Introduction
First introduced to the Skoda range in 1996, the Skoda Octavia has been a great budget option for families ever since, and in estate form it is incredibly spacious for a car of its size.
Now in its third generation, the current Octavia is nearing the end of its current lifespan but is still a truly compelling option in the estate segment.
Offered in multiple guises, including the SUV-inspired Scout, the Octavia Estate offers lots of equipment from the base level, while also being incredibly capacious.
We take a look at the model to see whether it can still be the smart choice in the compact estate segment…
Performance
In total, the Octavia Estate has 10 different power options, with almost all being trim-dependant. The entry-level unit is a 1.0-litre petrol the develops 113bhp and 200Nm of torque to get the wagon from 0-60mph in just shy of 10 seconds, with the model topping out at 125mph.
But the engine that is likely to be the sweet spot of the range is the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, which develops 147bhp and 340Nm of torque, allowing the Octavia Estate to get from 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 134mph. Despite diesels falling out of favour, the torquey unit and excellent efficiency means that driving extended distances in the Octavia Estate won’t be a hardship. Pairing said engine with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic makes the pursuit for efficiency even easier.
Ride & Handling
Skoda models have a reputation of being quite predictable and easy to drive, and the Octavia epitomises that. That predictability is no bad thing though, as you’ll find the Estate to be well-balanced and precise, while light steering makes the model easily maneuverable in town and in tighter spots.
Grip levels on the front-wheel drive models are more than good enough for most driving scenarios and we’d only recommend the four-wheel drive option if you absolutely need it day-in, day-out. Body roll is also kept well in-check and the Octavia Estate is more than refined enough – although the suspension can be a tad too firm when going over patchier surfaces.
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Interior & Equipment
The Octavia Estate is easily one of the most practical cars of its size and that allows for lots of passenger and storage space throughout. Rear head and legroom is excellent, but that extensive passenger area doesn’t limit the room in the boot, as the Estate has 610 litres on offer with all the seats in place. With the split rear seats folded flat, the Octavia has 1,740 litres for customers to use.
Currently offered in five trim levels, the Octavia Estate does come well-equipped from the base S spec, as it features 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, black roof rails, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth and automatic post collision braking.
Models further up the trim level selection can be fitted with further quality features, such as cruise control, LED headlights, privacy glass, front assist emergency braking, micro-suede and leather upholstery, a variable boot floor, rear parking sensors, driver fatigue sensor, larger alloy wheels and rear parking camera.
Cost
Pricing for the Octavia Estate starts from £19,510, which gets you the S trim model with the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol developing 113bhp.
In terms of efficiency, the base-level diesel engine – a 1.6-litre unit that produces 113bhp – is the best on fuel, offering a claimed 70.6mpg when teamed with the seven-speed automatic transmission, while emissions for that unit are just 105g/km CO2.
Verdict
It may not be the most exciting car in the world – although the vRS version of this will certainly offer a more invigorating experience – but the Octavia Estate is almost all the car a person will ever want. It’s spacious, comes with all the equipment a driver needs and is more than comfortable enough to undertake longer journeys. With pricing also starting at a reasonable point, the Octavia Estate is almost a no-brainer in the segment.
