Skoda Octavia facelift breaks cover globally

Key Highlights

The new Skoda Octavia facelift gets minor design tweaks and feature upgrades.
Its voice assistant, Laura, has been integrated with ChatGPT.
The Octavia is available in a total of 5 powertrain options.

Skoda Auto has taken the wraps off the new Octavia facelift globally. Skoda Octavia was one of the bestselling sedans in India before it was discontinued by the automaker due to stringent RDE norms. The facelifted model will go on sale globally in the coming months, but so far Skoda has not mentioned an India launch for the sedan yet. The facelifted model of the Octavia gets cosmetic and mechanical tweaks along with significant feature upgrades.

Skoda Octavia facelift: What’s new?

Along the exterior, the Skoda Octavia facelift gets new aprons and a redesigned grille. The second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights have an angular design and provide better illumination with the help of their new Crystallinium elements and 36 individual matrix segments. The sedan is available in three solid colours and seven metallic finishes. The Sportline and RS models get an exclusive Mamba Green colour variant while the Combi variant gets an exclusive Phoenix Orange paint scheme.

Inside, the Skoda Octavia is packed with important upgrades. The free-standing 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display is offered as standard across all variants. A 10-inch digital instrument cluster supplements the infotainment system. Higher variants also get the option of a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Skoda’s voice assistant, Laura, is now integrated with the ChatGPT AI chatbot. This integration is available as standard across all variants of the sedan. The Octavia facelift also gets 15W wireless charging and 45W wired charging support. The ‘Phone box’ section of the cabin keeps the smartphone cool.

The Skoda Octavia facelift is available in four petrol and two diesel powertrains. The 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 114hp. This engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. This engine is also available in a 147hp version. The 2.0-litre TSI engine produces a maximum power output of 201hp. On the RS variants, this engine produces 261hp. The 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 113hp but it can also be had in a 147hp version with a DSG automatic gearbox.

Conclusion

Skoda is yet to announce the Octavia facelift for India. Rumours suggest that the sedan will launch in India next year. The automaker will also launch the RS variant with the rest of the lineup. Currently, Skoda’s portfolio in India consists of Slavia, Kushaq, and Kodiaq.

Utkarsh Joshi

Utkarsh is a seasoned writer who seeks to simplify complex concepts and bring the latest in technology to a broader audience. You can catch his exhaustive 'How to' guides, deep-dive feature articles, cutting-edge news stories, and comprehensive tech reviews on Gadgetbridge.com. Apart from dabbling in all things tech, Utkarsh also enjoys watching club football, adding to his TBR pile of books, and making Spotify playlists. Automobile enthusiasts and motorheads can also catch his articles on Motorbridge.com.