Motorists in the UK considering buying a new Skoda Octavia may have just had their decision made easier by the introduction of two new feature-rich trim levels. Both are based on the mid-range SE but offer some desirable new equipment to sweeten the deal.

First up is the Octavia SE Sport, which gets 17-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and an interior upgraded with a sporty multi-function steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, standard cruise control and Amundsen sat-nav with wi-fi.

The SE Technology model, meanwhile, replaces the outgoing SE Business model. It packs those same interior upgrades, plus front and rear parking sensors, rain and light sensors, a chrome package, and more.

Customers can choose between the hatchback/sedan and wagon body-styles, manual or dual-clutch transmissions, and a variety of engines, but should only expect to pay around £1,000 over the price of the standard SE model.

Skoda first introduced the Octavia in 1996 as its own version of the Volkswagen Jetta. The current third-generation model arrived in 2013 based on the same MQB platform that underpins the Golf, Seat Leon and Audi A3.

Of course the vRS performance model remains our favorite, with its sleeper look and prodigious performance. But for those who don’t need all the muscle, these new trim levels present compelling options.

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