Skoda has presented for the first time the renewal of its most popular and successful model, the Octavia. After four generations and 27 years on the market – it was launched in 1996 – the Czech company’s saloon exceeds 7.15 million units sold in 60 markets. Spaciousness and load capacity, cutting-edge technologies, excellent quality-price ratio, reliability and solvency and an eminently practical and functional approach have been the arguments that have traditionally convinced the public that is looking for a complete, coherent, rational and versatile car.
The added value of the Octavia is precisely its sobriety and prestige. Oblivious to passing fashions, revolutionary designs and resources that are more flashy than intelligent, the Czech three-volume continues to rely on its traditional strengths.
The objective of the Mladá Boleslav technicians with the introduction of the improvements is to add benefits to customers, make life on board easier for drivers and implement tangible evolutions with real results and advantages. Thus, unlike the updates of other manufacturers, focused on “change for the sake of change”, at Skoda they have focused on advances that, rather than surprising, convince their potential buyers and users.
In this sense, to refresh its appeal and offer a more emotional image, the new Octavia debuts a revised grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and logos and lettering in line with Skoda’s renewed design language, along with new alloy wheels. 16, 17, 18 and 19 inches.
The visual improvements also have to do with the lighting technology of the new Octavia, which incorporates second-generation Matrix LED headlights with new Crystallimium elements and 36 individual matrix segments that offer 40% more light power compared to the previous generation and better protection of drivers traveling in the opposite direction against glare from headlights. The LED taillights with animated turn signals have also been revised.
Inside, in addition to new and sustainable materials for the seats, dashboard and door panels, a new 10-inch digital screen is now included in certain model variants. The popular 10-inch Virtual Cockpit remains available, while a 13-inch infotainment screen will be offered as an option for the model for the first time.
However, the most striking technological novelty of the renewed Octavia is the AI-based ChatGPT chatbot that will later be integrated as standard into the Laura voice assistant. This will introduce a variety of new capabilities that will go beyond previously known commands.
As for the mechanics, the range consists of two 1.5 TSI gasoline engines of 115 and 150 HP, optionally available with mild-hybrid technology (mHEV) associated with a DSG box. Above are two higher-power 2.0 TSI gasoline engines, with 204 HP – which will arrive in 2025 – and 265 HP, corresponding to the RS saga.
As is tradition for the brand, the family of RS versions will carry Skoda’s sporting legacy to the top-of-the-range finish of the Octavia, both in its sedan and family (Combi) body variants. Finally, the mechanical options are completed with two diesel blocks, 115 and 150 HP.
