Renewed Skoda Octavia: goodbye three-cylinder, hello ChatGPT

With the facelift of the Skoda Octavia, the Czechs are rejecting the 1.0-liter TSI engine, while ChatGPT is being welcomed.

Facelifts of well-running models often take a very short time. Never change a winning team, is the idea. This is no different with the Skoda Octavia, of which 192,000 units were sold last year alone.

New light units after the facelift

At the front we see a differently designed bumper in which no separate lights are integrated. All lighting is now provided via the updated pool units, which are optionally available with the latest LED matrix technology.

The L-shapes of the daytime running lights are now placed upside down in the air unit and break the lower, horizontal line. The whole thing looks very chic.

Additionally, Skoda says the grille has been changed, but you have to look closely to see the differences from the previous model. At the rear we also find a new bumper and LED lights that have undergone a slight change.

ChatGPT on board the new Skoda Octavia

Like many other models in the Volkswagen family, the updated Octavia also has an optional 13-inch infotainment screen (a 10-inch screen is standard).

The Czechs expect ChatGPT (just like the new Golf GTI) to be integrated into the voice assistant from this summer. “This offers significantly more options than pure voice control,” says the brand. You’ll also find stronger USB-C ports on board that can charge your phone at 45 watts.

Engine range in the updated Skoda Octavia

With this facelift, the Skoda Octavia says goodbye to the 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI engine. In the Netherlands you will only find the 1.5-liter four-cylinder under the hood (which, however, works with cylinder deactivation).

This turbo engine produces 115 hp as standard, but you can also opt for a version with 150 hp. The engine is available with or without mild hybrid-Technology. A dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard on these hybrids.

The brand calls the updated Skoda Octavia “extremely safe,” which is now equipped with the so-called Driver Alert System. Above all, we hope that the system doesn’t become overly frustrating as it constantly monitors you to detect distraction and fatigue.

When on the market?

Prices for the updated Skoda Octavia are not yet known. We know that the model (both the Liftback and the Combi) will appear on the Dutch market in the second quarter of this year.

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