2024 Skoda Octavia Globally Debuts with Cosmetic Updates, Bigger Screen, and 261bhp Turbocharged Engine

After releasing a series of design sketches of the 2024 Octavia, Skoda Auto has taken the wraps off the facelifted version of the sedan. The Czech automaker offers the new, fourth-generation Octavia globally in two different body styles – sedan and estate (or Combi).

The 2024 Skoda Octavia, which comes in four variants (Essence, Selection, Sportline, and RS), gets a revised front end characterised by a blacked-out grille, second-generation LED Matrix Beam headlamps featuring 'Crystallinium' elements that sport a unique blue hue, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, and a sportier bumper. In profile, the car remains largely unchanged, except for a new set of alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the rear end includes a newly designed bumper with sharper cuts and creases and new lighting signatures for the taillamps. All in all, the 2024 Octavia is sportier than before. 

2024 Skoda Octavia: Interior

Moving inside, the refreshed Skoda Octavia gets a revamped dashboard with a fresh cabin theme. A 13-inch central infotainment screen is offered as an option, while there is a standard 10-inch infotainment display with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Then, the car gets a steering wheel with a two-dimensional Skoda logo and an integrated AI-based ChatGPT chatbot offering features beyond voice commands. The standard bits also include a dual-zone Climatronic system.

As a first for the Octavia, there is an upgraded Kessy keyless entry system that is said to automatically lock/unlock the vehicle as soon as the driver enters or leaves an area within 1.5 metres of the car while carrying the key. Other highlights include new upholstery and trim options and ergonomic front seats with ventillation and massage functions.

2024 Skoda Octavia: Safety Equipment

As far as safety goes, the new Skoda Octavia offers attention and drowsiness assist for monitoring the driver's behaviour, intelligent park assist, remote park assist, and up to 10 airbags.  

2024 Skoda Octavia: Powertrain Options

Under the hood, the 2024 iteration of the Skoda Octavia gets a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit, both producing 113bhp in the entry-level variants and are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The former is also available with mild-hybrid technology and a 7-speed DSG automatic unit, with the power output ranging from 113bhp to 148bhp. There is also a more powerful 1.5 TSI engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, resulting in 148bhp. The latter, meanwhile, comes paired with both a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic unit, belting out 113bhp and 148bhp, respectively. 

In the range-topper Octavia RS (with sportier bumpers, dual exhaust pipes, bucket seats, and aluminium pedals), there is a turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI engine with 261bhp. The all-wheel-drive technology is standard here. Apart from that, the carmaker plans to launch the Octavia with a less powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine (201bhp) with all-wheel drive as standard at a later date. 

2024 Skoda Octavia: India Launch?

While there is no official communication from the company, expect the Octavia RS iV with plug-in hybrid tech to make its way into the Indian market. Nevertheless, what India will surely get is the Enyaq iV electric SUV, which is expected to go on sale in the country sometime in March this year.

Speaking of the India launch, a limited edition version of the Skoda Slavia has just been launched in our market at Rs 19.13 lakh (ex-showroom). Named Style Edition, the special edition will have a production run of 500 units.