SKODA OCTAVIA ESTATE REVIEW

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Petrol engines include turbocharged 1.2, 1.4 and 1.8-litre units (avoid the slow non-turbo 1.6), while diesels are 104bhp 1.6, and 108 or 138bhp 2.0-litre engines. All provide plenty of punch from low revs, so heavy loads won’t dent performance. The quick vRS model has a 197bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol or a 168bhp 2.0 diesel. Most engines are available with a DSG semi-automatic gearbox.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

A generally supple ride means the Octavia Estate scores highly for comfort, although models with large wheels aren’t as relaxing. It also handles well and has lots of grip, but the steering could do with more feel. The vRS performance version has firmer suspension for sharper handling, but comfort doesn’t suffer unduly. It’s not as rewarding to drive as the best small fast estates, though.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The Octavia Estate is a decently civilised cruiser and its petrol and diesel engines are smooth, only sounding a little gruff at high revs. There’s too much road noise on coarse surfaces, though, and some wind noise is audible around the front windows. Manual models have a light and accurate gearshift, and the DSG semi-auto ’box is slick.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

The Octavia Estate is attractively priced, and dealers are willing to offer big discounts. Running costs are competitive (fuel economy ranges from around 36mpg to a very impressive 67mpg on the Greenline II model). The Octavia also holds its value better than most rivals – you won’t need deep pockets to own this compact estate.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

The cabin’s fit and finish shames those of many more expensive cars. All the materials feel solid, and the gaps between panels are tight and regular. The engines and mechanical parts are from the Volkswagen Group (Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW), so should prove trouble-free, while the car performed very well in the 2011 JD Power survey.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

All Octavias have front and side airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution and ISOFIX child-seat mounts in the back seats. You have to pay extra for curtain airbags and stability control on cheaper versions, though. Security provision is good, but the entry-level trim doesn’t have an alarm.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

There’s masses of adjustment to the steering wheel and driver’s seat, so all drivers will be able to find a superb driving position. The dashboard is logically laid out and made from sturdy materials. There’s plenty of stowage space around the cabin and all-round visibility is very good.
Space & Practicality

5 out of 5 stars

The Octavia is one of the biggest compact estates. Six-foot adults can comfortably sit behind similar-sized front occupants with room to spare. The boot offers a huge 580 litres of space, which extends to 1620 litres with the rear seats folded down. The loadbay is a useful shape, but the floor is bisected by a two-inch-high step in S and SE-spec cars.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

There are S, SE, SE Plus, Elegance and Laurin & Klement models, as well as the Greenline eco model, all-wheel-drive 4x4 and Scout, and the vRS performance version. The cheapest cars have air-conditioning and electric front windows, while stepping up to SE adds alloys, a CD multichanger and rear electric windows. SE Plus brings sat-nav, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors, Elegance has dual-zone climate control and cruise control, and Laurin & Klement has leather seats and xenon headlights.