Skoda Octavia News

Safety ratings have been handed out for the hotly-anticipated Tesla Model Y L, BYD Seal 6 and other EVs, with a surprise for one family SUV.This latest batch of results were assessed using the Australasian New Car Assessment Program's (ANCAP) outdated 2023-2025 testing criteria, with the revamped 2026 criteria still to be officially brought in.The new testing protocols will have a greater focus on accident prevention, emphasising safe driving and crash avoidance, while crash protection remains an important factor.These vehicles are now able to hold a five star rating for six years."We can expect to see ratings assessed under 2023 to 2025 criteria for some time as they enter the Australian and New Zealand markets," ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said in a statement to CarsGuide. "The first vehicles rated against the new 2026 criteria are expected later this year.”The incoming six-seat Tesla Model Y L SUV has been awarded a five-star rating, which is based on the rating of the standard Model Y. The Model Y L is Tesla’s first three-row car on sale, with deliveries starting last week. ANCAP said there were additional tests undertaken on the car to ensure results were applicable to the Model Y L.While achieving a protection rating of 91 per cent for Adult Occupant, ANCAP noted there were difficulties in correctly installing child restraints. This resulted in an 11 per cent decrease to 84 per cent for Child Occupant protection compared to the standard Model Y.The incoming BYD Seal 6 also received a five-star rating, with the car arriving imminently in the Australia as a plug-in hybrid sedan or wagon. The Seal 6 received an overall adult protection rating of 92 per cent, with maximum points for side impact and oblique pole tests, with good protection generally offered on the frontal offset test.Elsewhere Child Occupant protection was at 90 per cent, while Vulnerable User Protection was 84 per cent. MG’s new MG4 Urban budget EV has also picked up a five-star rating, courtesy of protection ratings of 87 per cent for Adult Occupant and 86 per cent for Child Occupant.The MG4 was marked down for marginal protection of the driver’s legs due to upward pedal movement.The Skoda Octavia was also awarded five stars, following reassessment of vehicles built from July 2025.

Skoda has added a mild hybrid variant to its Octavia sedan and wagon line-up, revealing its Australian pricing and specifications.It starts from $43,990 (drive-away), for the sedan, with the wagon unit an extra $2000, as a part of a launch promotion.Before on-road costs pricing is $2000 cheaper than the drive-away. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed this deal will stay in place until at least the end of the second quarter of this year. The Octavia’s new hybrid credentials see it shape up as a more comparable rival to the hybrid-exclusive and dominant player in the sedan segment, the Toyota Camry.Skoda’s Octavia hybrid is more than the Camry, while it comes in cheaper than up-spec versions of the Honda Accord hybrid.It's worth noting the Octavia only has a mild-hybrid system as opposed to the full-on hybrids found in the Camry and the Accord.The Octavia was previously a petrol-exclusive model, with most examples fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. The petrol Octavia starts from $39,590, before on-road costs, so the hybrid represents a slight bump in price in comparison.The hybrid Octavia has the same power output as its petrol counterpart, producing 110kW and 250Nm.On the inside, there is a 13.0-inch central touchscreen and 10-inch digital driver display, with satellite navigation also standard.For an extra $6500, buyers can have 18-inch wheels, leather interior trim as well as power-adjustable front seats, with memory, message, and ventilating functionality. You also get a head-up display and LED headlights, among other things as part of the deal.The Octavia is the latest Skoda model to be given hybrid power, with other models in the lineup also offering plug-in hybrid variants.As part of the Octavia hybrid announcement, the brand unveiled a plug-in variant of the Superb sedan.The Octavia is part of a shrinking number of Skoda models, which do not have a plug-in hybrid option, meaning it could be on the horizon soon.While there is no plug-in hybrid variant currently on sale globally, it is something the brand would consider for Australia. The Octavia hybrid will arrive in Australia next month.2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid pricing Australia 2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid engine and efficiency2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid standard featuresOther standard features include:Leather-wrapped steering wheelKeyless entry and startSatellite navigationDual-zone climate controlHeated seatsElectric tailgate2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid safetyThe combustion range of the Skoda Octavia received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but this does not include the hybrid. Standard safety features include:Eight airbagsAdaptive cruise controlFront cross-traffic assistFront and rear parking sensorsLane keep assistTraffic sign recognitionRear cross-traffic alert2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid warranty and servicingAll new Skoda models are covered with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Skoda has given a hybrid twist to two of its leading models.

The final piece of Skoda’s updated Octavia model line-up has arrived in the form of the Sportline grade, which has taken its place between the entry level Select and sporty king of the range, the RS.

The Skoda Octavia liftback and wagon range will grow with the introduction of the new-look RS flagship. Powered by a 195kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the tuned-up Octavia gains 15kW over its predecessor, along with styling and technology updates. Skoda has now made 'Premium Pack' — previously $6600 and optioned to 80 per cent of cars — standard. The list price is also a little lower, now $58,490 for the liftback and $59,990 for the wagon, down $1270 and $1470, respectively. The pack includes heated front and rear seats, a 12-speaker Canton sound system, a head-up display, tri-zone climate control, power-adjust front seats with massage and memory and passenger side mirror tilt (in reverse). Skoda is yet to announce its national drive-away pricing program, with the pre-facelift Octavia offered at $56,990 (liftback) or $58,490 (wagon). Expect those figures in around eight weeks when customer cars start arriving in the country. The latest Octavia benefits from some other general upgrades, including a wireless charging pad, intelligent park assist, a 360-degree camera view, heated steering wheel and windscreen along with a larger 13.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with upgraded software. With a unique form factor in the market, the sporty Skoda Octavia RS is a more practical alternative to rivals such as the Hyundai i30 N, Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf GTI. “Skoda continues to be a ‘unique service provider’ of attainable and intelligent medium sized passenger cars with the Octavia, and the RS likewise delivers a fast sedan or wagon like no other model in the market," said Skoda Australia Product Manager Glenn Reid. In RS guise, extra grunt means the Octavia is two tenths of a seconds faster from 0-100km/h, now at 6.4 seconds for the liftback and 6.5 for the sedan. It features an electronically actuated mechanically locking front differential and seven-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch automatic transmission.Visual changes to the Octavia RS are minor, with new LED headlights, a fresh lower valance and more intricate tail-lights. The Octavia RS is available in seven colours, with 'Candy White', 'Mamba Green', 'Moon White', 'Brilliant Silver', 'Black Magic pearl' and 'Race Blue' all included in the price. 'Velvet Red' (pictured) is the only extra-cost colour at $770.The RS joins the entry-level Octavia 110TSI Select with a Sportline grade to be introduced imminently. Prices listed are before on-road costs unless otherwise noted

Skoda has refreshed its Octavia sedan and wagon line-up with design, technology and safety upgrades, in addition to a new entry-level Select variant that brings the entry price down by $1000.

The cost of electric cars is coming down at last and it’s happening fast, too, with big brands slashing prices.

Skoda has confirmed details for its updated Octavia wagon and sedan, focusing on design and tech changes while adding new mild-hybrid variants to the line-up.

Skoda Australia has confirmed a new variant for the Octavia line-up in 2024, bringing the SportLine badge to its Liftback and Wagon at the same price as the base Style.

Supply is finally meeting demand for Skoda's product line-up, with the Australian arm of the Czech brand announcing the biggest influx of cars since the middle of the pandemic.