Nova Skoda Octavia 2024Cheaper than the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, this model has already arrived in Europe with a choice of petrol or diesel engines. Featuring a new front fascia design, an updated infotainment system and a more powerful version of the vRS, the updated family car can be ordered in four configurations and two body styles: hatchback and station wagon.

Base trim – SE Technology – is available with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine from £26,775. £28,815 is requested for the mild hybrid version and £29,320 for the diesel version. The Estate adds around £1,000 to the price, depending on engine and equipment.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, heated front seats, 13-inch touch screen, digital LCD panel, wireless smartphone mirroring and charging pad.

The SE L trim adds 17-inch wheels, upgraded interior trim and driver aids, taking the starting price to £31,250. The fully equipped Sportline trim costs £32,255. The most expensive version of the new Octavia – Sportline Estate with a mild hybrid gasoline engine is offered at a price of 35,352 lira.

A new 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been added as an optional extra. ChatGPT artificial intelligence is integrated into the voice assistant. The power of wireless charging is 15W, and the USB-C connector provides 45W of power, which is three times more than the previous Octavia. Skoda emphasized the use of environmentally friendly materials in the new Octavia.

The turbocharger of the entry-level 1.5-liter power unit with a capacity of 114 liters has been redesigned to minimize heat loss and increase economy. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but is also available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 48V hybrid system does not add any extra power or torque, but it improves fuel economy by allowing the car to move with the engine completely off.

The 1.5-liter unit is also capable of producing 148 hp and offers the same combination of manual and automatic transmission; the second is a mild hybrid. The top-of-the-line vRS has the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the new VW Golf GTI, producing 261 horsepower. The only transmission option remains the seven-speed automatic. The most powerful diesel Octavia had a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 148 hp. There is a version with a capacity of 114 liters. The Octavia 4×4 will not be available at launch but will return to showrooms in 2025.