Facelift (What's New)
When the current-generation Skoda Octavia hit our streets in 2021, its proposition was a tempting one. It looked handsomer than the previous model, its cabin was classier than before, and it was hugely practical as well.
Rounding out its mix of abilities was the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, which has a 48-volt mild hybrid system to help it reduce consumption. With 148bhp and 250Nm of torque, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Octavia zipped from rest to 100km/h in a relatively peppy 8.5 seconds.
By 2023, record-high COE premiums led Skoda Singapore to sell the Octavia 1.0 instead. With the three-cylinder unit delivering 109bhp and 200Nm of torque, the century sprint now took 10.5 seconds. However, as a Cat A model, it could be priced more competitively than before.
After being facelifted, the Octavia once again has a 1.5-litre engine. And unlike before when it was available in two trim levels, the new model is only available in one trim called 'Selection'. With more ponies and new features, can it woo buyers again?
Spot the changes
The first things you'll notice on the Octavia are the wider grille, along with the redesigned head lights and tail-lamps. Dynamic indicators, which were first seen on Audis, are now standard here.
Inside, the cockpit is mostly the same, which is not a bad thing. The build quality in this generation's Octavia is clearly higher than before, and this remains the case in the facelifted model.
The two-spoke steering wheel is still present, along with Virtual Cockpit, which lets the driver choose from a variety of instrument panel layouts, as well as which pertinent info you want displayed.
The biggest update here is the new infotainment system, which is now presented on a larger 13-inch touchscreen. More screen real estate is great, but the what's even better is that the system has been further simplified so it's even more intuitive than before.
Several of the frequently accessed functions are right at the top of the display, so they're easy to toggle on or off. If you find the Lane Assist System too intrusive, one tap turns it off. There's no need to search for the climate control menu to switch on the air recirculation either. And if you still dislike stop-start systems, the on/off button is here, too.
The rest of the interior is the same as before. Despite the car's wheelbase only measuring 2,686mm, the optimised backseat results in plenty of legroom. A pair of USB-C ports have also been added, so occupants can juice up their phones if needed.
One of the Octavia's calling cards is its huge boot and here again, it doesn't disappoint. Open the fastback-style tailgate and there's 600 litres of volume for shopping and luggage. You can even transport a full-size bicycle without an external bike rack - just fold down the rear seats and the boot capacity expands to a massive 1,555 litres.
A return to four cylinders
As mentioned at the beginning, the Octavia has swapped the 1.0-litre three-cylinder for a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while continuing to qualify as a Cat A model.
The turbocharged powerplant produces 114bhp and 200Nm of torque, allowing the car to go from rest to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds. Skoda claims a combined fuel consumption of 16.4km/L, thanks to the 48-volt mild hybrid system and Active Cylinder Technology.
Apart from delivering almost imperceptible stop-starts, the mild hybrid system also enables the car to 'coast'. Under the right conditions, taking your foot off the accelerator pedal shuts off the engine, and the vehicle continues to move on its own momentum. Tapping the accelerator pedal 'wakes up' the engine whenever power is needed.
Active Cylinder Technology, on the other hand, shuts down two of the four cylinders when there's low demand for power, resulting in less petrol burned. Because the system works so smoothly, you never feel it operating.
That said, the coasting function is best utilised when you're cruising on the expressway. On arterial or smaller roads, the presence of other cars means engine braking is needed more frequently. During these times, it's best to keep the gearbox in 'S' or 'Sport' to disable coasting and make the drivetrain more responsive.
The downside to this, however, is that the engine feels uncouth when stretched and the soundtrack is hardly better. It didn't take long before I decided to take things easy by switching back to 'D'. In this mode, the engine is unobtrusive, and the gruffness is absent.
Kerb appeal
There's always been plenty to like about the Octavia and this facelift has made it an even more convincing proposition. It's a fastback that's designed to please pragmatic buyers with features that are handy for everyday use.
Keener drivers, though, may wish to consider alternatives. Though the Cat A 1.5-litre engine has healthy low-end torque, and can be efficient with the right techniques, it is not as refined as expected and doesn't reward you for driving in 'S' mode.
But if it's a versatile and safe fastback you seek, then yes, the latest Octavia will have no trouble wooing buyers, making it a contender to consider for those with a $200k shopping budget.
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