Skoda has launched new petrol engine variants for its fleet-orientated Octavia and Superb SE Technology models, citing increased demand from customers.

Skoda Octavia petrol SE Tech.

Marking the first time these models have featured petrols in the SE Technology line-up, the move sees three direct-injection turbocharged TSI petrol engines now available for the Octavia hatch and estate, including the 114bhp 1.0 TSI with a seven-speed automatic. On the estate, this brings up to 65.7mpg on the combined cycle and 108g/km CO2 (equating to BIK of 23%) with a 0-62mph time of 10.2 seconds. P11D values start from £20,755, down from £21,595 for the 106g/km 114bhp 1.6-litre diesel that was previously the entry-level model.

Also available is a 148bhp 1.4 TSI with manual and DSG gearbox while from 26 July an all-new 1.5-litre TSI with active cylinder technology (ACT) will join the line-up and will be available with a manual gearbox – P11D values start at £19,615 for the hatch and £20,815 for the estate. A DSG version will be introduced in the autumn.

For the Superb, the SE Technology line-up is available with a 148bhp 1.4 TSI with either DSG or manual gearboxes.

Last week saw Volkswagen announce that it’s adding petrol engines to the Passat, which was previously diesel only, with the two 1.4-litre TSI engines also being made available on the Tiguan.