Skoda Octavia review

There’s plenty of reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and a good range of movement for the seat, so finding an ideal driving position is easy. SE L First Edition models get a powered driver’s seat with a memory function to make getting comfortable even easier. All Octavias have adjustable lumbar support to help fend off back pain on long journeys.

Another feature that's standard across the range is a digital instrument display that takes the place of conventional analogue dials. The instruments are easy to read, and you get plenty of layout and content options.

To help relieve parking worries, entry-level SE First Edition trim comes with rear parking sensors, and SE Technology, SE L and SE L First Edition get front parking sensors, too. A rear-view camera is on the options list, as is a system called Park Assist that will steer the car into a parking space for you.

Also on the options list is a head-up display that projects your speed and other information onto the windscreen. Bright LED headlights and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are standard across the range.

Helpfully, Skoda has positioned the infotainment touchscreen high on the dashboard so you don’t have to take your eyes far from the road to see it. In entry-level models, it's an 8.25in screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a DAB radio. Meanwhile, SE Technology, SE L and SE L First Edition cars feature a 10.0in screen with built-in 3D navigation that’s clear and easy to follow.