Skoda Octavia Gets A Boost In Performance And Style For 2024

Skoda had a great year in 2023, selling 191,900 Octavias, making it their best-selling car. Now, they're giving it a makeover for 2024, with changes to its looks, a bigger screen, and a simpler engine lineup. The carmaker also introduced a new flagship RS model, with a more practical wagon version and a bit more power.

The Octavia is a bigger alternative to the Volkswagen Golf, and now it has new LED headlights. These headlights can adapt to different driving conditions and come standard on the RS model.

Skoda also updated the design of the taillights and added new alloy wheels and bold colors like Phoenix Orange and Mamba Green. Inside, there's a new infotainment system with a bigger screen, even on the base model, along with a fancy digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control.

Skoda has also updated the interior options, including ventilated seats that can massage you for an extra cost. Surprisingly, they didn't mention any plug-in hybrid options, even though other cars like the Golf have them. And the Octavia RS will only come with a gasoline engine now, getting rid of the diesel option.

Diesel cars aren't as popular in Europe anymore, with electric cars outselling them for the first time last year. So it makes sense that Skoda decided to focus on gasoline engines instead. They're not saying anything about a plug-in hybrid RS model either, even though Volkswagen will still sell a plug-in hybrid Golf. They've also gotten rid of the smallest engine option, so now the lineup starts with a bigger one.

You can choose from two versions of a 1.5-liter engine, one with mild hybrid technology and one without. Both come with either a manual or automatic transmission and are front-wheel-drive. The top-of-the-line Octavia RS now has more power, with a 2.0-liter engine making 261 horsepower.

It matches the power of the new Golf GTI and comes with an automatic transmission only. In 2025, Skoda will add an all-wheel-drive version with a slightly less powerful engine.

They're also keeping a diesel option, with two power levels to choose from. The new lineup includes four trim levels: Essence, Selection, Sportline, and RS. Unfortunately, there won't be a luxury version called Laurin & Klement anymore. With Volkswagen moving towards electric cars, this might be the last update for the Octavia with a traditional combustion engine.

Skoda has sold over seven million Octavias since they joined the Volkswagen Group, and they're planning to release an electric version in 2026. It's unlikely that we'll see Skoda cars in the United States anytime soon. The former Volkswagen Group CEO said as much in a Reddit session a couple of years ago. It's a shame because the Octavia RS Combi would be perfect for American drivers.

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