[3] The first generation Octavia was released in November 1996 for the 1997 model year and was built at the modernised Škoda factory in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic.

In India, the Octavia was launched in 2002 and was an instant hit for its frugal engines and solid build.

[12] The facelifted Octavia featured a 4x4 wheel drive version both for the estate and more popular liftback models, and used the Haldex Traction clutch, like other Volkswagen Group A platform based cars (Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Audi A3 and SEAT León Cupra R4).

[13] The RS (vRS in the UK) was the top-level and quickest specification and used a 1.8-litre straight-4 turbocharged engine which produced 178 bhp (133 kW; 180 PS).

These differ from normal RS Octavias, as they are produced in white, have rally decals and have additional accessories as standard (such as ESP, xenon lights, heated front seats).

The package includes: reprogrammed ECU(from a Greek ECU tuner named "Maravellias"), some details from the RS model (front and rear bumpers, wheels, steering wheel, rear spoiler and exhaust) and KW suspension.

It was available in the Laurin & Klement trim (which included air conditioning, leather and cruise control among others), but also equipped with other features such as a telephone, reading lights and folding tables.

[14] The length was achieved by widening the centre pillar, increasing space for the rear seat passengers.

Along with a new internal-combustion engine range, also shared with other models of the Volkswagen Group, body changes included more legroom for rear-seat passengers (a weak point in the original model) and increased ground clearance at front and rear to reduce the risk of grounding on steep ramps or facing kerbs.

However, the first generation ended production in India in 2010,[22] and as of 2012, the Laura's price was reduced and was competing in its predecessor's segment.

The Scout, announced in 2006,[23] is only available with the estate body style, and has several crossover-style exterior modifications, such as larger bumpers.

All models come with four airbags, electric front windows, air conditioning, central locking and antilock braking system.

In some markets, including British[26] and Czech,[27] a version aimed to lower fuel consumption called Greenline is also available.

Inside the car, the stereo and steering wheels were revised, along with some of the interior trim.The third-generation Octavia was revealed on 11 December 2012 at the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

[40][41][42] It was once again spotted, this time without camouflage, on 18 November 2012 in Santiago, Chile, in both liftback and estate body styles, during the filming of a TV advertisement.

[44] From May 2013, Octavia customers wishing to carry more can opt for the Combi (estate) version with its 610 L (21.54 cu ft) luggage capacity.

[45] The third-generation Octavia is the first Škoda car to feature front radar and a multifunction camera.

A monochromatic fixed-focus multifunction camera is mounted on the windscreen in front of the rear mirror and allows the function of Lane Assistant (lane-keeping system), Intelligent Light Assistant (automatic control of the high beams), and Traffic Sign Recognition (recognises and shows traffic signs on displays of both on-board computer and satellite navigation).

The Octavia features numerous so-called ‘Simply Clever‘ details, i.e. an ice scraper inside the fuel filler flap, a rubbish bin inside the door panel, a parking ticket holder and a double-sided (rubber/textile) floor mat in the boot.

The Octavia RS, available in both the liftback and estate body styles, was premiered at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013.

In comparison with the standard car, the sports Octavia features progressive steering (variable-ratio steering), sports chassis, electronic differential lock (XDS), and so-called ‘Performance Sound Generator‘, that enhances the sporty sound of the engine.

The car has 230 PS (10 PS more than stock) and this helps it shave a tenth off its benchmark sprint time and adds 2 km/h to the car's top speed which increases to 250 km/h (155 mph); it also gets a standard electronic differential in this version and lower, stiffer springs.

In early 2014, Škoda revealed the Scout; it has raised suspension, plastic cladding, and four-wheel drive.

[46] In early 2017, the third-generation facelift Octavia arrived in the showrooms, with the main visible difference being the split front headlights looking like the pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212).

[47] Overview of engines available for the third-generation Octavia (A7, Typ 5E) with front-wheel drive, including the RS version.

[48] The Chinese version leaked in March 2017 and a totally different taillight design and similar to its bigger counterpart, Škoda Superb.

Other new technologies include two 10" displays, wireless smartphone charging, up to 5 USB-C ports, a new Sound System by Canton, and the classic shifting stick for the automatic gearbox has been replaced with a small joystick.

New safety features include taking control of steering in case of a possible accident, checking for oncoming vehicles when opening doors, and detection of the driver falling asleep or losing consciousness.

Changes include a new grille, updated front and rear bumpers, new headlights (with the option of the new second-generation matrix LED type) and taillights, new exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, the use of sustainable materials for seat upholstery and Simply Clever features, new colour choices and fabrics for the dashboard, updated graphics for instrument cluster, updated and added features for multimedia and safety, and increased power output for the high performance Octavia RS.

[54] In January 2021, the Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI iV SE Technology was named Plug-in Hybrid of the Year by What Car?