Skoda Octavia Estate review

The driver's door opens to 67 degrees. That's pretty typical among family estate cars and the doors  shouldn't pose any great obstacle when getting in and out. Meanwhile, at a reasonably low 369mm from the ground, the door sills are relatively easy to negotiate. 

There's also a wide range of height adjustment for the driver’s seat. At its lowest, it’s 514mm from the road, while at its highest, that increases to 598mm. As with the door opening and sill height, those measurements are typical for a family estate car.

Most engines are available with an automatic gearbox, so if that's your need or preference, it won't be a problem. Just be aware that it can be a little abrupt in its changes at low speeds.

Look over your shoulder to reverse park and you get a pretty good view, but rear parking sensors are standard to make life that little bit easier.

Optional extras worth considering include a space-saver spare wheel in place of a tyre repair kit, and a 'virtual pedal' to open the boot by moving your foot under the bumper. It's a cost option on SE L trim and standard on the sporty vRS model.