Škoda Octavia: Refreshing the brand’s best-seller
- Exterior with visual fine-tuning and new second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights
- Interior comes with nine Design Selections, 13-inch infotainment display and additional sustainable materials; chatbot ChatGPT to be integrated as standard at a later date
- Four petrol and two diesel engines with up to 265 PS (195 kW) plus mild-hybrid options
- New safety and assistance systems for even more advanced active and passive safety
- Škoda Octavia Sportline and vRS take the range topper’s sporting legacy to the next level
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – Škoda Auto is updating the hatchback and estate versions of its iconic Octavia. With more than 7 million units sold, it is by far the brand’s best-selling model. Its fourth modern generation has now been given a freshened look that includes a revised Škoda grille and new second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights. Customers benefit from even more comprehensive standard equipment like a 10-inch Digital Display or dual-zone Climatronic. On top of that, the share of sustainable materials inside the car has increased. Further safety and assistance systems enhance active and passive safety and a new range structure provides additional individualisation options.
Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto, says: “Our customers rightly expect a lot from the Octavia and this refresh takes our best-selling model to the next level. Innovations such as a fully redesigned infotainment system, new safety systems, increased use of sustainable materials and more powerful headlights make it an even better fit for everyday explorers. I’m confident our latest Octavia will surprise and delight its drivers and passengers, confirming its place as our most popular car.”
Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says: “The Octavia is the backbone of the Škoda brand. After four modern generations and over 7.15 million units sold, the upgraded Octavia will continue this success story. With a refined front view, new assistance systems and state-of-the-art infotainment, including a 13-inch central display for the first time, our updated bestseller is set to maintain its position as one of the most successful models in Europe. I am convinced it will continue to impress everyday explorers – with its versatility, attractive design and excellent value for money.”
New momentum for the brand’s iconic model
The fourth generation of the modern Octavia enters its next production phase with a renewed sense of purpose. The refresh includes a new, upgraded design with revamped front and rear bumpers and an updated Škoda grille. Also new are the second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights, revised LED rear lights with animated indicators and a number of new alloy wheel designs. The new range structure comprises four trim levels – SE Technology, SE L, SportLine and vRS – as well as nine Design Selections for the interior.
In addition to new and sustainable materials for the seats, dashboard and door panels, a 10‑inch Digital Display now comes as standard on selected model variants. The familiar 10‑inch Virtual Cockpit, introduced at the launch of the fourth-generation Octavia, remains on offer. A 13‑inch infotainment display is available as an option for the first time on the Octavia. The AI-based ChatGPT chatbot will be integrated into the Laura voice assistant as standard. The integration of ChatGPT into the Laura voice assistant introduces a variety of 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 diesels. Outputs range from 116 PS (85 kW) to 265 PS (195 kW).
Moreover, Škoda Auto has further extended its comprehensive portfolio of active and passive safety features: a new Attention and Drowsiness Assist now uses a wide range of data and parameters to assess driver behaviour. In addition, the updated Octavia comes with up to 10 airbags.
Škoda’s best-seller and its success story
The modern Škoda Octavia has been the Czech car maker’s mainstay and customer favourite ever since production began 27 years ago in 1996. Its four modern generations to date have attracted more than seven million customers across more than 60 markets with their spaciousness, state-of-the-art technology, outstanding level of safety and excellent value for money. The Octavia is also highly regarded by the international media. For example, the fourth generation was the European Car of the Year finalist in 2021 and won the Swiss Car of the Year in the same year.
Exterior: Visual fine-tuning and advanced headlight design
- Redesigned front and rear aprons and updated Škoda grille
- Second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights with more advanced functionality
- Logos and lettering in line with the updated Škoda CI, new alloy wheels
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – New aprons and a revised Škoda grille lend the updated Octavia a fresh look. The advanced, second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights with their new Crystallinium elements and 36 individual matrix segments deliver even better illumination of the road ahead than the first generation, while effectively shielding oncoming road users from headlight glare.
Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, says: “At Škoda, we are always implementing improvements that provide added value and benefit for our customers. Our second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights are a prime example. With their increased light output, they also ensure even better selective shielding of oncoming road users from headlight glare thanks to advanced, state-of-the-art technology. In this way, they make a significant contribution to improving active safety. And for even more user-friendly infotainment, the Octavia is now available with a 13‑inch display for the first time.”
