For This engine may sound too small, but it's fine. SE fills in some of the few blanks in S specification, with alloys, remote central locking, electric rear windows and a CD-changer.
Against If you regularly carry heavy loads, you may well need the extra grunt you'll get from a diesel engine.
We love this little engine, and appreciate the extras that SE trim brings. To our mind, they make this model the best buy in the range.
The Octavia Estate is one of the best all-rounders in its sector, mixing Volkswagen build quality and engineering with good practicality and strong value for money.
There are loads of trim levels to choose from – including a vRS performance model – but our favourite is SE, in combination with the brilliant 1.4 TSI petrol engine. A 1.4-litre engine may not sound like much in such a big car, but thanks to a turbocharger it manages to blend strong performance with decent fuel economy.
The Octavia is built on the same platform as the old-shape Volkswagen Golf, so it rides and handles well.
Everything feels solidly assembled, and the cabin and boot are huge. Standard equipment is also generally good, although the cheapest versions miss out on stability control.
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