSI DSG for outright acceleration, but the package aims to keep the sedan competitive against rising crossover demand.