Come next year, Skoda will look to update the Octavia by bringing it closer to the upcoming Kodiaq SUV in terms of styling.

According to chief designer Jozef Kaban, the Octavia is to remain “the heart of the range,” despite the inevitable SUV boom set to take place over the next few years.

As reported by Auto Express, the restyled Octavia will still differ from the Kodiaq in terms of their front ends. Where the SUV is set to get a two-tiered set-up in order to emphasize height, the Octavia will use wider lenses.

Other changes will include a distinctive LED light signature, restyled bumpers and a Superb-style grille – together completing the makeover at the front. At the back, we’ll still get C-shaped LED taillights, though slightly redesigned with a fresher appearance. Of course, all these changes will apply to both the liftback as well as the estate model.

Based on the same report, we’ve learned that Skoda would rather wait for the next generation Octavia in order to introduce a plug-in version. This means the 2017 car could pretty much have the same engines as 2016.

Things will be different on the inside though with a 9.5″ touchscreen with smartphone integration and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto rumored to be in the works. The Czech automaker might even offer more soft-touch plastics to complement the updated infotainment system.

Note: Skoda VisionD Concept pictured

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