2024 Skoda Octavia goes on sale

Skoda has updated its most successful sedan with a plethora of changes and the updated 2024 Octavia has gone on sale in the UK. Offered in hatch and estate body styles, the new Octavia comes in four variants — SE Technology, SE L, Sportline and vRS. Furthermore, it offers a range of efficient petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid powertrain options.

The base-spec SE Technology Octavia hatch prices start from GBP 26,775 and go all the way up to GBP 31,720. The Estate range, on the other hand, starts from GBP 27,775 and goes up to GBP 32,700. Coming to the SE L, the hatch prices range between GBP 31,250 and 34,770 whereas the estate retails between GBP 32,480 and 36,000.

The Octavia Sportline adds more features and sporty elements inside-out. The Octavia Sportline hatch prices start from GBP 32,225 and go up to GBP 34,295. The Octavia Sportline estate, on the other hand, ranges between GBP 33,285 and GBP 35,325. Skoda is yet to reveal the prices for the flagship Octavia vRS hatch and estate.

On the design front, the 2024 Octavia receives subtle yet effective styling revisions. The front end now features new matrix LED headlights, boasting an adaptive glare-free high beam functionality. These headlights, although optional on lower trim levels, come as standard on the high-performance RS variant. Notably, the RS model has undergone a design shift, foregoing the separate lower lights that characterised its predecessors since 2009.

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While the rear design remains largely unchanged, the optional taillight design makes the Octavia reminiscent of certain Audi models. Additionally, Skoda offers a refreshed selection of alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches in size, complemented by daring colour options like Phoenix Orange and Mamba Green.

Inside the cabin, the focus is on modernisation and comfort. A new infotainment system takes centre stage, featuring an enlarged 13-inch diagonal screen. Even the base model now comes equipped with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and dual-zone automatic climate control, offering more convenience and connectivity. Trim and upholstery options have been updated, with ventilated and massaging front seats available as optional extras.

Under the hood, the 2024 Octavia boasts a streamlined engine lineup geared towards efficiency and performance. The entry-level three-cylinder 1.0L TSI engine has been retired, with the lineup now starting with the larger 1.5L TSI unit. This four-cylinder engine is available in standard and mild-hybrid configurations, delivering either 116PS and 220Nm or 150PS and 250 Nm of torque. Transmission options vary, with manual and automatic gearboxes depending on the model.

The flagship Octavia RS variant receives a boost in power, courtesy of an upgraded 2.0 TSI engine now producing 265PS. This front-wheel-drive powerhouse delivers an exhilarating performance, echoing the sporty prowess of its predecessors. Additionally, Skoda plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive version in 2025, further expanding the Octavia's lineup.