Skoda has updated the big-selling Octavia saloon and estate for 2024, and it's coming with a new face and an interior upgrade.
New LED headlights
At the front, you'll spot that the Octavia has a slightly slimmer radiator grille and new lights. These new multi-element lights are available, optionally, with LED Matrix units that feature what Skoda calls 'Crystallinium' sections that individually switch between high beam and low beam. Johannes Neft, Skoda's head of technical development, said: "At Skoda, we are always implementing improvements that provide added value and benefit for our customers. Our second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights are a prime example. With their increased light output, they also ensure even better selective shielding of oncoming road users from headlight glare thanks to advanced, state-of-the-art technology. In this way, they make a significant contribution to improving active safety." The basic headlights are now LED units, but only the higher-end models get the Matrix lights. There are also new LED brake lights in a basic form, as well as an optional version, which includes scrolling indicators.
There are also updated badges (now more two-dimensional, the better for their digital appearance) and revised Skoda lettering. The front and rear bumpers are also new, and they actually stretch the length of the Octavia ever so slightly, adding 9mm for a total of 4,698mm.
The Octavia also gets new wheel options - including new 16-inch versions - and there are new colours, including a Hyper Green that's exclusive to the sporty RS model and Phoenix Orange, which can only be had on the estate models.
Inside, the Octavia now gets an optional 13-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, with updated software. Standard versions also get a ten-inch screen and a ten-inch digital instrument panel. The 'Laura' digital voice assistant carries over but will be updated later in the year to feature ChatGPT-based AI voice control, which will be sent to cars via an over-the-air software update.
Better charging
All Octavias now get dual-zone climate control, and for higher-spec models, there's a new wireless phone charger which outputs 15 watts and includes a phone cooling function. There are also upgraded USB-C sockets, which now output up to 45 watts, which is enough to charge a laptop or a tablet. The keyless entry system (which Skoda calls 'Kessey') now automatically locks the car if it detects that the key has moved more than 1.5 meters away.
The Octavia's cabin gets updated upholstery, incorporating more recycled materials, while higher-end models get the option of leather and suede trims. For estate models, there's now an automatically retracting luggage cover, while for rear-seat passengers, there's now the option of a dedicated storage box to hold bags, cups and bottles. The familiar ice scraper (fitted to the inside of the fuel filler flap) and the umbrella that's tucked into a compartment in the driver's door are now made from sustainable materials.
The updated Octavia carries over most of its powertrains from the old model, although the basic 1.0-litre three-cylinder model has sadly been given the heave-ho. The entry-level engine is now a 116hp version of the 1.5 TSI turbo petrol four-cylinder petrol engine, while the entry-level diesel is the 116hp 2.0-litre TDI. There's also a 150hp version of the 1.5 TSI petrol, and as with the basic model, that can be optionally fitted with a DSG automatic gearbox that includes mild-hybrid assistance with a 48-volt starter-generator which allows for better stop-start response around town, as well as high-speed engine-off coasting. Both 1.5 TSI engines can also cut two cylinders under a light load.
More power, better economy
There's also a 150hp version of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, which comes in automatic-only form, and there are upgrades for the 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol models. There's a new 204hp 2.0 TSI which runs on what Skoda says is the Budack combustion cycle (which, unlike the Atkinson cycle, actually closes the intake valves earlier than normal, but the effect is the same - increased efficiency) and which is, for the moment, paired only with an auto gearbox and four-wheel drive.
At the top of the range, the Octavia RS matches its cousin, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, with a 20hp power increase to 265hp, but loses the diesel RS version.
What Skoda hasn't mentioned yet are the plug-in hybrid models, but we're expecting that, as before, the Octavia will mirror the Golf, so that means an upgraded 19kWh battery for a 100km electric range, rapid 50kW charging, and two models - a standard 202hp version, and a 270hp RS plug-in hybrid.
The Octavia gets uprated safety systems, too, including a new Attention and Drowsiness Assist, which aims to help you keep your concentration on the road ahead and can distinguish between short-term inattention (distraction) and long-term inattention (fatigue). An updated automated parking system will be expanded later in the year to allow you to move the Octavia remotely using your phone app.
Skoda will once again have an Octavia Sportline trim, which gives you the looks (but not the expense nor the insurance costs) of the RS versions and which will get a 15mm suspension drop to emphasise its sporty styling. The RS versions also get 15mm lower suspension but gain an electronically controlled VAQ limited-slip differential, which helps to get the power down in greasy conditions.
The updated Octavia has big shoes to fill - more than seven million Octavias have been sold since the model was first introduced in 1998, and this will likely be the last Octavia which will be offered with petrol or diesel power before the introduction of an all-electric replacement in 2028/9. Irish prices for this updated model have not yet been set, but it should be on sale here by the summer.