Revealed in Europe overnight, Skoda has introduced the facelifted 2025 Skoda Octavia range. The second of four Volkswagen Auto Group MQB platform releases scheduled for the coming months, the first being the ‘Mk8.5’ Volkswagen Golf facelift, the new Octavia facelift adds updated styling, new interior tech and upgraded drivetrains to Skoda’s global best seller. Skoda Australia is yet to announce local arrival details, but we expect it to arrive locally in early 2025 or around the same time as the upgraded Golf.
“Our customers rightly expect a lot from the Octavia and this refresh takes our best-selling model to the next level. Innovations such as a fully redesigned infotainment system, new safety systems, increased use of sustainable materials and more powerful headlights make it an even better fit for everyday explorers.” said Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Skoda Auto.
“I’m confident our latest Octavia will surprise and delight its drivers and passengers, confirming its place as our most popular car.”
The exterior of the 2025 Skoda Octavia has received a nip and tuck to match the new design language that first debuted on the new Kodiaq and Superb models recently. The new Octavia comes with updated headlamps, again with Matrix technology and a new taillight signature.
New, more aggressive, bumpers with larger air curtains and four new alloy designs up to 19-inches in size conclude the exterior changes.
On the inside of the 2025 Skoda Octavia, we see a larger touchscreen sitting above the climate vents, now measuring up to 13.0-inches in the optional unit, or 10.0-inches on entry-level models (Australian specs are yet to be confirmed). Both screens now feature the brand’s latest infotainment software that debuted in the latest Kodiaq and Superb models. As seen in the new Volkswagen Golf, the updated infotainment system now has the added functionality of artificial intelligence. Skoda says “the integration of ChatGPT into the Laura voice assistant introduces a variety of new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice commands.” Other interior changes include more sustainable materials, new front seats with AGR (a German chiropractic corporation) approval and new front seats with optional ventilation.
Under the bonnet, we find a familiar range of updated petrol and diesel powertrains. In Europe, gone is the characterful three-cylinder 1.0TSI, leaving the larger 1.5TSI to serve as the base engine in two power outputs: 85kW or 110kW and 48V mild-hybrid versions of this engine are also available. The larger 2.0 TSI can be had with 150kW of power in mid-range versions or 195kW in the Octavia RS (up from 140kW and 180kW respectively). On the diesel side, the familiar VW Group 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine has a power output of 85kW or 110kW – the former RS diesel has been shelved globally.
A manual gearbox is still available in Europe for the 1.5TSI and lower-powered 2.0TDI units, while the higher-powered units feature a dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard – confirming the loss of the clutch pedal for the sporty Octavia RS for the European market. The 150kW 2.0TSI is now available exclusively with all-wheel-drive, and is the only engine in the range that will power all four wheels.
Skoda Australia is yet to announce details of the local line-up and whether Australian-spec models will see any drivetrain changes from the current 110kW 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission in the Style and Sportline, with the RS punching out 180kW from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
The 2025 Skoda Octavia range will likely go on sale in Australia in 2025, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
– Written by Josh Picard
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