Test drive of the hybrid Skoda Octavia: exploring the pros and cons of the updated hatchback model.

Since 1996, over 7 million Skoda Octavia cars from four generations have been sold worldwide. The latest generation was unveiled in 2019, and in 2024, it is time for a scheduled facelift. Journalists from RBC-Ukraine explored what has changed in this European bestseller during a test drive and what new virtues the Czech car has acquired.

Looking for exterior differences

At first glance, it's clear that the main external distinction of our test car compared to its predecessors is the headlights, where the daytime running light sections now have a G-shaped design instead of an L-shape. Although the Octavia still features two headlights, the sections located near the radiator grille now resemble the "four-eyed" facelifted model of the previous A7 generation.

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For an additional fee, second-generation adaptive matrix lighting with two LED modules is available. The test car is equipped with standard "diodes." There are no separate fog lights anymore; their function is taken over by elements of the main lights, some of which adjust the direction of the beam for this purpose.

The rear lights are now fully LED even in the base version. The test car includes an interesting option that is a first for the "Octavia" – a trendy welcome and farewell animation featuring the rear lighting. Of course, for the utilitarian Octavia, such features come at an extra cost.

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The bumpers have also been modified, resulting in the liftback growing in length to 4698 mm – just 9 mm more. There are ten body color options to choose from, and the wheels are now available in larger sizes, ranging from 16 to 19 inches. Overall, the designers decided not to alter the already successful and still "fresh" appearance of the car.

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The company notes that the brand is focusing on "greening" and the use of recycled materials. The only noticeable "recycled" element outside the car is the branded scraper that attaches to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Experienced "Skoda drivers" remember it used to be bright green and semi-transparent. Now, it is a dull gray. However, it is very useful if you are in a hurry and don't want to wait for the glass and mirror heating to do its job.

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Farewell to "physics"

The interior of the Czech liftback has changed little, but the updated Skoda Octavia has lost an important classic element – analog instruments. Even in the base configuration, standard equipment includes 10-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and media system.

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The head unit now features a voice assistant powered by AI ChatGPT. It turned out that the built-in assistant does not understand all the commands presented to it. The dual-zone climate control also does not require an additional fee, unlike the new 13-inch multimedia screen.

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Among the new interesting options are wireless charging and USB-C ports with 45 W output, which can charge laptops and other powerful gadgets. In total, the updated family offers nine interior styling and finishing options. Most of the materials inside are strictly eco-friendly: repurposed fabric, synthetic leather, and plastic.

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In general, five years ago, with the launch of the fourth generation, the engineers of the Czech car brand found a balance in ergonomics and comfort, and they tried to maintain that with the update. Even during long drives, it was evident that with a well-thought-out backrest shape, a simple lumbar support "roll" is sufficient to comfortably settle behind the wheel without needing to make forced stops every hour.

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Of course, one cannot overlook the trendy, yet not very convenient, climate control settings. The situation is somewhat salvaged by "hot" keys and a separate physical menu button that brings up all "temperature" functions on the main screen.

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The largest trunk in its class is a hallmark of the Octavia from the first generation to the present. The large space behind the second-row seats can accommodate up to 600 liters of items. Folding the rear seats results in a cargo area with a volume of 1555 liters and a convenient flat loading floor. Under the floor, there is space for a full-size spare tire.

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A true hybrid

Our test car is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine featuring TSI technology, producing 150 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It works in conjunction with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, combined with a 48-volt starter-generator with a belt drive and a lithium-ion battery. Interestingly, a hybrid option is not available for this engine with a manual transmission. According to representatives of the Czech brand, the electric motor can assist the gasoline engine during the initial moments of acceleration and start the engine, with promised fuel savings of up to 10% in the WLTP cycle.

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In reality, it is extremely difficult to notice the operation of the hybrid component. The only time it is apparent is when the "Start-stop" system is activated; the car starts more smoothly, while the onboard computer's indicators show the innovation from the very first kilometers.

When driving on the highway with cruise control set to 120 km/h, the car easily achieves fuel consumption of 6.2-6.3 liters per 100 km, even on winter tires. Isn't that a "diesel" appetite? I am sure that on summer tires, this figure would be even 200-300 grams lower for every 100 km traveled. In the city, the red Octavia in our hands consumed no more than 7.5-8 liters, which is also quite decent.

While the car is far from sporty, it is worth mentioning the dynamics. During rapid acceleration, the DSG transmission shifts to higher gears faster in pursuit of fuel economy and, with sufficient torque from the engine, it less frequently downshifts during acceleration. However, when slowing down at lower speeds, this automatic may slightly lag in shifting to a lower gear, and then it does so with abrupt awkwardness.

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Comfort over minor bumps is not perfect but very elastic, even with the standard passive suspension. The rear with a torsion beam does its job well, but it lacks the character found in multi-link designs – especially on bumpy surfaces and with more spirited driving.

Compared to its predecessor, the Octavia enters corners more easily and softly. The steering with electric assistance feels more natural than before, making it more enjoyable to drive through turns compared to the artificial weight that some manufacturers add to such settings.

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Price of the question

In the Ukrainian market, the Skoda Octavia is available in three versions: Essence, Selection, and Sportline. The base model features a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 150 hp, which can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic. Prices for the car with this engine start at 1,092,862 UAH. The test vehicle with a 1.5 TSI engine and DSG transmission paired with hybrid technology is priced at no less than 1,232,194 UAH. The version with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine producing 150 hp is valued at 1,251,427 UAH and above.

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Advantages and disadvantages of the Skoda Octavia

Strengths of the Czech liftback:

• A wide range of powertrains
• An economical hybrid option.
• A spacious trunk.
• Presence of signature comfort features (scraper, flashlight, etc.).
• Use of recycled materials in the car's design.

Disadvantages of the Skoda Octavia include:

• Touch controls for climate control.
• Stiff suspension.
• Absence of all-wheel drive as an option.