Overview

The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia, sometimes known as the Octavia Mk4, offers something for everyone. And while the 2024 facelift reviewed here brings only subtle tweaks, these incremental improvements increase our appreciate for this exceptionally well-rounded car. The updated Octavia boasts user-friendly technology and sharpened looks, continues to deliver loads of passenger room and practicality, and comes in a choice of petrol and diesel engines to suit most buyers.

Skoda’s VW Golf alternative shares much of the Volkswagen’s technology under the skin, but crucially gives you more for your money. In fact, no rival offers the same level of value when it comes to tech and passenger space. The Octavia not only undercuts conventional mainstream hatchbacks including the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus on price, its longer body means better practicality.

This makes it a real challenger in the competitive family car market. If you’ve been considering a SEAT Leon, Hyundai i30 or Kia Ceed you should certainly be stopping in at the nearest Skoda dealer as well.

Compared with the pre-facelift version, Skoda has rationalised the engine range a little. Ordinary Octavias are now powered by a choice of two petrol or two diesel engines, with the high-performance Octavia vRS model making up a fifth option. At the moment there is no longer an Octavia plug-in hybrid, though we are hearing hints this may return in the future. Non vRS petrol models with the optional DSG automatic transmission do benefit from mild-hybrid assistance.

Trim levels are similarly not as expansive as they once were. The Octavia line-up now starts at SE Technology, with SE L and Sportline above this – the last making a welcome return to give buyers a sportier look below the full vRS experience. All models are generously equipped.

In addition to the visual changes on the outside – new lights and bumpers front and rear – every facelifted Octavia gets a new 13.0-inch infotainment screen. This is surprisingly impactful in an interior that hasn’t otherwise changed structurally, though a new set of Skoda Design Selection finished bring more interesting upholstery and plastics, while the shiny chrome elements have been replaced by a new, more sophisticated dark chrome look.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Skoda Octavia and rating them in our verdict. Along the way, we’ll consider the car’s driving experience, the quality and comfort of its interior, the level of practicality available and how much it’ll cost you to keep it on the road.