With more than seven million sold across seven generations, and being the Czech brand’s best-seller, the Octavia facelift is arguably Skoda’s most important of its range updates in 2024.
Rightly so, considering its sales position, changes to the Octavia hatch and estate models are minimal but welcome. On the outside, the current sharply styled, fourth-generation car gets a revised version of the family grille, plus new LED matrix beam headlights, with their more distinctive DRL pattern. To go with the new look at the front, there’s a new air dam. At the side, there are new alloy wheel designs, with the rear of this Skoda getting changes that mirror the front, with new LED rear lights and bumper.
Inside, like the Enyaq, Superb and Kodiaq before it, the Octavia gets updated infotainment, with a 13in screen available for the first time, with a 10in one as standard, and like its sister company Volkswagen, ChatGPT the AI-based chatbot will be integrated later this year. There are new and sustainable materials for the seats, dashboard, and door panels. A three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is fitted to new Sportline models, and classier stainless steel pedal covers. Dig deeper, and the wireless charging is more powerful at 15 watts.
As tried before in the Enyaq, the new infotainment system works well enough. The same CI/CD menu structure and new navigation maps are easy to navigate and use.
At the international launch, we had the chance to try similar equipment grades to UK models, and in general this Octavia’s interior feels more upmarket and special than before – especially with the extra artificial leather on the dashboard (where fitted), although the recycled plastic trim on the entry-level SE Technology felt a bit cheap, by comparison.
Engine choices
Under the Octavia’s bonnet, there’s now a choice of five four-cylinder engines – three petrols, and two diesels. With high-performance plug-in vRS front and four-wheel-drive versions following later this year, and early next. An iV plug-in hybrid version of the current Octavia was a popular fleet choice, until it was discontinued at the end of 2022. However, a Skoda representative told us at the launch, that reintroducing a facelifted Octavia PHEV was under consideration.
Petrol engines now start with a 116hp version of the proven 1.5 TSI unit, expected to be the UK best-seller, which is available with a choice of six-speed manual, or seven-speed DSG automatic gearboxes. We tried this engine with both transmissions, and performance is best described as adequate, with the need to work it hard to get its best. Once you get over the novelty of the slick six-speed manual, you’ll probably wish you went for the DSG auto, which is smoother and is fitted with 48V mild hybrid technology – that feels perkier lower down the rev range. The more potent 147hp version of the same engine was our favourite of all the engines we tried. With the DSG transmission and mild hybrid technology, as again it was smoother and more tractable lower down the rev range.
Diesel still plays its part in this Skoda range, as the 2.0-litre TDI is available in 114hp manual form, or 148hp mild hybrid form with DSG automatic transmission. Across the board, we could feel the extra low-down torque – but the 148hp version, in our opinion, is the smoothest and keenest performing diesel Octavia.
On the road, all the cars we drove were fitted with 18in wheels. All the Octavias we drove dealt with the sometimes-broken Czech tarmac comfortably and competently. The Best cars had a spec closest to the most luxurious SE L level, fitted with the DCC adjustable chassis control, where the variable mode added extra polish.
Whichever Octavia you choose, it will impress with the high level of competence across the board. It is still impressively practical (especially in estate form), with high levels of refinement, plenty of engine and spec choices, and all with an added level of premium to the trim.
Positive: Highly competent and generally comfortable drive, spacious and practical interior.
Negative: Variable recycled trim quality, average rather than fun to drive.
| Model | Skoda Octavia 1.5 eTSI SE Technology |
| P11D | £26,500 |
| Residual value | 40% |
| Depreciation | £15,590 |
| Fuel | £7,053 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,791 |
| Cost per mile | 40.72p |
| Fuel consumption | 54.1mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 119g/km (28%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £123/£247 |
| Luggage capacity | 640 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/116hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
