What's the most spacious Volkswagen Golf? Why, none other than the Skoda Octavia, which is its Czech cousin that utilizes the same platform and most powertrains and has a slightly longer wheelbase for a more spacious interior.
You probably don't give a flying hoot about any Skodas, given that they're not on sale in North America, but the automaker, which operates under VW Group, is highly appreciated on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean (and in Asia), and this is where one of its most popular products, the Octavia, is about to be replaced.
Mind you, it's not an entirely new model, but the mid-cycle refresh of the fourth generation, which has been around since 2019. The compact car will feature new headlights and taillights, a refreshed grille, different bumpers, and probably new colors and wheels, a move that will ensure it sticks around for at least three or four more years.
It will also feature a new infotainment system, as evidenced in one set of scoops dating back to the second half of 2023, and we think it will also sport a new digital gauge cluster. Skoda might have updated the center console and steering wheel, too, perhaps rounding off the makeover with fresh upholstery and trim. Nevertheless, this is our opinion and should be taken accordingly.
Photo: Skoda
Since it is a facelift and not a new generation, the 2024 Skoda Octavia will retain its construction and most of the powertrain lineup. The latter will probably include a 1.0L three-pot, joined by the 2.0L units. Most lumps should get the mild-hybrid treatment, and we expect at least two plug-in hybrids and one diesel alongside a compressed natural gas unit, thus making it one interesting proposal.
It is the RS (vRS in the UK) that will top the lineup in terms of power, performance, and pricing, featuring a sporty exterior compared to lesser models, some updates in the cabin, uprated brakes, a sportier chassis setup, and the usual logos, in addition to the extra oomph. Some say the jacked-up Scout will bite the dust, meaning that it will only be available as a hatchback and traditional station wagon.
The official unveiling of the 2024 Skoda Octavia is right around the corner, and it should be due in a few days or perhaps weeks. Our bet would be on the former, given that the Czech automaker has just dropped a teaser video that shows it from several angles, and it looks ready to hit the assembly line. We tried brightening up some images, but Skoda obviously saw it coming, so it was pretty much in vain. Nevertheless, we won't have to wait long to see how it looks and what novelties it packs.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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