New Skoda Octavia facelift: prices, specs and release date

• Expected to be on sale in 2023
• Prices likely to start around £24,000
• Both hatchback and estate to receive updates

An updated version of the popular Skoda Octavia has been seen conducting pre production testing with a trailer attached. The facelifted model is expected to arrive in showrooms in 2023 with some styling and interior tweaks.

The two Octavias spotted testing were in estate and hatchback forms with the hatchback appearing to have styling touches from Skoda’s hot vRS models. The side air vents, bigger wheels, and red brake callipers are all features of the hotter Octavia, however the estate version appeared in a more basic specification with smaller wheels and less aggressive styling.

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One of the most popular vehicles in the Skoda line-up, the Octavia will continue to rival cars that share its platform, like the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon. The Octavia offers a larger boot than the Golf or Leon and even beats the Vauxhall Insignia, which competes in a class size above.

Camouflage wraps have been applied front and rear, and it looks like there have been revisions made to each end on both models. Both headlights and taillights are likely to receive a refreshed design and the rear spoiler on both cars is a new design from the existing one.

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Engines are likely to be carried over from the current model, with only mild revisions to increase efficiency expected. That means that the existing 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is likely to remain.It’s currently available with 114bhp, 148bhp, and 197bhp. The popular 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines, producing 108bhp and 148bhp respectively, should stay, while there’s also a plug-in hybrid that pairs a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 242bhp. A rather thirsty 2.0-litre petrol rounds out the range.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will continue to feature on the 10-inch infotainment system which is likely to carry over on the facelifted model. A release date has not yet been announced although we expect a full reveal later this year with the first cars arriving in showrooms in early 2023. Prices are yet to be confirmed however expect a small increase over the current model that starts at £23,335.

For more, check out our best family cars, or our best hatchbacks.