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Pros: Big boot, lots of legroom, engines.
Cons: Dull interior, good but not much fun to drive.
Skoda Octavia Design
The Skoda Octavia is a consistent bestseller in Ireland and has been for many years. Now in its fourth generation, the latest model is a small bit longer and wider than the car it replaces and features a gentle evolution of the Octavia’s classic style. Available as a hatchback or estate, it may not be as trendy these days as Skoda’s crop of SUVs like the Kamiq and Kodiaq, but the timeless design has always worked well for the brand and the Octavia looks more upmarket than ever. Clean lines accentuate the car’s length. Smooth surfacing contributes to more aerodynamic efficiency.
At the front there’s a new grille that’s finished in black on Sportline models. The headlights are now slimmer and are available with matrix LED technology for the very first time. Even the entry level Ambition model gets 17-inch alloy wheel and LED lights at the back with dynamic indicators. Sportline models stand out with styling tweaks inspired by the sportier RS models, including unique 18-inch ‘Comet’ alloy wheels, black window frames, black wing mirror caps and a black boot lip spoiler. The Sportline is lower than standard models by about 15 mm.
Skoda Octavia Interior
The Octavia follows the trend within the Volkswagen Group for more minimalist interiors so there’s now a free-standing touchscreen that ranges in size from about 8-inch to 10-inch depending on trim level. While the ventilation controls are now adjusted from the screen, the Octavia’s system feels a little more user-friendly thanks to some carefully placed shortcut buttons beneath the screen.
The perceived quality is good with elegant ambient lighting and soft touch materials in the dashboard and doors - though some hard plastics do prevail. The overall cabin impression is a bit bland; the Sportline’s sports seats with integrated headrests are the only obvious ‘sporty’ touch and the fabric feels a little cheap for a top of the range model. Still, it’s a solidly built cabin with plenty of modern features and a good level of equipment like heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
The Octavia really excels in the sheer amount of space in the cabin for passengers compared to other hatchbacks. The footwells are large in the back and the big windows make it even brighter and family friendly. Seating three across the rear bench shouldn’t be an issue either. Skoda has managed to increase boot size to 600 litres in the hatchback and 640 litres in the Combi, so nothing else in this class really comes close to the Octavia’s practicality for its price.
Skoda Octavia Performance & Drive
The Octavia shares underpinnings, engines and gearboxes with cars like the Seat Leon, Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. Skoda Ireland has withdrawn the plug-in hybrid from sale, so options for now include petrol and petrol mild hybrid (1.0-litre 110hp or 1.5-litre 150hp) and a 2.0-litre diesel (115hp or 150hp), with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox. For even more performance, there’s the Octavia RS TSI with 245hp or the diesel version with 200hp.
On the road, the Octavia has closed the margins on comfort and refinement with VW Group stablemates like the Golf. For the most part it offers a comfortable drive, particularly on the motorway. Only a hint of road and wind noise at high speeds interferes with what is otherwise a refined driving experience. The steering is direct and precise, while the Octavia offers lots of front-end grip and stability in cornering – without setting the world alight in any way. Sportline models get a sports suspension, which unsettles the Octavia a bit over poor surfaces. The four cylinder 1.5-litre TSI is another highlight offering clever cylinder deactivation that improves the fuel efficiency by effectively shutting down two cylinders when the engine doesn’t require as much effort. It is smooth to drive, even with the 6-speed manual gearbox, and a quiet and efficient cruiser at speed.
Skoda Octavia Pricing
The Octavia range starts from €30,245 in Ambition trim, from €32,865 in Style trim and from €40,700 for the Sportline. The high-performance RS range is available from €47,845 for the 2.0 TDI diesel and from €52,530 for the 2.0 TSI petrol.
Carzone Verdict
The Octavia is still one of the biggest and best value hatchbacks on sale and closes the gap on rivals with more comfort and tech on board than ever before. It’s not as cheap as it once was, particularly if you opt for one of the more powerful petrol or diesels, but it remains a sensible and practical choice.