New front and rear aprons and a slightly longer body
The new, two-dimensional Škoda logo and the lettering on the tailgate of the new Octavia reflect the updated Škoda CI. The hatchback and estate versions are available in four trim levels – SE Technology, SE L, SportLine and vRS. The Czech car manufacturer’s best-seller now features redesigned front and rear aprons that increase the overall length of the hatchback and the estate by nine millimetres to 4,698 millimetres. The lower air intakes, Air Curtains and transitions to the front wheel arches on the front apron have been redesigned and lend the car a more dynamic look. Moreover, the designers have adjusted the sides of the Škoda grille to match the height of the new headlights.
Improved and more progressive headlights and rear lights for better visibility and safety
The basic headlights now use only LED technology as standard. The second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights are available as an option for the Selection and Sportline trim levels, while they come as standard on the vRS models. They create a new light signature and contain two LED modules whose appearance is enhanced by the new Crystallinium element. It emphasises the contours of the headlamps and looks like coloured crystal glass. While the outer bi-LED module is used for the low and high beam, the inner module has 36 individual matrix segments in two rows, 12 more than in the previous generation. This makes for even better illumination, while oncoming drivers are shielded even more effectively when the high beam is switched on. Fog lights have been replaced by an all-weather function optimally adapting the light output to the respective weather conditions. The full LED rear lights – included as standard – are available in two versions. The basic variant will come with the SE Technology and SE L trim levels. The top version also offers an animated Coming/Leaving Home function as well as animated indicators that extend into the tailgate, along with the upper part of the C-shaped light cluster. This version will be included as standard with the Sportline and vRS models, but will also be available as an option for SE L.
Exclusive colours and new wheels
New additions to the range of wheels – always made of alloy as standard (except for the entry-level SE Technology model) – include silver 16-inch Matar wheels. They are aerodynamically optimised and come as standard with the Selection trim level. New black, glossy machined 17‑inch Slagard aero wheels are available for the Octavia Sportline. Further new options include the 18-inch Lerna and the vRS-specific 19-inch Elias wheels in glossy machined silver or anthracite with black Aero trims. The Octavia’s colour palette comprises three solid colours and seven metallic finishes. Hyper Green is exclusive to the Sportline and vRS models. Phoenix Orange is only available on the Octavia Estate.
Interior: Improved infotainment equipment and additional sustainable materials
- New range structure with nine interior Design Selections
- 10-inch Digital Display, AI-based chatbot ChatGPT and dual-zone Climatronic as standard, 13-inch display available as an option in the Octavia for the first time
- Recycled fabrics and, for the first time in the Octavia, sustainably treated leather
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – The updated Octavia offers nine Design Selections for the interior, which are marked by an increased use of sustainable materials. For the first time, the Octavia is available with a 13-inch central infotainment display. USB-C ports offer three times more charging power, now providing 45 watts. The Kessy keyless entry system has undergone improvements for more convenient opening and locking. The AI-based ChatGPT chatbot will later be integrated into the Laura voice assistant as standard.
Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement, says: “With the revised Octavia, we are continuing our efforts to make our best-seller more sustainable. This is reflected in our use of recycled fabrics and sustainably treated leather, which will now be available in our most popular model for the first time. Furthermore, our classic Simply Clever features, the ice scraper and umbrella, are now also made from recycled materials.”
ChatGPT integration, new displays and more comprehensive equipment
The updated Octavia comes with even more comprehensive standard equipment, including a free-standing central 10-inch infotainment display in combination with a 10-inch Digital Display. In a first for the model series, a 13-inch display is available as an option. The AI-based ChatGPT chatbot will be integrated into the Laura voice assistant as standard. This integration introduces a variety of new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice commands.
A dual-zone Climatronic system is now standard on all models, and from the Selection trim level upwards the interior includes a 15‑watt Phone Box. This offers inductive fast-charging of smartphones as well as a cooling function. USB-C ports now deliver an output of 45 watts and thus three times more charging power than before. For the first time in the Octavia, the upgraded Kessy keyless vehicle access system automatically unlocks or locks the vehicle as soon as the driver enters or leaves an area within 1.5 metres of the car while carrying the key.
New upholstery and decorative trims
The interior of the updated Škoda Octavia comes with new upholstery, trim and door panel designs. Škoda uses sustainable materials in some of the nine Design Selections, which are clustered around the four trim levels SE Technology, SE L, SportLine and vRS. Examples include recycled fabrics in the Lodge and Sportline Design Selections and sustainably treated leather in the Suite Design Selection. The latter’s perforated leather is available in the colours Black and Cognac, marking a first for the Octavia. It is tanned using sustainable materials, including coffee husks, to replace traditional chemicals. The ergonomic front seats of this optional Design Selection also have an AGR (Healthy Back Campaign) seal of approval as well as a ventilation and massage function. In another first for the Octavia, Unique Dark Chrome trim elements are used in the interior and on the steering wheel which now features the new, two-dimensional Škoda logo.
