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.
More: Skoda Superb RS Could Be The Sportiest Trim Of The Flagship Sedan
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 Octavia Combi
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.
Sharper Looks And More Power For The RS
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.
Skoda Octavia RS
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 (195 kW / 265 PS), 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 (0.6 inches) 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.
Skoda Octavia Limo
Skoda Octavia Sportline
