Skoda chose Valentine’s Day for the unveiling of the facelifted Octavia. The Czech brand’s best-seller benefits from mild exterior tweaks and a technology boost while retaining the sedan (limo) and estate (Combi) bodystyles. The powertrain lineup initially includes gasoline, mild-hybrid, and diesel options, although a plug-in hybrid should be expected. Furthermore, the performance-focused RS trim is only available with a gasoline engine, bringing more power, sportier styling, and richer equipment.
The fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia
was introduced in 2019, so it was about time for a mid-lifecycle refresh to
bring it on par with the new generations of the larger Superb and Kodiaq.
Exterior changes are focused on the more complex headlights – optionally
available with LED Matrix “Crystallinium” tech – and the redesigned bumper
featuring taller side intakes.
Skoda designers also tweaked the rear
bumper, while adding fresh LED taillight graphics. Furthermore, the Sportline
trim replaces the shiny bits with gloss-black accents, sits closer to the
ground thanks to the sports suspension, and rides on an optional set of 19-inch
wheels. Inside, the Octavia now comes standard with a 10-inch digital
instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment display which can be optionally
upgraded to a larger 13-inch touchscreen. The model has new options for the
interior upholstery and trim materials, focused on sustainability.
Safety equipment has been upgraded with
the latest ADAS, including sophisticated features like the remote park assist
that will become available soon alongside an AI-based Chat GPT voice assistant.
The performance-focused Skoda Octavia RS is visually distinguished by the
lesser trims thanks to the sportier bumpers featuring triangular air intakes at
the front and dual exhaust pipes at the back. The interior is equally sporty
thanks to the front bucket seats, the black suede upholstery, the red
stitching, the carbon-style trim, the aluminum pedals, and the RS-branded
steering wheel with three spokes.
Unlike its predecessor which was available
in gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid forms, the facelifted RS comes with a
single powertrain option. The turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI brings an increased
output of 261 hp, matching the facelifted VW Golf GTI
sibling. The most powerful motor ever to be fitted in an Octavia is mated to a
seven-speed DSG automatic sending power to the front wheels with the help of an
electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. The sports suspension sits
15 mm lower compared to other trims, while the sports exhaust
enriches the soundtrack of the engine.
The rest of the Octavia lineup is offered
with non-electrified gasoline, mild-hybrid gasoline, and diesel powertrains as
seen on the chart below. It is safe to assume that the Skoda Octavia iV will
follow in the future, with an upgraded plug-in hybrid setup bringing a
significant increase in the zero-emission range. What we don’t know is whether
the CNG-fueled Octavia G-Tec will survive the facelift or not.
