I would never call Skoda’s design amazing, but they win not with beauty, but with intelligence. More precisely, with a smart approach to combining restrained design, a balanced level of technology and reliable mechanics. Therefore, the updated Skoda Octavia 2024 appears before us in its usual form, but with some improvements.
I don’t like restraint in car styling, preferring eccentricity and bright personality, and this is not about the VAG concern. So, if it weren’t for the bright red color, I wouldn’t have been so drawn to this popular liftback in our country. However, not only did the color become an attractive part of the car, it turned out to have more advantages than its brothers in the concern. So the first curtsy to it is the space and its organization. The way Skoda does it with each of its models — no one else does.
This is not only the presence of an umbrella in the driver’s door, but a set of thoughtful accessories that have been carefully integrated into the overall architecture. So there are trash cans, nets, and additional pockets for gadgets behind the seats — all this creates that unique image that falls in love with everyone who gets to know Skoda. And the Octavia still retains the charm of an active city liftback, not for all the money in the world.
The first generation of Skoda Octavia was released back in 1959, and four generations have passed since then. Now, in 2024, we have received a restyling of the latest generation of the popular car. And Octavia doesn’t like to change. A generation lasts for decades, so don’t expect global changes now.
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The fourth-generation update could have gone unnoticed if not for the aura of a truly popular car. With 27 years of production and more than seven million copies sold, the Octavia is the most successful model in Skoda’s history. So even the details are impossible to miss, even though there are very few of them. Interestingly, the coolest new features, such as matrix headlights with adaptive high beams and a large 13-inch screen, are offered only at an additional cost and in the maximum configurations. However, there is also something to pay attention to in the base, as LED lighting, dual-zone climate, and 10 airbags are offered from the start.
It appears that Skoda Octavia 2024 has just changed the makeup artist who drew the standard outlines. No categorizations. Elegance was achieved thanks to a wide black «lip» in front, fresh bumpers and optics. Only dynamic turn signals and an animation that welcomes you to the parking lot are decorative, but they are also available for an additional fee. As well as a logo projection when opening the door and decorative lighting for the driver’s and passenger’s feet. Visually, this creates the effect of expanding space and depth and looks very impressive, so it’s worth paying attention to this optional package.
Our test car has only an average Selection level, which is impressive. Firstly, the confidence in the product of the brand representatives themselves. Not a single importer has a car in its test fleet that isn’t maximally equipped — this is a very rare thing. But Skoda does this with almost every model. This allows us to evaluate the car’s capabilities on a larger scale and leaves a strange aftertaste of improvement. It’s an interesting move, and it’s good that they added decorative ornaments from the options, which create a rather attractive overall impression.
Skoda makes its adjustments everywhere. So Skoda Octavia 2024 is more practical than Golf or Leon, and there is more space. In addition, it has such an interior organization that it is almost not annoying. The only criticism is the presence of a very strange volume control: in the form of a touch strip under the central 10-inch monitor. It appears that the designer had a hangover that day when he decided to add this original detail, which is impossible not to touch when touching the touchscreen. Considering that the monitor controls most of the car’s functions, you’re bound to get a lot of volume jumps.
The interior architecture has not changed, as well as the space in the 4.7-meter liftback. The front console is slightly raised, which allows you to avoid touching the panels with your feet, and personalized lighting adds atmosphere and lightness. The impression is complemented by interesting handles that, at first glance, seem to be touch-sensitive. In general, a person of any height can get comfortable here — everything is adjustable and adjustable and there is enough space for everyone. There is even access from the rear row to the luggage compartment.
The main updates mainly concern the maximum equipment and options, which easily raise the price of the Czech liftback to the level of the average Volkswagen. At the same time, top systems are becoming more affordable for other trims, so even our mid-range Skoda Octavia 2024 had wireless smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging (15 W) with cooling, power adjustment, and seat memory. It seems to be a whole set of convenient and useful systems. Only keyless entry was missing because you quickly get used to not taking the key out of your pocket, and here you have to constantly feel it in your hands.
For a surcharge, the central monitor will be 13-inches, with a windshield projection, keyless entry, touchscreen trunk opening, Drive Mode, and super comfortable Ergo seats with 4-position lumbar support and massage function. In addition, there will be a matrix light that turns off the light modules as needed so as not to blind oncoming traffic. A magical lighting system that is worth having. In our configuration, there is only a conventional adaptive high beam.
The Skoda Octavia 2024 also offers improved trim, which was created using recycled materials. And each trim has its interior style to choose from. We had the noble Lodge with inserts of light gray fabric combined with black faux leather. It looks intelligent and extraordinary, and the evening diode lighting adds a special charm. I would rather not see these monochromatic black interiors anymore. And Skoda offers a wide range of colors.
The only thing that causes a controversial attitude — inserts on the torpedo of dark gray plastic with white specks — as if sprinkled with salt and constantly want to wipe it. It’s good that this insert will change depending on the chosen style of interior upholstery. In general, the selection of materials is quite decent and gets better with each update.
Recycled materials are also used to create caring little things in the form of an umbrella and an ice scraper, which are hidden in the driver’s door and the gas tank, respectively. The Sleep Package option adds a blanket and adjustable headrests for a comfortable sleep during a long journey. And this is just a small part of the accessories that can be gradually added to your car.
