The Octavia is the first Škoda to feature mild hybrid technology. The petrol engine is accompanied by a more powerful battery, an electric motor and part of the on-board electric network energised at 48 V. This enables the car to switch off the combustion engine entirely, for example, when it is travelling at low speed. This results in lower consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions. Another option is the iV plug-in hybrid drive, enabling the car to travel purely on electricity.

The range of engines comprises innovated petrol and brand-new diesel units that, compared with the previous generation, are more fuel efficient and emit less CO₂. Take your pick of 81 to 147 kW engines with front- or all-wheel drive.

All of the engines on offer are available with a seven-speed automatic transmission, labelled DSG in Škoda models. The automatic gear changes are complemented by an uninterrupted power supply and low consumption. In the Octavia, it is always supplied with a selector offering shift-by-wire and gear changes via the steering wheel.