Škoda has presented the innovated version of its bestselling model, the Škoda Octavia, featuring subtle design modifications, technology upgrades and a more sustainable interior.

“Our customers rightly expect a lot from the Octavia and this refresh takes our best-selling model to the next level. Innovations such as a fully redesigned infotainment system, new safety systems, increased use of sustainable materials and more powerful headlights make it an even better fit for everyday explorers. I’m confident our latest Octavia will surprise and delight its drivers and passengers, confirming its place as our most popular car,” says Klaus Zellmer, the CEO of Škoda.

Subtly rejuvenated

The changes to the car’s looks are noticeable without being obtrusive. These include a refashioning of the headlights, which now physically and graphically hug the radiator grille more closely. The grille itself has also undergone slight changes, with more upright slats, and the entire front end looks sleeker. One reason for this impression is the closer alignment of the front end’s lines. The rear bumper is also completely new.

The new Octavia is also available in the popular Combi version.

The new car looks very fresh, as if the designers had sketched in the changes with the lightest of touches. In fact, though, the design changes at the front and rear are profound and very sophisticated. Some elements of the updated Octavia are inspired by the new Superb, but the Octavia’s take on these solutions is a bit sportier. One philosophy of Škoda’s designers is that the smaller the model, the more dynamic its design can be. And indeed, the innovated Octavia also comes in an RS variant.

The new Škoda Octavia RS

Sustainability and better tech

Incidentally, the headlamps in the new design now also come with optional improved LED Matrix technology, with 36 segments instead of 24 and new features that allow the fog lamps to be taken out of the bumper. In this version, the headlights also feature the modern Crystallinium light element.

The refreshed looks are accentuated by improved, more powerful and redesigned headlights.

Inside, the occupants can look forward to more sustainable materials and an optional 13-inch on-board infotainment display. A ten-inch display is now standard, and the upgraded Octavia also comes with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard, more powerful charging of connected devices via USB-C and an improved Kessy keyless lock system.

The new Octavia will be available in four trim levels: Essence, Selection, Sportline and RS. On top of this, customers can choose an interior in one of nine Design Selection trims. There is also a choice of ergonomic seats with AGR certification and massage function.

The upgraded Octavia has been endowed with new assistance and safety features. The new Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist will make parking easier, for example, while safety, especially on long journeys, is enhanced by a new system for assessing driver fatigue. This system no longer works with data on steering wheel movements alone – it monitors information from multiple sources and can distinguish between short-term inattention and actual fatigue. The AI-based ChatGPT chatbot will be integrated into the Laura voice assistant as standard, introducing a variety of new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice commands.

The range of body colours comprises three basic non-metallic and seven metallic shades.

Powerful engines

Under the bonnet, the updated Octavia can have one of five power units. The basic option is the 85 kW 1.5 TSI engine, which is coupled with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. There’s also a 110 kW version of this power unit, while the version with DSG transmission is always mild-hybrid.

Higher up the range are the two-litre engines: for the all-wheel drive version, the 2.0 TSI engine with 150 kW and automatic transmission will be available, while the top RS with DSG transmission delivers 195 kW. Two 2.0 TDI diesel engines are also available: the 85 kW variant has a six-speed manual gearbox, and the 110 kW version again has a seven-speed DSG.

Sportline variant of the new Škoda Octavia