Overview of the Design Selections
| Trim level | Name of interior | Seats |
| SE Technology | Studio | Black fabric |
| SE L | Loft | Black fabric |
| Lodge | Recycled fabric/artificial leather | |
| Lounge | Black Suedia/artificial leather | |
| Suite Black | AGR certified ergonomic seats Black perforated eco leather/artificial leather |
|
| Suite Cognac | AGR certified ergonomic seats Cognac perforated eco leather/artificial leather |
|
| Sportline | Sportline | Sports seats, recycled grey fabric/artificial leather |
| vRS | vRS Fabric | Black fabric |
| vRS Suedia | Artificial leather/black Suedia |
New Simply Clever features
The revised Octavia also introduces new Simply Clever features. An optional automatic retractable luggage compartment cover can be fitted to the estate to make access to the cargo area easier. A dedicated storage box to hold rear passengers’ bags, cups and bottles is also making its debut. The multifunction pocket in the luggage compartment now has two variable hooks. The optional tablet holder on the back of the front seats is now also available for the sports seats. The ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and the optional umbrella in the front door are now made from sustainable materials. The hand brush in the dedicated front door compartment also remains part of the standard equipment.
Powertrains: Four petrol and two diesel engines as well as mild-hybrid options
- Two 1.5 TSI petrol engines with optional mild-hybrid technology and DSG
- More power for the two 2.0 TSI engines
- Outputs from 116 PS (85 kW) to 265 PS (195 kW), one all-wheel-drive variant
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – The Škoda Octavia is available with a range of advanced four-cylinder engines – four petrol units and two diesels. Power outputs range from 116 PS (85 kW) in the two entry-level variants to 265 PS (195 kW) in the Octavia vRS. The 2.0 TSI with 204 PS (150 kW) is due to be launched at a later date and will come with all-wheel drive as standard.
Mild hybrids for even more efficiency
The powertrain line-up of the updated Octavia starts with a 1.5 TSI petrol engine and a 2.0 TDI diesel, each with 116 PS (85 kW) of power and a manual 6-speed gearbox. Like the 1.5 TSI version with 150 PS (110 kW), the entry-level petrol engine is optionally available with mild-hybrid technology and DSG. Energy recovered during braking is stored in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, using a water-cooled 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator. This supports the internal combustion engine with a surge of electric power or allows the Octavia to coast with the engine completely switched off. When less power is required, both 1.5 TSI engines can switch off two cylinders using ACT+ active cylinder deactivation to reduce fuel consumption. The turbocharger features variable turbine geometry and superior thermal efficiency.
Up to 20 PS (15 kW) more power for the 2.0 TSI engines
Both 2.0 TSI engines inject fuel with a pressure of 350 bar and feature variable valve lift. Improved air intake and friction optimisation contribute to increased power output. The 204 PS (150 kW) variant with all-wheel drive as standard runs on the Budack cycle with an increased compression ratio of 12.2:1 and is 14 PS (10 kW) more powerful than its predecessor. The top petrol engine in the Octavia vRS now produces 265 PS (195 kW) – 20 PS (15 kW) more than before.
Diesel with exhaust gas treatment using the twin-dosing process
In both 2.0 TDI engines, a crankshaft drive with steel pistons efficiently reduces heat losses while at the same time increasing combustion speed. Injection pressure is 2,200 bar, while the turbocharger benefits from variable turbine geometry, which ensures optimum boost pressure over a wide rev range, resulting in a smoother power curve characteristic. The optimised exhaust gas treatment system reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions is positioned close to the engine and uses a twin-dosing process to inject AdBlue upstream of two SCR catalytic converters arranged in series.
