Revamped for the modern era with support from Volkswagen, the Octavia compact series has been Skoda’s flagship for nearly 30 years. Since its production began in 1996, over seven million customers from more than 60 markets have been satisfied with their choice. When compared to the VW Golf, the Octavia offers a larger and more spacious design while maintaining a subtle and attractive appearance. It comes as no surprise that the Octavia is Skoda’s best-selling model, with nearly 192,000 units sold last year.
Now, it’s time for the fourth generation of the Octavia to receive a refresh. The exterior updates are focused on fine-tuning the design, with the standout feature being the second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights. The grille has also undergone subtle revisions, and there are new choices for alloy wheels. The LED rear lights have been restyled and now feature animated indicators. The range structure has been simplified into four trims: SE Technology, SE L, SportLine, and vRS.
Inside the Octavia, there are nine different Design Selections to choose from. The seats, dashboard, and door panels now incorporate sustainable materials. A standard 10-inch Digital Display and a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit provide a modern and intuitive user experience. Additionally, for the first time in Octavia models, there is a new 13-inch infotainment display. Skoda has also introduced the AI-based ChatGPT chatbot, which is integrated into the Laura voice assistant as a standard feature.
Several new systems make their debut in the Octavia series, including Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist. The Attention and Drowsiness Assist system is another notable addition. Skoda has also streamlined the engine lineup, removing the small 1.0 TSI engine and the plug-in hybrid option. The range now starts with two versions of the 1.5 TSI engine, which can be paired with optional mild-hybrid and DSG technologies. The larger 2.0 TSI engine and two diesel options complete the powertrain choices.
Overall, the power options for the Octavia range from 114 horsepower to a new 201-horsepower 2.0 TSI engine, with a higher-performance version called the Octavia vRS coming later. The vRS exclusively offers a 261-horsepower 2.0 TSI engine, providing an additional 20 horsepower compared to its predecessor. The transmission is limited to a seven-speed DSG, and the engine’s efficiency is improved thanks to its Budack cycle operation.
Exclusive features of the Octavia vRS include aerodynamic 18-inch Comet alloy wheels, with the option for new 19-inch brushed Elias versions in silver or anthracite. Two vRS-specific Design Selections are available: RS Fabric Design Selection or the optional vRS Suite Design Selection.
According to the Source autoevolution.com