Following the recent facelift of the Volkswagen Golf, its larger counterpart from Skoda is gearing up for a comprehensive update too. Skoda has released design sketches of the revised Octavia, set to be revealed on February 14. The full lineup, including both body styles and the flagship RS model, is expected to be showcased next week. While these digital renderings may appear overly polished, the actual production model likely won’t match their level of refinement. However, notable details can still be observed, such as the redesigned daytime running lights cascading down the bumper. The 2024 Octavia will feature next-generation matrix LED headlights with blue accents.
At the rear, the updated taillights with interrupted lines evoke a resemblance to the Audi A4. For the Octavia RS, Skoda has designed a significantly more aggressive front bumper and appears to have incorporated an “RS” logo on the wheels. The upcoming premiere will also introduce the Sportline trim, positioned just below the RS and serving as the Octavia’s counterpart to the Golf R-Line.
While no interior images have been revealed, it’s likely that the equivalent Octavia will adopt a large touchscreen integrated into the dashboard, similar to the VW Golf Mk8.5. Spy shots from August 2023 suggest this feature, indicating minor interior tweaks beyond that. Whether the Octavia RS facelift will offer a diesel engine option remains uncertain, as the Golf GTD is absent from the lineup. Similarly, it’s unclear if the gasoline model will receive the power boost seen in the Golf GTI, which gained an additional 20 hp from its 2.0 TSI engine. Expectations are that the revised Octavia RS will forego a manual gearbox, following the trend set by the latest GTI, which is exclusively available with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The absence of a wagon variant in the Golf GTI lineup has contributed to the popularity of the Skoda Octavia Combi RS in Europe. The sporty estate version will also receive updates. Additionally, updated versions of related models such as the SEAT/Cupra Leon hatchback and wagon, along with the Audi A3 hatchback and sedan, are expected later this year. Volkswagen plans to unveil an updated Golf R hot hatch, with hopes that the R Variant will continue as well.