Engine line-up
| Petrol engines | |||
| Power | Torque [Nm] | Drive | Transmission |
| 1.5 TSI/116 PS | 220 | FWD | 6-speed manual |
| 1.5 TSI/116 PS mHEV | 220 | FWD | 7-speed automatic |
| 1.5 TSI/150 PS | 250 | FWD | 6-speed manual |
| 1.5 TSI/150 PS mHEV | 250 | FWD | 7-speed automatic |
| 2.0 TSI/204 PS (2025) | 320 | AWD | 7-speed automatic |
| 2.0 TSI/265 PS | 370 | FWD | 7-speed automatic |
| Diesel engines | |||
| Power | Torque [Nm] | Drive | Transmission |
| 2.0 TDI/116 PS | 300 | FWD | 6-speed manual |
| 2.0 TDI/150 PS | 360 | FWD | 7-speed automatic |
Safety: New safety and assistance systems for even more effective protection
- New Attention and Drowsiness Assist monitors driver behaviour more reliably
- Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist for added convenience
- Up to ten airbags for increased passenger safety
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – Škoda Auto has further refined the Octavia’s high level of active and passive safety in the updated version. The new Attention and Drowsiness Assist uses an innovative algorithm to assess driver behaviour more precisely. The updated Octavia comes with up to ten airbags while further assistance systems take driver convenience to a new level.
Innovative algorithm assesses driver behaviour
In the updated Octavia, Škoda has replaced Driver Alert with the Attention and Drowsiness Assist, as seen in the all-new Superb and all-new Kodiaq. The system monitors the driver’s behaviour and assesses their level of drowsiness. While Driver Alert mainly analysed data from the electromechanical power steering, the Attention and Drowsiness Assist accesses information from various vehicle control units, such as the Lane Assist. It uses an innovative algorithm to recognise short-term inattention (distraction) and long-term inattention (fatigue). It detects deviations from normal steering behaviour at speeds above 65 km/h and continuously evaluates the driver’s behaviour in order to draw conclusions about their fitness to drive. If the system concludes that the driver is fatigued, it triggers visual and audible warnings in the Virtual Cockpit at three levels: recommendation, warning and escalation. More advanced traffic sign recognition also provides enhanced driver support.
Convenient and safe parking
The new Intelligent Park Assist (available only with automatic transmission) enables the Octavia to enter and exit parallel and perpendicular parking spaces automatically. In addition to controlling the steering, like the Park Assist in other Škoda models, it now also takes charge of the brakes, speed and direction of travel (forward and reverse). The car will also stop automatically if the system detects an obstacle. The upcoming Remote Park Assist (available only with automatic transmission) will go even further. It will allow the driver to control Intelligent Park Assist manoeuvres remotely from outside the vehicle via the MyŠkoda app. The vehicle and smartphone communicate via Bluetooth when the user is within four metres of the Octavia. All they have to do is select the type of manoeuvre in the app and the direction in which they want to exit the parking space. The maximum speed during the manoeuvre is 6 mph (9.5 km/h).
High level of passive safety
The Škoda Octavia is one of the safest vehicles in its class. In 2022, it successfully repeated its 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP reference test for crash safety, even under the now more stringent test conditions. Since summer 2022, up to ten airbags have protected the vehicle’s occupants in the event of an accident: the central airbag between the driver and front passenger and the knee airbag for the driver, along with the driver and front passenger airbags as well as front side airbags and head airbags, come as standard. Rear side airbags are available as an option.
Škoda Octavia Sportline: Even more dynamic look in combination with almost any powertrain
- Specific Sportline Design Selection with recycled grey fabric, grey stitching and artificial leather
- Available for four engine variants: two petrol and two diesel models
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – The Škoda Octavia Sportline trim level with its distinctive dynamic design elements is available for two diesel and two petrol models. The sports suspension and progressive steering are included as standard.
A wealth of black exterior details
Customers looking for an Octavia with sporty flair have a choice beyond the top-of-the-range vRS model. In the Sportline variants, Škoda Auto combines elements of the vRS look with other powertrains in the series: the 1.5 TSI with 150 PS (110 kW), the 2.0 TSI with 204 PS (150 kW) and all-wheel drive as well as the two 2.0 TDI diesels with 116 PS (85 kW) and 150 PS (110 kW). The sports suspension, lowered by 15 millimetres, and progressive steering are also included as standard. The Škoda grille surround, window frames and wing mirrors are finished in Black Magic metallic on the Octavia Sportline, and the rear side windows and rear window are tinted (“Sunset”). The spoiler lips on the front apron and on the hatchback’s tailgate are also painted in Black Magic metallic, as is the roof spoiler on the Estate. The rear bumper features a Black Magic metallic diffuser. LED rear lights with animated turn indicators and animated Coming/Leaving Home function come as standard, while LED Matrix beam headlights are available as an option. The Octavia Sportline rolls on the new black 17-inch brushed Slagard aero wheels as standard. 18-inch Vega aero wheels and the 19-inch Draconis wheels exclusive to the Sportline are available as options. The front wings are adorned with redesigned Sportline badges. The new, two-dimensional Škoda logo on the bonnet and the Škoda lettering on the tailgate are black. The lettering projected onto the ground from the front doors conforms to the new Škoda CI. The scuff plates are finished in black.
