When the updated Skoda Octavia will debut

Skoda has released a shadowy teaser of its updated Octavia, ahead of its unveiling in February.

There’s not much we can make out, as there’s only a single front view of the refreshed Octavia, which remains shrouded.

Underneath this covering, however, we can see the distinctive new LED daytime running light signatures, with one strip of light plunging down out of the headlight cluster.

Skoda Australia hasn’t confirmed when the updated Octavia will arrive here, though European deliveries are almost certain for 2024. That could mean a 2024 launch for our market.

Previously spied prototypes have shown the Octavia to feature only minor changes front and rear, typical of a mid-life update, including an updated grille and bumpers.

These prototypes have also revealed the Octavia is the latest Volkswagen Group product to get a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

As on the current Octavia, there’s a touch-capacitive slider underneath the touchscreen plus a row of physical switches further down on the centre stack.

The same stubby gear shifter remains, while there’s still a digital instrument cluster. It’s unclear if this has also grown in size and incorporated the fuel and temperature readouts.

It’s also unclear if the Octavia will gain the more user-friendly Smart Dials seen in the new-generation Kodiaq and Superb, which feature integrated screens and can control the climate, seat heating, volume, driving modes, air conditioning, and map zoom functions.

The Octavia, which sits on the MQB Evo platform, will continue to offer petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, though Skoda has ruled out the latter coming here. Skoda Australia also no longer sells diesels.

It’s currently offered in Australia with a choice of two powertrains: a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission; and a 2.0-litre turbo four with 180kW, 370Nm, and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

Those wanting a similarly sized Skoda passenger car with electric power will need to wait for the brand’s upcoming electric wagon, due in 2026.

Skoda refers to its upcoming electric wagon as the “Combi” and says it will measure around 4700mm long, which means it will sit between the Octavia (4689mm) and Superb (4901mm) in size.

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