TRAD ROCK TRAD ROCK Skoda Octavia facelift

The focus may be on SUV-shaped electric cars, but the private hire trade still depends on conventional petrol and diesel engine saloons and estates. And while some manufacturers have canned their more traditional models, Skoda is still very much in the game

The Czech automaker has just released details of a revised version of its Octavia hatchback and estate range, which the company describes as “the backbone of the brand”. With more than 7.15 million units sold since 1996, it is by far Skoda’s best-selling model.

The current fourth-generation Octavia was launched in 2020, so this is a substantial mid-life facelift, including a revised Skoda grille, revamped front and rear bumpers, new second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights and revised LED rear lights with animated indicators.

The LED Matrix beam headlights have new Crystallinium elements and 36 individual matrix segments, giving better illumination of the road ahead than the first generation, while effectively shielding oncoming road users from headlight glare.

Standard equipment now includes a 10in digital display for a redesigned infotainment system, and dual-zone climate control. A larger 13in display is an optional extra. USB-C ports offer three times more charging power, now providing 45w.

Octavia may not have an electric version, but it’s becoming greener, as the share of sustainable materials inside the car has increased – these are used for the seats, dashboard and door panels.

Octavia may not have an electric version, but it’s becoming greener, as the share of sustainable materials inside the car has increased – these are used for the seats, dashboard and door panels.

The new range structure comprises four trim levels – SE Technology, SE L, SportLine and vRS – as well as nine Design Selections for the interior.

AI-based ChatGPT chatbot will be integrated into Skoda’s ‘Laura’ voice assistant as standard. This introduces new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice commands. Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist also make their Octavia debuts.

The engine line-up consists of two 1.5 TSI petrol engines, optionally available with mild-hybrid technology, two power-boosted 2.0 TSI petrol engines and two 2.0-litre diesels with 116PS and 150PS outputs. Petrol engine power outputs range from 116PS to 265PS.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is no plug-in hybrid version. This was part of the original fourth-generation Octavia range in 2020, but the model was withdrawn in 2022, and has not been mentioned in the launch publicity for the facelift.

Skoda says the reason for the absence of PHEV versions is the low profitability of the powertrains and the popularity of the Octavia in Central and eastern Europe, where electrification is progressing less rapidly.

But a spokesman hinted that the slow-down in EV sales in western European markets was likely to force Skoda’s hand – so we should expect a return of PHEV models within the next 12 months.

Safety has been stressed – Skoda has further extended its portfolio of active and passive safety features in the facelifted Octavia: a new Attention and Drowsiness Assist now uses a wide range of data and parameters to assess driver behaviour. In addition, the updated model comes with up to 10 airbags.