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It could be argued that the modern fourth generation Skoda Octavia has lived a rough life, plagued by a software gremlin that prompted significant recalls early in the model’s lifecycle. Then the coronavirus pandemic and the shortage of microchips hit like a one-two. As a result, sales collapsed, without ever returning to normal levels.
The ongoing shortage of spare parts is mainly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine where many of the VW Group’s suppliers are located. A quick glance at the dedicated forum shows future owners complaining about waiting times of more than a year. Meanwhile, manufacturer Mladá Boleslav has started a road test of what appears to be a facelifted version, although we can’t see what’s changed.
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Our spies have sent us more than 20 pictures they took in Austria where liftbacks and wagons were caught tackling winding mountain roads. Both cars have Czech plates and camouflaged front and rear ends, although the test vehicles appear to be identical to what you’ll find at a Skoda dealer near you.
The cars drove low to the ground and appeared to be hauling dynamometers. A closer look at the liftback shows the Octavia with RS-like brake calipers but 18-inch Perseus wheels coming from a different trim level. As for the wagon, it has a much smaller alloy, and for whatever reason, the color of the hood doesn’t match.
It’s a known fact that the VW Group has developed one last iteration of its combustion engine before pulling the plug on the old ICE to focus solely on the electric powertrain. It’s unclear if this will be available with the facelifted Octavia or the Mk5 arriving later this decade. With Euro 7 regulations looming, Skoda has no other way but to revamp the petrol and diesel engines available for the company’s best-selling car.
With so many orders to complete, Skoda is unlikely to unveil a facelifted Octavia anytime soon. Of course, there is also the possibility that some customers will be prompted to get the updated version. The Mk4 went on sale in late 2019 and we don’t expect the facelift to arrive until later in 2023, after the VW Golf got its bite and skid mid-cycle.
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