Order books are open for the revised Škoda Octavia, complete with a new front-end, upgraded specification and a power boost for the range-topping vRS.

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The lower-medium family car has been a key pillar in the brand’s line-up for nearly 30 years and this mid-life facelift delivers a string of updates to up its appeal while maintaining its value-for-money focus.

Priced from £26,775, the revamped hatch and estate get an updated design that delivers a new front-end with redesigned front grille, along with latest-generation Matrix LED headlights that incorporate new crystalline elements for the first time.

The interior now gains Škoda’s ‘Design Selections’, first seen on the Enyaq all-electric SUV and offering packages of interior options to tailor the car.

Technology has also been upgraded across the line-up with the introduction of a new 13-inch infotainment display and Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display on every model in the range.

Škoda has also simplified engine options. The line-up includes three petrols and two diesels, starting with the 116hp 1.5-litre TSI with a six-speed manual, also available as a mild-hybrid variant with a seven-speed DSG unit. The 150hp 1.5 TSI engine – also a mild hybrid – is available with manual gearbox or DSG automatic and exclusive to mid-rung grades up.

The range-topping vRS now gets a 265hp TSI – up from 245hp before – and drives through a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard.

Diesels comprise a pair of 2.0 TDI units with outputs of 116hp and 150hp, the latter with the option of the seven-seed DSG.

A 204hp 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive as standard is expected to arrive later.

The four trim level options run across SE Technology, SE L, SportLine and vRS designations, with all models available in hatchback and estate forms. These join the Octavia First Edition model, a stock-only trim which will be the first variant to arrive in the UK in June 2024 and will be available for a limited time only.

The SE Technology grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, heated front seats and 13-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation and three years’ remote access and infotainment online. It also features Virtual Cockpit digital instruments, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as faster 15W wireless phone charging with an inbuilt cooling function.

Practical features include electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors and keyless start/stop function. New safety features include turn assist.

SE Technology models come with Loft Design selection as standard, with Lodge available as an option, and are available with the 116hp 1.5-litre TSI engines and both diesels.

The SE L grade is priced from £31,250 and adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights with animated indicators and the Lounge Design Selection interior with microsuede and artificial leather upholstery – and the Suite Black Design Selection as an option.

Equipment includes a two-spoke, heated, leather multi-function steering wheel and heated windscreen, plus adaptive cruise control, lane assist plus, keyless entry with walk-away locking and an electrically operated boot with virtual pedal. It’s available with the higher-power 150hp 1.5 TSI petrol engines as well as the two diesels.

The SportLine returns to the Octavia range and is priced from £32,255. It lives up to its name with sports suspension – lowered by 15mm – and progressive dynamic steering. Bespoke design features include sports seats trimmed with fabric and artificial leather upholstery, metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black sports styling elements.

The range-topping performance-focused vRS – available exclusively with the 265hp 2.0-litre TSI and tailored engine sound – comes with 19-inch anthracite alloy wheels, full LED Matrix headlights and a bespoke vRS Design Selection interior. Customers also get predictive adaptive cruise control, electrically operated boot and keyless entry with walk-away locking as standard. Pricing for the new vRS models will be confirmed at a later date. 

The First Edition is available from stock only and priced from £32,975. It delivers full Matrix headlights, rear-view camera, sunblinds for the rear side windows and tablet holder on the rear of the front seats. First Edition models also feature a Lounge Design Selection as standard, along with predictive adaptive cruise control, turn assist and 17-inch Aero alloy wheels.

Deliveries for the First Edition start in June; the rest of the line-up arrives later in the summer.