We have gone to the Czech Republic for a test drive of the facelifted version.
Octavia has had a facelift. (Photo: Škoda) Unpretentious design
Škoda has not made itself known for offering particularly challenging designs. Thus, expectations were not high but the subtle updates implemented help the model not look outdated.
In times where the market is bombarded by various electric cars that try to look more or less spectacular, it is liberating to have a car that offers clean lines. I could even go so far as to call the updated Octavia unassumingly elegant.
One of the most striking updates to the exterior is the headlights. More aggressive shape is combined with full LED matrix functionality with 36 squares as an option. Another innovation on the lighting front is full LED rear lights with crystalline elements and dynamic indicators.
Octavia is decidedly conservative. (Photo: Škoda)
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No plug-in hybrid
In Sweden, the Octavia will initially be offered with three powertrains. If you want to fill up with petrol, there are two different 1.5 TSI petrol engines. The first with an output of 116 horsepower where you can choose to both shift yourself or have it happen automatically.
The stronger petrol engine delivers 150 horsepower, and there you can’t choose to shift yourself. As long as you choose an automatic transmission for your petrol engine, you also get a mild hybrid system in the bargain, regardless of engine size.
If you want to fill up with diesel instead, there is a 2.0 TDI engine that delivers 150 horsepower and automatic transmission. For those who have a busy schedule and need to complete the transports a little faster, an RS version will be launched later this year. Then you get 265 horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine that drives the front wheels via an automatic transmission.
The observant notes that both a plug-in hybrid and a four-wheel drive option are missing, which are two powertrains that the intended target group often requests.
The big question is whether we have to wait until the next generation or whether there may be more in the future? The technology for the platform is within the group, so it is not entirely impossible that the current generation gets additional driveline options.
Octavia will not come to Sweden as a plug-in hybrid. (Photo: Škoda)
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Digital interior
In the new Octavia models, a 10-inch infotainment screen is standard, and it can also be upgraded to a 13-inch screen. The infotainment screen is complemented by a 10-inch instrument panel and two-zone climate control as standard.
For the first time, ChatGPT and the voice assistant Laura are paired with the infotainment system as standard. The system didn’t impress much during the times I tried using it. Hopefully some future update can remedy that.
The new Octavia also implements the Kessy keyless locking system, which automatically detects where the driver with the key is and then automatically locks or unlocks the car.
The interior has received several digitized features. (Photo: Škoda)
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Affordable luxury
As for the various equipment levels that can be chosen, they follow the same concept that we have seen on the Enyaq and the upcoming Superb and Kodiaq. In the Swedish market, Selection, Sportline and RS will be offered where the interior can be equipped in Lodge, Lounge or Suite styles.
In the most luxurious edition, you can get both ventilation and massage, which increases the comfort level significantly. In addition, the brown leather is tanned according to an environmentally sustainable process. If you want to enhance the premium feeling even further, you can choose three-zone climate control and a panoramic glass roof.
Octavia has become slightly more premium. (Photo: Škoda)
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Enhanced security
As the customer group for Octavia largely consists of families, it is gratifying that several new safety systems are being added and existing ones are being updated. Among other things, a system is being introduced that assesses the driver’s behavior and warns if the driver is considered to be distracted.
In addition, it will be easier to park as Octavia will be able to park and drive out of difficult-to-maneuver parking spaces all by itself. In addition, you should be able to control the parking via the MyŠkoda app when you are standing outside the car. A prerequisite for it to work is that you choose a powertrain with an automatic gearbox.
Octavia focuses on safety. (Photo: Škoda)
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Relaxed dynamic
On the road, the updated Octavia behaves as you would expect. The behavior is clearly more nimble than big brother Superb, even if you retain a large dose of comfort. The adjustable DCC shock absorption helps to choose whether the emphasis should be on sport or comfort.
Even in the basic version, the car is still a pleasant acquaintance. Even at higher speeds, there is good stability and the noise level never becomes disturbingly high. For most families, the Octavia could solve most transports. This applies regardless of whether you look at it from a comfort or practicality perspective.
The new Octavia is pleasant to drive. (Photo: Škoda)
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Spacious luggage compartment
In Sweden, which is the promised country of hatchbacks, hatchbacks will not be sold, but we will have to make do with the option that loads the most. More precisely, you can get 640 liters when the back seat is folded up and 1700 liters if you fold it down.
The rear seat is not wasteful in its design, the Chinese with their penchant for elongated models would surely have been disappointed, but I can sit behind myself without any major problems. If you don’t belong to an unusually well-grown family, Octavia will work perfectly. In classic Škoda fashion, there are smart solutions such as phone pockets and a built-in snow scraper in the fuel cap.
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The Skoda Octavia impresses
The updated version of the Octavia balances a series of important characteristics that often define whether or not one succeeds in the segment. Octavia offers good enough comfort, ravishing practicality and powertrains that provide sufficient performance without ruining the potential speculator with either the purchase or the fuel cost.
As long as you don’t think you have a huge need for four-wheel drive or want to sit up in the clouds, I have a hard time seeing how any other car has the potential to solve everyday challenges better than the Octavia.
Based on a purely rational and practical approach, the Octavia manages to live up to the classic requirements for a family car. The packaging therefore appears somewhat conservative, but that does not necessarily have to be a bad thing.
The new Octavia does exactly what you expect. (Photo: Škoda)First impression of Škoda Octavia: 4.5/5
Škoda Octavia 1.5 tsi M-hev (2024)
Engine: 1.5-liter I4, gasoline, 150 horsepower, 250 newton meters
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, front wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 225 km/h
Weight: 1,591 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4698/1829/1491
Award: From SEK 412,200