Skoda Octavia facelift unveiled globally

The Skoda Octavia is one of the longest-running model nameplates in India, appealing to both enthusiasts and premium car buyers. And for 2024, Skoda has gone and given the fourth generation of the sedan a facelift globally. This facelift isn’t purely cosmetic however, as Skoda has used this opportunity to update the interiors of the sedan and also pack in additional safety and assistance systems.

Skoda Octavia design

The overall design of the facelifted Skoda Octavia is identical to the model it replaces, with tweaks to keep the model fresh for 2024. The Skoda grille for instance has been revised and the Octavia also gets new aprons at the front and rear. The biggest visual change however are the second-generation LED matrix headlamps that the Octavia is now equipped with. These lights get new Crystallinuim elements and 36 individual matrix segments to provide better illumination of the road ahead, while shielding oncoming road users from headlight glare. Also present are the revised LED tail lamps and new designs for the alloy wheels.

Skoda Octavia interior

On the inside, the Octavia now makes use of sustainable materials for the seats, dashboard and door panels. The 10.25-inch digital cockpit is now standard from the entry-level models and it can be complemented by an optional head-up display. Both the instrument cluster and the infotainment get updated graphics, and for the first time, a 13-inch infotainment screen is available on the Octavia. The facelift also brings with it a wireless charger and four USB-C fast charging ports. The AI-BASED ChatGPT chatbot will also be integrated into the Laura voice assistant as standard. The Octavia will also get Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist at a later date.

Skoda Octavia engine

Globally the Octavia is offered with a variety of engine options – two 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines with mild-hybrid technology, one 2-litre TSI and a 2-litre TDI diesel engine. The 1.5 TSI is offered in two states of tune producing 114bhp and 147bhp respectively, and these will power the standard Octavia. Both these engines are equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and cylinder deactivation tech to improve fuel efficiency. The more powerful 2-litre TSI producing 261bhp will power the Octavia vRS. It remains to be seen however which of these engines will make it to the Indian market.