The Skoda Octavia is the brand’s best-selling model and is undergoing a mid-life refresh as the nameplate enters its 28th year. Now in its fourth generation, these latest updates apply to both hatchback and estate, with a focus on technology, increased power, sustainable materials and some mild styling enhancements . However, there is still no sign that plug-in power will be introduced.
On the outside, the familiar shape has been extended by 9mm on both hatch and estate, with new aero-focused front and rear bumpers. The latest interpretation of the Škoda grille matches the height of the headlights, which feature the latest LED matrix beam technology. Revised rear lamps now feature scrolling indicators, some new wheel designs have been added, and a Sportline trim level has been added to the lineup, offering the vRS look but without the performance.
Whichever version you choose, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, with a more detailed virtual cockpit available on higher-spec cars. The 10-inch central screen can now be replaced with an optional 13-inch display, and the USB socket has also been upgraded to a USB-C port with more charging power.
Latest software means faster responsiveness, more features and a revised layout on the central screen. Meanwhile, the Lola voice assistant, named after one of Škoda’s founders, Václav Laurin, will soon be powered by AI-based chat GPT technology, allowing it to answer a wider range of questions. various questions. Laura will still be responsible for vehicle functions, but Chat GPT will provide answers to a variety of more general questions.
Further technology improvements include updates to alertness and drowsiness assist, a revised keyless entry system with a proximity sensor that automatically locks and unlocks when approaching or leaving the vehicle, and a new park assist feature. Masu.
The interior trim on the seats and door panels is made from recycled materials, and the leather is sustainably processed. Škoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ feature has also been given an eco makeover, with the famous ice scraper on the fuel flap and the optional umbrella both made from sustainable materials. Additional storage boxes are available for rear passengers, and the Estate’s new optional luggage cover retracts when the trunk door is opened.
As for engine options, the 1.0-liter gasoline engine has been dropped, leaving two 1.5-liter TSI motors with either 114 or 148 horsepower. Both are available with the option of mild-hybrid technology to increase efficiency.
Two 2.0-liter petrol engines and two 2.0-liter diesel engines all offer more power. The only model with four-wheel drive, the lower-powered petrol increases to 201bhp, while the diesel offers either 114hp or 148bhp. It has not yet been announced how these adjustments will affect the economy and emissions. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is standard on all models except the base petrol and diesel models.
Fans of the Octavia vRS will be happy to hear that this version also has a bit more power (now 262bhp) and a boosted sound to increase excitement levels. Skoda says the sports exhaust now has black pipes and has been tweaked along with new engine software to create a “more powerful sound”.
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The vRS features sports suspension, sits 15mm lower than the regular car, and has a black grille surround, window frames and door mirrors. The vRS is the only Octavia to come standard with the latest Matrix headlights, and also includes a new 13-inch infotainment screen inside. The vRS logo has also been updated.
The revised Octavia range, comprising SE Technology, SE L, Sportline and vRS trims, will be in UK showrooms in June. Prices are estimated to start at around £27,000 for the entry-level SE Technology hatchback and around £28,000 for the Estate.
Plans to revive plug-in hybrid power?
Skoda CEO Klaus Sollmer explains why the Octavia PHEV won’t return with this facelift, despite plug-in hybrid power being available on cars the size of the Octavia, which shares technology with the Volkswagen Group’s Skoda hatch and estate. I asked.
“At that time, it was decided not to equip the Octavia with a plug-in hybrid, especially since our main market is in the east of Europe, where electrification is not as important,” Zellmer explained.
“Would you think about that again? Yes. Given the slow transition to battery electric vehicles, despite the CO2 limits, look at your fleet and see if there are other options available to help reduce CO2 emissions. You should check to see if there are any offers.
“Even if people don’t want to go into BEVs, they’re likely to be open to plug-in hybrids, and we already know that. But the margins on plug-in hybrids are low.”
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