2024 Skoda Octavia improves tech and adds more power
The updated Skoda Octavia gets a slight power bump and a load more tech, including ChatGPT integration
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Skoda has unveiled its new 2024 Octavia, which features more interior tech and a slight power bump across the engine range.
As this sleek family car enters its 28th year, Skoda has celebrated in style, making both the hatchback and estate models more appealing to a wider, tech-minded audience.
With a slightly revised look that takes inspiration from the new, sportier Superb and a bunch of interior upgrades, it promises to be the best iteration yet.
2024 Skoda Octavia tech and features
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The previous generation of Skoda Octavia was very well-equipped, but the latest model takes it up a notch.
No matter which version you go for, you now get a large 10-inch central touchscreen display (now with ChatGPT AI integration) partnered with another 10-inch digital gauge cluster up-front.
Additionally, you get USB-C ports for faster charging, a solid sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, and updates to its onboard safety features including Attention and Drowsiness Assist, keyless entry and new parking assist features.
The most notable addition is ChatGPT, which works with the car's 'Laura' voice assistant to answer a wider range of questions about the car's features and functions.
Optional extras on top-spec models include a larger 13-inch central display and an improved Virtual Cockpit to show your maps and more vehicle information in front of you.
Sticking to Skoda's environmental commitments, the interior is as eco-friendly as ever, with sustainable materials throughout the cabin and eco-conscious leather.
The redesigned headlights don't just alter the look of the car's front but also come with optional and improved LED Matrix technology, with 36 segments instead of 24 to improve visibility at night.
2024 Octavia engine options
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The 2024 Octavia still offers a range of engine options including 1.5-litre mild-hybrid TSI petrols that increase overall efficiency.
The other four are made up of two 2.0-litre petrol engines and two 2.0-litre diesel units – both adding more power.
Mated to these engines are seven-speed automatic gearboxes as standard, with manual gearboxes being reserved for the base models.
At the top of the range, the performance vRS model benefits from more power, now rated at 258hp. Along with this comes a new sports exhaust, 15mm lower suspension and a black pack for a more stealthy look.
There's still no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Octavia available like with most of its competitors, and Skoda has no plans to introduce it at this moment.
2024 Skoda Octavia price and trim levels
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The new Octavia is available as either a hatchback or estate and in four different trims: SE Technology, SE L, Sportline, and vRS.
Prices are expected to start at around £27,000, with the top-of-the-range vRS costing in the region of £38,000.
It's expected to reach the UK by early summer.