Škoda Updates Kodiaq And Octavia With Clever mHEV Drive
Škoda has quietly done what sensible car makers do when the market demands thrift and a touch of luxury. The entry-level Kodiaq Select and Octavia Select now get a 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance, promising significantly lower fuel use while keeping the shove and composure you expect. It is the sort of sensible upgrade that makes you wonder why anyone would cling to thirstier engines.
Kodiaq: More Efficient, Same Practicality
The Kodiaq Select sheds the thirsty all-wheel drive 2.0-litre 140TSI in favour of a front-wheel drive mild-hybrid setup. It is offered in five- and seven-seat layouts, matching other Kodiaq variants for passenger flexibility. The powertrain develops 110 kW and 250 Nm, and returns a combined cycle figure of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, which is about 3.0 L/100 km better than the outgoing 140TSI Select. Urban consumption is even more improved, now 7.0 L/100 km and down 5.1 L/100 km. In plain terms, you will spend less time at the pump and more time enjoying the drive.
The Select gains a fresh 19-inch alloy wheel design, and swaps previous leather trim for cloth as standard. For those who want a splash of pampering, there is an optional Signature Package for both five- and seven-seat Select grades. It adds Suite leather in black or cognac, advanced parking aids including Intelligent Park Assist and Area View, power adjustable front seats with memory and massage, a Virtual Pedal for hands-free luggage access and a premium CANTON sound system. In short, comfort and convenience step up a notch while efficiency does the heavy lifting.
Where The Kodiaq Range Now Sits
The new Kodiaq Select mHEV is pitched at buyers who value efficiency, a smooth driving experience and generous equipment. If you want sportier behaviour or full performance, Škoda still offers the Sportline and the top dog RS. The result is a broader and fresher range heading into 2026, with clear choices from economical to performance focused.
Octavia: Same Power, Better Economy
The Octavia Select receives the same 110 kW and 250 Nm mill as the Kodiaq mHEV, but in the Octavia it replaces the former 1.4-litre petrol-only 110TSI. The efficiency gains are notable: urban consumption drops by about 1.8 L/100 km to 6.3 L/100 km, and combined figures fall by roughly 1.0 L/100 km to around 5.1 to 5.2 L/100 km depending on body style. Power and torque remain unchanged, so you get the performance you are used to with better fuel economy.
Škoda has also made a couple of customer-friendly moves. Keyless entry and a power tailgate are now standard on the Octavia Select for the first time. Ride comfort has been nudged the right way by switching the standard alloy size from 18-inch down to 17-inch. There is also a Signature Package for the Octavia Select mHEV that reinstates 18-inch wheels and adds leather trim in black or cognac, power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory and massage, a head-up display, matrix LED headlights and tinted windows.
Positioning And Practicalities
Both Select models are presented as efficiency-focused, value-packed variants that can be optioned with a higher-spec Signature Package for buyers who want a touch of luxury. They sit alongside the more dynamic Octavia RS and Kodiaq Sportline and RS variants, ensuring the lineup caters for those who want economy, comfort or performance.
Warranty, Pricing And Availability
Škoda continues to offer a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and the option of a Guaranteed Future Value programme through its finance plan. Final pricing for both the Kodiaq mHEV Select and Octavia mHEV Select will be revealed in early 2026 when the models go on sale.
Note on fuel figures: consumption data are laboratory derived under applicable regulations and intended for vehicle comparisons. Real world consumption will vary with driving style, conditions, vehicle condition and fitted accessories.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
