Czech automaker Skoda has showcased the connectivity services and driver-assistance features of the facelifted Octavia. The new connectivity services have been added to the car under the name ‘Skoda Connect’, which is further divided into Infotainment Online and Care Connect services.
To start with, the Infotainment Online comes with live traffic info – real-time flow of traffic along the selected route and suggestion of alternative routes in case of jams – for the navigation systems, Amundsen and Columbus. It also showcases customised information on fuel prices, parking information, news and weather information online. The Columbus system additionally offers services such as Google Earth and Google Street View.
The Car Connect services include an emergency call (eCall) function. It functions like Ford’s Emergency Assistance system to alert the Skoda’s emergency call centre in case of a mishap. The updated Skoda Connect app now supports more Care Connect services. Among many new ones, it now features remote services such as Vehicle Status (which provides the status of the car's lighting and the locking or unlocking of doors), Parking-position, and Honk & Flash (helps to find for the vehicle by sounding the horn and activating the hazard lights), along with Area and Speed Notification.
The final party trick in the updated Octy is the new driver-assistance system, which includes predictive pedestrian protection, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, Trailer Assist and Manoeuvre Assist. The 2017 facelifted Octavia will go on sale next year in India and will compete with the upcoming mid-cycle update of the Toyota Corolla and the new Hyundai Elantra, along with the anticipated second-gen Cruze, among others. Apart from the driver-assist function, Skoda might offer some of the features of the new connectivity services with the 2017 Octavia in the country.
Source: CarDekho.com
