Skoda Octavia facelift: With the facelifted version, the rational and pragmatic choice of the European auto industry, the Skoda Octavia, has seen a number of tweaks.
This mid-life upgrade continues the Octavia’s core strengths, while lifting it slightly so that it doesn’t feel as though it’s falling behind more technically advanced rivals.
Design Evolution
The outside changes adhere to Skoda’s latest design theme yet the Octavia stays understated looking.
The reworked front end includes a wider grille capped by a unique chrome frame that flows into smaller, angrier-looking headlights.
Those light clusters now feature Matrix LED technology on higher specs, rendering them not only more striking to look at but more usefully illuminating.
The amired bumper gets larger air intakes, lending the already dignified car a sportier look that isn’t radical.
On the sides, fresh alloy wheel designs of between 16 to 19 inches offer a new look, but its clean profile remains relatively unchanged.
Changes to the rear are limited to a refined taillight signature and reshaped bumper highlights, rounding out a thorough but conservative revised look that acknowledges the model’s existing design language.
Interior Refinements
In the cabin, the Octavia becomes a bit more upmarket still, featuring improved materials, ergonomic nips and tucks and the usual technology upgrades.
The dash retains its horizontal orientation, but the air vent shape has been slimmed down to give more width.
The stand-alone infotainment screen expands as standard to 10 inches, and also is offered in a 13-inch variety with premium setups. The two-spoke steering wheel has new mutlifunction buttons, making the Roadster’s daily living easier.
Material quality is noticeably higher, especially on touch points, where there are added soft-touch surfaces that feel premium to the touch and wood or metal-trim finish options that are more believable.
The new ambient lighting includes a more extensive range of color options, and also throws a gentle light over the dashboard and into the footwells as well.
Technology Integration
The infotainment system gets a major overhaul and now offers faster processing, better graphics and better connectivity.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims, and the latest iteration of Skoda’s voice assistant has better natural language recognition.
The digital instrument cluster advances with greater customization and clearer graphics, offering more at-a-glance information with minimal distraction.
Checking the box for an augmented head-up display means that important driving info is displayed right in the driver’s line of sight.
Among optional driver-assistance systems, there’s updated adaptive cruise control that can better handle stop-and-go traffic, upgraded lane-keeping assist, and a more effective autonomous emergency braking system that can better detect cyclists and pedestrians.
Powertrain Efficiency
Calibration fine-tuning is the name of the game for the engine range, with optimisation for efficiency and emissions enhancements.
The 1.5-liter TSI EVO2 gasoline engine gets revised combustion chambers and new turbocharger geometry, resulting in slight power gains and significant efficiency improvements.
The 2.0-litre TDI diesels get updated injection systems and enhanced particulate filters6898747.
The plug-in hybrid version benefits most from the changes, with a bigger battery pack that provide maximum electric-only range of 50 miles or so — a significant improvement over the old model.
Charging gets better with optional DC fast charging that can juice up the battery from 10-80% in around 25 minutes.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Unprecedented practicality with class leading cargo space
Tuned ride quality that mixes comfort and composure
Good at using technology without being too technical
Improved fuel efficiency on all powertrain offerings
Much-improved electric range on PHEV model
Ergonomische Innenraumgestaltung mit sinnvoller Anordnung der Bedienelemente
Still an outstanding value proposition despite the move upmarket
Limitations
Conservative design changes may strike some as too mild
Grade of interior materials still trails premium rivals
Advanced features available only on highest trims
Base engines are dull even if you only ride on a utility basis
Greater technological capacity may also heighten long-term maintenance fears
Marginal raises in price on the lineup
The wagon has even more competition from the growing crossover craze
Skoda Octavia facelift: Market Position
The Octavia facelift shows yet again that Skoda is all about practical, rational mobility that represents real value without overkill.
Without losing its appeal as the level-headed alternative, the revisions bring sufficient refinement to ensure it still doesn’t feel old hat next to newer rivals.
In a car industry that’s now more crossover- and SUV-dominated than at any point in its past, the updated Octavia wears its sedan and wagon guise as a badge of honour, with practicality sharpened rather than CO2 emissions and touchscreen credentials that leave the driver regretting their purchase.