We are offered two versions of the body: a liftback and a station wagon, so the luggage compartment of each is simply enormous — 600 and 640 liters, respectively. Of course, you can fold out the rear sofa and get an incredible cargo space, which is limited only by the load capacity. And many hooks, Velcro stops, pockets and caches — this is generally a feature and advantage of every representative of the Skoda brand. For which we bow to them.
Separately, we can talk about the Skoda Octavia 2024 media system, which may improve over the years, but it does not get better. Restraint in the offer of settings, typical graphics for a VAG product with elements of color animations, conciseness and adequate response to the sensor. The Octavia still has some physical buttons to access the most important functions, such as the rearview camera or climate control. However, the main control is only on the screen.
The wireless charger in the back of the console has a rubber backing for a comfortable placement of the smartphone, but sometimes it still bounces around. There are Type-C charging connectors nearby. The strange joystick for shifting gears is disgusting even when remembered. Although it’s easy to use, I personally prefer a regular lever, like in the Karoq.
The gearbox is supposed to be invisible — turn it on and forget it. However, you have to remember about it when you want to push the dynamics during overtaking. The seven-speed DSG seems a bit thoughtful in its reactions. Although its age is pretty decent — it got rid of all childhood diseases a long time ago. But you still don’t trust it completely. Moreover, the accelerator itself seems to be too soft to use, so you squeeze it and wait for a reaction. I would like to find Drive Mode here, but it will appear only in the maximum configuration or again for an additional fee — and it’s worth it. Personally, I found in the settings only a change in the box mode, which slightly improved the situation with sensitivity.
Our 1.5-liter TSI has never been considered too dynamic. With its 150 horses and 250 Nm of torque, it achieves a pretty decent 8.5 seconds to 100 km/h, but that’s under the best of conditions. Because in everyday life, although it spins well, you constantly expect more. And at high speeds, you need to go down a couple of steps to feel the jerk. At cruising speeds of 90-110 km/h, the liftback, even when loaded, has enough strength and power to maneuver in traffic and feel comfortable on the road. So comfort was definitely sacrificed for dynamics.
We also now have an mHEV version of the Skoda Octavia 2024, a mild hybrid that has been offered in Europe until now, but has not reached us because there are no such strict standards. There will be no additions in power or range on electricity. It’s a conventional 48-volt system with a start-stop generator that keeps the engine running during acceleration and allows it to shut down when stopping or slowing down to improve economy. And it really works. In my memory, there has never been a gasoline pipeline engine with a consumption of 5.4 liters per 100 km in mixed mode. In city traffic, the consumption can increase slightly to 6.4 liters.
You want to rush beyond the horizon and not deny yourself anything, especially since the suspension swallows bumps and irregularities well. Despite the rather standard chassis configuration with an independent McPherson-type suspension in the front and a semi-dependent one with stabilizer bars in the rear. And adaptive cruise allows you to relax while driving — it will always have your back. A whole host of safety systems is available as standard — it’s a market demand and there are more and more of them.
And if start-stop is more necessary in Europe, then in our country, systems that will stop the car in case of a collision even at low speeds are considered top-notch. According to statistics, most accidents on the roads are caused by driver inattention. It’s good that at least these systems don’t stare at your phone while driving and can save not only your nerves but also your wallet.
Octavia has long been a key model for Skoda and a favorite of our drivers. Since its launch, this family car has attracted everyone who is interested in practicality at a reasonable price. And Skoda has maintained this status for many decades, offering a decent product and a wide range of additional features that everyone can choose according to their desires and capabilities. And in this regard, there is simply no competition for the Skoda Octavia 2024, especially with an average price of $28,114.
Over the years, the Octavia has been steadily moving upmarket, and now in the top RS versions, it looks and feels so good that it can easily compete with the Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class.
Today, there is no longer even a possibility to compete with this car in the mass market segment because sedans and liftbacks are not in fashion. So far, only the VW Passat, Golf, Seat Leon, and Toyota Corolla can be on the list for consideration. However, the Passat is not officially offered in Ukraine and the Golf is a hatchback with all the conclusions. The Corolla does not have such a space advantage, although it can give a head start in fuel consumption and hybrid system efficiency.
Anyone who admired Skoda’s design and VAG products at least a little bit will find the liftback to be the most advantageous. Especially since the top-end and fun RS version will soon appear, and multimedia will be integrated with artificial intelligence.
PROS: space in the cabin and trunk, a wide range of optional equipment, comfortable ride, fuel consumption, and value for money.
CONS: modest dynamics, I want a sharper steering wheel, ergonomics of the multimedia system.
| Body, type | Liftback |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4698/1829/1485 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2686 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 170 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 600/1555 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1465 |
| Engine | 1.5 TSI mHev |
| Power, hp. | 150 |
| Torque, Nm | 250 |
| The power of the hybrid system | 48В |
| Type of drive | front |
| Pendant | independent MacPherson/semi-dependent with stabilizers |
| Transmission | 7DSG |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 8,5 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 228 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 5,3 |
| Cost, UAH | from 1 081 870 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 1 160 570 |
| Competitors | VW Golf (from UAH 1 191 059) |
| Seat Leon (1 355 444 UAH) | |
| Toyota Corolla (from UAH 1 144 250) |
