2024 Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI review - give it another shot!

The Skoda Octavia has always been a car for those who appreciate the finer things in lifeâ€"without the need to flaunt it. It's the kind of vehicle that quietly delivers quality, comfort, and performance, and the 2024 iteration continues that tradition with aplomb. But the big question is, does the 2024 Octavia 1.5 TSI deserve a comeback in the Indian market, or has the SUV craze left this sedan in the dust for good?

Design: Understated Elegance with a Dash of Confidence

Skoda recently invited OVERDRIVE to Prague to get insight into its future plans. The message is clear - Skoda needs more SUVs in its portfolio and while the Kushaq is bringing more footfall to the showrooms, the upcoming sub-4m crossover is expected to drive in big volumes. But the Slavia is proof that Skoda isn't letting go of the sedan segment anytime soon and we were even shown the future roadmap for that model - but for now, all I can tell you is that it doesn't look anything like the 2024 Octavia - so you are free to draw your conclusions.

As for the new Octavia, as before, it doesn't shout for attention, and that's exactly why it turns heads. Skoda has stuck to its philosophy of clean lines and a sharp profile, avoiding the temptation to go overboard with unnecessary creases and chrome. The front end is instantly recognisable with the signature Skoda grille, now flanked by sleek LED headlights and Y-shaped DRLs that give it a more aggressive stance. Despite the aggression and head-turning fluorescent dress you see here, the Octavia still manages to blend sophistication with a sporty flair without looking shouty.

The side profile remains long and low, which, in an era of rising crossovers, feels refreshingly grounded and even makes the Slavia look like a high-rider. The alloy wheels, though not overly flashy, add just the right amount of flair. Around the back, the Octavia keeps things tidy with slim tail lamps and a subtle boot lip. In summary, the Octavia is still the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suitâ€"no fuss, just good taste.

Cabin: Roomy, Refined, and Surprisingly Techy

Step inside the Octavia, and you're greeted by an interior that feels more Audi than Skoda. There's a noticeable upmarket shift in materials and design, with soft-touch surfaces where they matter and a minimalist layout that avoids the button-clutter of old. The new two-spoke steering wheel might divide opinion, but it adds to the overall premium feel of the cabin.

The seats are well-bolstered, offering great comfort for long drives, even in this Sportline trim. And there's ample legroom in the rear, making it a true family sedan. Like the Slavia, boot space is cavernous, as expected, with a wide opening and low loading lipâ€"perfect for airport runs and weekend getaways.

On the tech front, Skoda has brought the Octavia up to speed with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is crisp and responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The digital cockpit is customisable and easy to read, although it is too minimalistic for some. The absence of physical climate control buttons might irk traditionalists, but the touch-sensitive controls are intuitive enough after a short learning curve.

Features: A Well-Packed Executive Sedan

Skoda has loaded the 2024 Octavia 1.5 TSI with features that justify its price tag. Dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system can be optioned. There's also wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a host of driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and other ADAS Level 2 features.

The car also comes with multiple USB-C ports, which is great if you're fully committed to the future of connectivity. In typical Skoda fashion, there's a hidden umbrella in the doorâ€"small touches like these keep the brand's quirky charm alive.

1.5 TSI Engine Performance: A Balanced Act

Under the bonnet, the 1.5-litre TSI engine is a gem. Producing a healthy 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, it strikes a fine balance between performance and efficiency. It's not a fire-breather, but it's certainly sprightly enough to entertain you on a twisty road. The 7-speed DSG gearbox is smooth and quick to shift, though it can be a tad jerky at low speedsâ€"nothing too dramatic, but something to note.

On the highway, the Octavia is a gentle reminder of what a lovely cruiser it is. The engine is barely audible at cruising speeds, thanks in part to the cylinder deactivation tech, which also helps in sipping fuel, making it quite efficient for its class. And there's enough grunt for overtakes without downshifting multiple gears. Some may frown at the idea of having the Salvia's engine in a larger car like the Octavia, but one drive on your favourite road is enough to know that the TSI mill is fun even in this application.

Ride and Handling: Comfort with a Hint of Sportiness

One of the Octavia's strong suits has always been its ride quality, and the 2024 model carries that legacy forward. The suspension is on the softer side, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease, which is crucial for Indian roads. Despite its comfort-oriented setup, the Octavia handles surprisingly well. It's not razor-sharp like some hot hatches, but it's composed and predictable, with just enough feedback to make you feel involved.

The steering is light but gains weight at higher speeds, making it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic while remaining stable on the highway. It's a car that feels confident in any situation, whether you're on crowded streets or enjoying a spirited drive on your favourite winding road.

Relevance to the Indian Market: A Complicated Relationship

Here's where things get a bit tricky. The Octavia has always been a car for the discerning Indian buyerâ€"those who value European build quality, understated design, and a driving experience that's a cut above the rest. However, the Indian market has shifted heavily towards SUVs and crossovers, which are perceived as more practical and offer a higher driving position. Furthermore, the 30-35 lakh rupee bracket is a rather tricky zone even for globally established crossovers from reputed brands and even the outgoing Octavia couldn't recover from this quicksand.

That said, the Octavia could still carve out a niche for itself, reigniting the premium sedan segment which now has zero competition since the demise of the Civic and the Elantra. If priced aggressively, the Octavia could make a compelling proposition.

Should the Skoda Octavia Come Back to India?

In a word: yes. Not having the Octavia in Skoda's lineup is like McDonald's trying to serve a menu without a cheeseburger. The Octavia represents everything that's great about European sedansâ€"build quality, driving dynamics, and understated luxury. It's a car for those who aren't swayed by trends and still appreciate the art of driving a well-engineered sedan. However, for it to succeed, Skoda needs to get the pricing right. It can't afford to be a premium product with a price tag that competes with entry-level luxury cars.

The Octavia could also benefit from a strong marketing push that highlights its strengthsâ€"the charm of a sedan, the comfort, and the overall driving experience. If Skoda can position it as a sophisticated alternative to the sea of SUVs, there's a good chance the Octavia could reclaim its spot in the Indian market.

Conclusion: The Octavia Deserves Another Shot

The 2024 Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI is a car that's true to its roots. It's refined, comfortable, and offers a driving experience that's hard to match in its class. While the SUV craze might make it seem irrelevant, there's still a segment of buyers who appreciate what the Octavia brings to the table. It's not a car for everyone, but for those who value substance and style, the Octavia is still very much worth considering. Whether it will make a return to Indian shores remains to be seen, but if it does, it's bound to make a quiet, confident statementâ€"just like it always has.