Sportline Design Selection with recycled fabrics
The interior of the Octavia Sportline is also modelled on the vRS. Examples include the three-spoke multifunction sports leather steering wheel, the pedals’ stainless-steel look and the decorative strips in Black Middle Carbon on the dashboard and in gloss black on the doors. In the Sportline Design Selection, the sports seats’ upholstery is made of grey recycled fabric and artificial leather. Artificial leather is also used for the door trims and the PAD on the dashboard, complete with double rows of grey stitching.
Škoda Octavia vRS: The sporty range-topper
- Exclusive 2.0 TSI engine with 265 PS (195 kW) and dynamic alloy wheels
- Typical vRS hallmarks include gloss black exterior details and red reflector strip at the rear
- Two Design Selections to choose from, LED Matrix beam headlights as standard
Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – The legendary Škoda RS designation has been used to identify the sportiest versions of the Octavia since 2000. In addition to the traditional gloss black detailing and the exclusive 2.0 TSI engine, now with 265 PS (195 kW), the Octavia vRS also comes with LED Matrix beam headlights as standard. The vRS Fabric and vRS Suedia Design Selections are exclusively available for the sporty, black vRS interior.
More powerful engine and lowered sports suspension
The updated Škoda Octavia RS comes exclusively with the 2.0 TSI engine delivering 265 PS (195 kW), an increase of 20 PS (15 kW) over the predecessor. It produces 370 Nm of torque and is always mated to a 7-speed automatic DSG transmission. The engine is not only powerful but also efficient, thanks to its adoption of the Budack cycle. The standard sports suspension is lowered by 15 millimetres and, together with the progressive steering and electronically controlled VAQ limited-slip differential, ensures excellent traction and driving dynamics in any situation. The Octavia vRS versions now feature genuine sports exhausts with black tailpipes as standard. New engine software supports the cars’ powerful sound. It increases the engine’s revs on start-up and delivers even more enjoyment when driving in Sport mode.
LED Matrix beam headlights as standard and exclusive vRS wheel designs
Extensive, hallmark vRS detailing emphasises the car’s sporty appearance. The Škoda grille surround, the window frames and the wing mirrors are finished in high-gloss black, as are the roof rails on the Octavia vRS estate. Black accents can also be found on the front apron, which has been given an extra sporty touch and is otherwise painted in the same colour as the side skirts, and on the rear diffuser. In typical vRS style, the rear valance features a red reflector strip stretching across the entire width of the vehicle. The rear side windows and the rear window are tinted (“Sunset”). Exclusively to the Octavia vRS are the black and aerodynamically optimised 18-inch Comet alloy wheels and the new optional 19‑inch brushed Elias alloy wheels in silver or anthracite. The vRS models are the only Octavia variants to come with LED Matrix beam headlights as standard. They include LED rear lights with animated turn indicators and the animated Coming/Leaving Home function. In addition, they come with a new vRS logo design, which can be seen on the exterior badge as well as in the interior.
Sporty black interior with vRS Fabric or vRS Suite Design Selection
The interior of the Škoda Octavia vRS is predominantly finished in sporty black. The 13-inch central display and navigation system are included as standard, as is the automatically retractable load cover in the Estate. The new range structure offers a choice of two vRS-specific Design Selections: the optional vRS Suite Design Selection and the vRS Fabric Design Selection, which comes as standard. The sports seats with integrated headrests and new vRS logo feature quilted fabric with red decorative stitching on the seat bolsters. The decorative upholstery on the dashboard is covered with neoprene and has double rows of contrast stitching in red. Neoprene is also combined with artificial leather on the door trim panels. The decorative strips on the doors have a gloss black finish, while the dashboard features Black Middle Carbon trim. The three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel is covered in leather, while the pedals have a stainless-steel look.
In the optional vRS Suite Design Selection, the sports seats have perforated covers made from Suedia microfibre and artificial leather. There is additional red contrasting stitching on the seat surface and backrest. The front seats come with electrical adjustment, a memory function and seat cushion depth adjustment as standard. They also offer adjustable lumbar support and a massage function as standard in the Octavia vRS. The combination of Suedia and artificial leather can also be found on the door panels in the vRS Suite Design Selection. The PAD on the dashboard is covered in Suedia and features double rows of contrast stitching in red.
