Skoda is busy updating many models in its range, so now the Octavia gets a new look and new tech.
After teaser images were shown last week, the wraps have come off the new 2024 Skoda Octavia. Subtle exterior changes mask a broader sweep of updates inside, including a new, bigger screen, a refreshed selection of interior materials – with a greater focus on sustainability – and new engines.
The new Octavia comes hot off the heels of the new Kodiaq, Superb and mid-life updates for the Kamiq and Scala. Orders are likely to open shortly.
2024 Skoda Octavia styling
The design doesn't stray too far from the current car, but the front end gets a new grille and redesigned headlights with a fresh LED light signature. The changes actually make it look a bit like a new Mercedes E-Class at first glance.
The headlights themselves are updated, as they now feature Skoda’s latest-generation 'Matrix LED' elements and a crystalline finish which gives the headlights a blue laser-like colour.
At the back, the brakelights have a tweaked shape and new night-time signature, and the reflectors have been refreshed.
2024 Skoda Octavia interior and trim
Inside, a 13-inch infotainment screen borrowed from the Enyaq electric SUV makes its way onto the Octavia's option list. In fact, the tech has been given a big boost – a 10-inch digital driver's cluster now comes as standard, the keyless entry system now unlocks the car as soon as you get within 1.5 metres, the AI-based ChatGPT software will be introduced to give the voice assistant additional capability, and the Octavia now offers intelligent park assist and remote park assist as options. Even the USBs have been beefed up so they can charge devices quicker than before.
The Octavia lineup is further bolstered by a new Sportline trim level, which bridges the gap between the standard range and the high-performance vRS range-topper. Sportline gets an exclusive interior treatment, with sporty seats and material selections including recycled grey fabric and artificial leather.
Overall, there are nine interior 'Design Selections' to choose from, with four of them featuring recycled fabric or eco leather in a bid to make the Octavia more sustainable. Similarly, some of the Skoda's 'Simply Clever' features are now made of recycled materials.
2024 Skoda Octavia engines
For now, the engine range consists of four petrol engines and two diesel engines, although the Octavia iV plug-in hybrid is likely to rejoin the lineup in the future.
The old 110hp 1.0-litre petrol engine has been replaced by a 116hp version of the existing 1.5-litre engine. This engine is also available with 150hp, and both come with mild-hybrid technology on cars with an automatic gearbox.
At the top of the range, the Octavia vRS looks to be petrol-only now – previously there were diesel and hybrid options, too. What's more, the vRS' 2.0-litre petrol engine has been boosted by 20hp to 265hp, so it should be quicker off the line. Enthusiasts may mourn the loss of the manual gearbox, though.
Later on, you'll also be able to buy an Octavia with a 204hp 2.0-litre petrol engine, which'll get an auto gearbox and four-wheel drive. It'll be the only Octavia you can buy with four-wheel drive.
Prices and specifications are yet to be finalised, although we don’t expect to see major price increases across the board. Currently, the Octavia starts at a whisker under £26,000 for a brand-new car.
The Octavia is the biggest car in the family hatchback class, providing much more practicality than the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon.
When will I be able to buy the new Skoda Octavia from Motorpoint?
It’s looking likely that new, facelifted Octavias will hit the road before the start of the summer, so we’d expect these cars to start filtering through to your local Motorpoint store with healthy discounts by early 2025. In the meantime, check out our exciting range of nearly new and used Octavias for sale, or read our Octavia review.
