Last year saw Octavia maintain its position as Skoda’s top-selling model, with 191,900 units delivered. Now, for 2024, it’s receiving some updates including styling changes, a larger display, and a streamlined engine range. Skoda has also introduced the flagship RS model, available in the practical wagon body style with added power.
Positioned as a roomier alternative to the recently updated Volkswagen Golf, the Octavia boasts new matrix LED headlights, albeit with a somewhat melted appearance.
These headlights feature adaptive glare-free high beams, optional on lower trims but standard on the RS. The RS model has ditched the separate lower lights seen in previous versions since 2009.
The rear design remains largely unchanged, though optional taillight designs now give off an Audi-like vibe.
The 2024 Octavia offers refreshed alloy wheel options ranging from 16 to 19 inches and bold color choices like Phoenix Orange and Mamba Green. Minor tweaks have been made to the font used for the make and model, with larger RS logos at the front and rear.
Inside, the cabin remains largely the same, except for the introduction of a new infotainment system featuring a larger 13.0-inch screen. Even the base model now comes with a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Skoda has updated trim and upholstery options while maintaining additional features like ventilated and massaged front seats, which are available at extra cost.
However, there are notable emissions concerns in the engine lineup, as there’s no mention of a plug-in hybrid option despite the Golf eHybrid’s continuation. Furthermore, the Octavia RS will only be available with a gasoline engine, discontinuing the 2.0-liter diesel options.
The absence of diesel-powered performance models aligns with the declining popularity of diesel vehicles in Europe, where electric cars outsold diesel for the first time last year.
Skoda’s decision reflects tightening emissions regulations and the niche market for performance diesel vehicles. Notably, there’s no mention of the Octavia RS iV plug-in hybrid, despite the Golf GTE’s continued availability.
The base Octavia now starts with the 1.5 TSI engine, as the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI option has been discontinued. The 1.5 TSI comes in standard and mild-hybrid configurations with varying power outputs, mated to either manual or automatic transmissions.
The flagship Octavia RS now boasts an upgraded 2.0 TSI engine with increased power, echoing the changes seen in the new Golf GTI.
Looking ahead to 2025, Skoda plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive gasoline version with further enhancements to the 2.0 TSI engine. Diesel options remain available, catering to differing power and transmission preferences.
Trim options for the 2024 Octavia include Essence, Selection, Sportline, and RS, with no luxury-oriented Laurin & Klement variant offered.
Given Volkswagen’s announcement of the next-gen fully electric Golf, this update could mark the final iteration of the Octavia in the combustion engine era.
Skoda’s integration into the VW Group has seen over seven million units of the Octavia sold across four generations, alongside the historical success of the original rear-wheel-drive Octavia. An electric Octavia-like wagon is scheduled for release in 2026.
However, the likelihood of Skoda entering the United States remains slim, as former VW Group CEO Herbert Diess ruled it out in a past Reddit Ask Me Anything session. Despite this, models like the Octavia RS Combi could potentially fill a niche in the American market, offering a versatile and sporty option comparable to the Golf GTI.