Skoda Octavia facelift review: Czech magnate

The Octavia is to Skoda what the City is to Honda or the Swift is to Maruti – a product with a rich history and dominance in its segment, making it a brand in itself. For years, the Octavia was the stalwart for the Skoda brand in India, but the tide turning towards SUVs and the rapidly declining demand for sedans resulted in it being phased out. Now though, it looks to make a comeback, and we got a chance to take a quick spin of the Sportline variant in its hometown in Czechia to get a gist of what to expect.

Skoda Octavia facelift: design

The ‘Sportline’, as the name suggests, aims to look more sporty than luxurious. The variant coming to India will most likely carry the ‘Exclusive Selection’ or the more familiar ‘L&K’ name, which would make sense given the Octavia’s premium positioning in our market. On the Sportline, what would have otherwise been chrome, is all blacked out, and it is quite close to the RS model in terms of styling. Unsurprisingly, the facelift has the same length and wheelbase as the earlier version, but it’s a few millimetres longer, thanks to its revised bumpers and a new headlamp design with the LED Daytime Running Lamps stretched down into the front bumper.

The grille remains as it was, but the bumpers are sharper with better-defined creases. Over to the side, the 18-inch wheels look aggressive, but again, the India-spec car will likely get 17-inch wheels like the ones on its predecessor. The rear features mild revisions to the tail-lamp cluster, but retains its strong lines and is unmistakably an Octavia.

Skoda Octavia facelift: features and interior 

On the inside, the layout is minimalistic with a massive new 13-inch touchscreen – lifted from the Enyaq iV – taking centre stage. It gets Skoda’s new OS, which now gets an AI assistant that’s aptly named Laura. The screen is responsive, good in resolution, features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a crisp 360-degree camera, among other features. The Sportline features a dark interior with plenty of recycled materials used, but the basic features list remains similar to the outgoing version.

Physical switches exist under the touchscreen, and it also gets wireless charging and a sunroof. The shift-by-wire gear selector returns, and what we could also get in the updated Octavia is Level 2 ADAS. Space up front is good, and the rear seat, too, remains unchanged with excellent space and comfort. The Octavia hallmark, a massive 600-litre liftback boot, still manages to impress. On the version coming to India, you can expect the same layout, albeit with brighter upholstery. Skoda would want to reserve the sporty aesthetics for the ‘RS’ model that will follow.

Skoda Octavia facelift: powertrain

The last Octavia in India featured a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (EA888), which was loved unanimously. It was creamy smooth, power delivery was linear yet urgent, and it was a driver’s delight. However, the cost of getting the engine to comply with BS6.2 emissions norms was at odds with the limited demand, and that resulted in the car being phased out. 

Globally, this engine is all but phased out of the Octavia entirely, leaving just a 1.5-litre engine (EA211 evo2) making 150hp, which is similar to the Slavia’s 1.5. The engine also features the ACT+ cylinder deactivation like on the Slavia, which can shut off two cylinders in low-load conditions.

Globally, the engine is available with (or without) a mild-hybrid system that Skoda calls ‘e-tec’, which is essentially a 48V battery that powers ancillaries and a start/stop function for better efficiency. The power output with or without the system remains the same, however. 

Performance and refinement are adequate while ambling around town, but the punch and pep of the 2.0-litre TSI are missing and, as a result, it isn’t as fun to drive. While it is comfortable and adequate at highway speeds, the top-end performance of the older car will surely be missed. 

Transmission duties are via the trusty 7-speed DSG, which, with constant evolution, is now even smoother and precise. However, shifting via the paddles is only enjoyable on a docile drive. Aggressive or sporty shifts are met with a hint of delay and it is best to avoid the paddles if you want quick shifts. In the past, the Octavia was the best car to drive in its segment, but with this one, the powertrain is what holds it back. 

Skoda Octavia facelift: ride and handling

While the engine may have lost its charm, the Octavia still handles incredibly well. The chassis balance and steering calibration is spot on, and it is excellent in the corners. In Sport, the steering gains heft, the suspension stiffens and you get faster responses from the powertrain. The ride on the highways is just as pliant as before, but the 18-inch wheels on this version tend to result in a bouncier ride at low speeds. The 17-inch wheels with a higher tyre profile, will be a lot more absorbent. 

Skoda Octavia facelift: verdict

The updated Octavia, unsurprisingly, continues to drive well, is comfy and practical and has that strong Skoda build. While it may now use a similar powertrain to the lesser Slavia, what the Octavia will sell you on is its better space and comfort, plusher interiors, and the fact that it will be a CKD, which will give it a slight edge on the quality front. Skoda would want to price the Octavia between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 35 lakh, which will help bridge the gap between the top spec Slavia, which is currently at Rs 18.7 lakh ex-showroom, India, and the Kodiaq that’s priced at Rs 40 lakh. In this SUV-driven market and in a segment that no longer exists, it won’t sell in the same numbers as it did in the past, but having an Octavia on the showroom floor will do a lot more for Skoda than not having it. It is, after all, a brand in its own right.

Also see: 

New Skoda Octavia under evaluation for local assembly in India