In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, the Skoda Octavia stands out as a testament to innovation and design excellence. Today, Skoda Auto unveiled the modernized version of its best-selling model, the Octavia, in both liftback and estate versions. This update to the fourth generation brings subtle design enhancements, a slightly modified interior, and revamped equipment, alongside improvements in technology and mechanics.
A New Dawn in Design
The facelifted Octavia catches the eye with its new headlights, now standard with LED technology and optionally available with Matrix LED technology. These headlights feature a new light signature, accentuated by a new blue-colored detail, and contain two LED modules, enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal. The rear lights also adopt LED technology, with the top LED rear lights featuring an animated Coming/Leaving Home function.
The exterior sees the addition of new bumpers, extending the overall length of both body styles by 9 mm to 4698 mm. The front bumper sports a new sporty shape with improved air intakes, and the grille has been adjusted to match the height of the new headlights. The wheel offering has expanded to include aerodynamic 16” Matar wheels, black 17” Slagard wheels, 18” Lerna wheels, and 19” Elias wheels for RS models with black aerodynamic covers.
Inside the Modernized Cabin
The cabin introduces a standard 10” digital instrument cluster and a 10” virtual cockpit mini, with a new infotainment system featuring a 13” touchscreen now available. The voice assistant Laura is enhanced with ChatGPT, incorporating artificial intelligence for an improved user experience.
Sustainability takes center stage in the cabin’s redesign, with new upholstery, decorative strips, and door panel fillings. Recycled fabrics and sustainably processed leather are now more prevalent, alongside new Dark Chrome decorative strips and a new Skoda logo on the steering wheel.
Performance and Efficiency
The Octavia’s engine lineup begins with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine, available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, and optionally complemented by a mild-hybrid 48V system. This engine configuration offers up to 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. The more powerful 2.0 TSI petrol engine, also available in two configurations, provides up to 195 kW (265 hp) for the Octavia RS model.
Diesel options include 2.0 TDI engines, offering up to 110 kW (150 hp) and paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. Notably, the facelifted Octavia does not include a plug-in hybrid option, though this may be introduced later.
| Petrol engines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Torque | Drive | Transmission |
| 1.5 TSI/85 kW (115 k) | 220 | Front wheel drive | 6speed manual |
| 1.5 TSI/85 kW (115 k) mHEV | 220 | Front wheel drive | 7speed automatic |
| 1.5 TSI/110 kW (150 k) | 250 | Front wheel drive | 6speed manual |
| 1.5 TSI/110 kW (150 k) mHEV | 250 | Front wheel drive | 7speed automatic |
| 2.0 TSI/150 kW (204 k) (2025) | 320 | All wheel drive | 7speed automatic |
| 2.0 TSI/195 kW (265 k) | 370 | Front wheel drive | 7speed automatic |
| Diesel engines | |||
| Power | Torque | Drive | Transmission |
| 2.0 TDI/85 kW (115 k) | 300 | Front wheel drive | 6speed manual |
| 2.0 TDI/110 kW (150 k) | 300 | Front wheel drive | 7speed automatic |
A Leap Forward in Technology
The updated Octavia features an improved driver fatigue detection system, borrowed from the Superb and Kodiaq models, and a new version of automatic parking, now also controllable via the MySkoda app over Bluetooth.
For enthusiasts of sporty driving, the Octavia Sportline offers a 15 mm lower sports suspension and progressive steering, with design elements finished in black metallic paint. The RS model, the pinnacle of sportiness, comes with a 2.0 TSI engine delivering 195 kW (265 hp), a lowered suspension, and distinctive design features that underscore its performance capabilities.
Controversial Yet Iconic Design
The facelift introduces a bold step in design, especially with the front lights that promise to polarize opinions. Designers aimed to extend the light signature beyond the lamp’s outline, creating a distinctive and controversial design element. This design choice reflects Skoda’s commitment to innovation and uniqueness in the automotive industry.
Skoda has prepared a special website where you can explore all new models: https://www.newskodaoctavia.com/showroom
Do you like the new design? Leave your answer below in comments.
