Škoda has boosted the appeal of its Octavia lower-medium hatch with a mid-life facelift.

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The brand’s best-selling model is already a firm favourite with fleets and now gets a new look, extra safety and infotainment equipment and a higher-performance vRS range-topper.

Design updates deliver a bolder look with revamped front and rear bumpers and an updated Škoda grille. Second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights also debut, with revised LED rear lights featuring animated indicators and a number of new alloy wheel designs.

The makeover continues on the inside with new and sustainable materials for the seats, dashboard and door panels and the availability of ‘Design Selections’. The sustainability theme also carries over to the brand’s Simply Clever ice scraper and umbrella, which are now also made from recycled materials. New Simply Clever arrivals include an optional automatic retractable luggage compartment cover for the estate and a dedicated storage box for rear passengers.

Technology debuts see the arrival of a 13‑inch infotainment display as an option for the first time and an AI-based ChatGPT chatbot that will be integrated into the Laura voice assistant as standard, in line with its adoption for VW Group brands. A dual-zone Climatronic system becomes standard on all models, and higher trims get a 15‑watt Phone Box with inductive fast-charging for smartphones as well as a cooling function. Škoda has also equipped the USB-C ports with three times more charging power, while the Kessy keyless entry system has been upgraded.

New safety and assistance systems are designed to provide more effective protection and include the Attention and Drowsiness Assist, already seen in the Superb and Kodiaq and replacing the previous Driver Alert. Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist also make their Octavia debuts.

Engine line-up from launch will include two 1.5 TSI petrol engines, optionally available with mild-hybrid technology, two 2.0 TSI petrol engines and two diesels. Outputs range from 116hp to the 265hp now delivered by the range-topping vRS – up by 20hp from before. A 204hp 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive as standard will arrive later.

Pricing and full specification details will be revealed closer to launch.