Skoda’s global best-selling Octavia gets new looks and tech

Skoda’s global best-seller, the Octavia, has been given a mid-life update with a new front fascia, a bigger screen inside, new safety and driver assistance features, and more.

While the update applies to both the hatchback and wagon models, it’s worth noting that Skoda New Zealand only offers the latter of the two body styles locally in petrol power, plug-in hybrid, and RS guise.

Starting with its looks, the fourth-generation model now wears a new style grille up front, flanked by a pair of LED Matrix headlights that feature a redesigned daytime running light signature.

The refreshed Octavia is now ever so slightly longer by 9mm thanks to redesigned front and rear bumpers, bringing its overall length to 4698mm.

A range of new wheel designs are on offer up to 19 inches in diameter, the sizing and design of which is determined by the model variant. Ten exterior colours are now available, including three solid and seven metallic finishes, with Mamba Green only being found on Sportline and RS models. Phoenix Orange is exclusive to the Octavia wagon.

Step inside and you’ll find Skoda’s optional 13-inch infotainment display taking pride of place in the centre of the dashboard sitting alongside a 10-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver. A 10-inch infotainment display is offered as standard.

Skoda took a leaf out of Volkswagen’s book and has integrated ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI) into its ‘Laura’ voice assistant as standard, giving the system a bit more depth.

Another factory feature is dual-zone climate control, in addition to 45-watt USB-C ports for device charging. A 15-watt wireless charging box will also come fitted on select variants.

The interior now features more sustainable materials than ever before and comes clad in a range of new upholstery, trim, and door panel designs.

Updates have also made their way under the bonnet, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder found in the top RS variant getting a 15kW bump in power to 195kW. As for the rest of the Octavia range, two 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines with mild hybrid technology and two 2.0-litre turbo diesel powertrains are on offer overseas, but what we’ll end up getting in New Zealand has yet to be confirmed.

In the safety and driver assistance department, there’s a new driver attention and drowsiness monitor that uses an “innovative algorithm” to detect whether you’re nodding off. If so, the driver will be warned with visual and audible alerts.

A new park assist function features on models equipped with automatic transmissions, with the car being able to park itself by controlling the brakes, speed, and direction of travel. This can soon be conducted remotely via the MySkoda smartphone app too.

Skoda New Zealand has yet to outline pricing and specifications for the updated Octavia wagon, but we expect to hear word closer to the model’s arrival later this year or early next year.