First look at Octavia estate

This is the first look at the new Skoda Octavia estate, which goes on sale early in 2005.

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This is the first look at the new Skoda Octavia estate, which goes on sale early next year.

Prices are yet to be announced, but we’d expect it to cost about £1000 more than the new hatchback version of the car. This means a Classic-trimmed model using the 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine should cost from around £11,750.

The new wagon is bigger than the current car in every dimension. As well as providing more room in the cabin, the new estate offers 580 litres of luggage space with the seats in place, which is 32 litres more than before.

Although it is greater in capacity than our favourite wagon, the Mazda 6 estate, the Octavia is outdone by its rival when the rear seats are folded. However, there are still an ample 1620 litres available.

The Octavia estate uses the same engines and trim levels as the hatch, so buyers have four petrols, two diesels and three specification levels to choose from.

Equipment levels will match the hatchback. The entry-level Classics come with twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and electric front windows.

Ambiente models are likely to cost around £1000 more and should offer climate control, remote central locking, an alarm, rear electric windows and a CD autochanger. For another £1100, Elegance trim will also include cruise control and alloy wheels.