Big Value Skoda Octavia

Skoda Scores with the big Value Octavia

The Octavia is the backbone of Skoda’s increasingly impressive model range, and is firmly established as the manufacturers most successful car.

From those dogy years, where there were more rattles than Mothercare, the Octavia has gone from strength to strength picking up plaudits from critics and punblic alike.

This latest facelifted Octavia arrived on our roads in February and Skoda say that it has been thoroughly reworked with better looks, stronger performance and even better value for money.

And this new version is certainly going to do no harm to the companys reputation. Practiacl, well built with a quality look and great value for money, its a difficult job making a case against the appeal of the Octavia if you’re in the market for a small family car.

Unflashy but sleek, with a smart-looking grille and headlight cluster, the Octavia has an understated look about it. Nothing to make it stand out, but confident with it.

The revised range now features four petrol units and three diesels. There are 1.4, 1.4 Turbo and 1.8 turbo petrols, plus 1.9 and two 2.0 litre turbodiesels.

I drove the 2-litre TDi, which had a good turn of speed. With 0-62mph figures of 9.6 seconds, the Octavia more than delivers for a small family car.

The six-shift gearbox is precise and clean, slipping into each slot with an assured sound.

Sharing the same capabilities of many of its VW Counterparts, the Octavia handles extremely well. Cornering is particularly good, and there’s a huge amount of grip and very little body lean. Steering is light and keeps you in touch with the tarmac.

The TDi I drove had the familiar diesel rasp but it was certainly no worse than others in its class. Road noise is acceptable and there is very little wind noise. All the windows and doors are a tight fit.

It’s a big (small) family car but it doesn’t seem like it when your driving it. Its got a right turning circle and the rear parking sensors make parking simple.

You’ll have no problem keeping an eye on things all round the car – visability is very good through all angles and the seats and steering wheel have enough adjustments to get the optimum driving position.

The seats are comfortable and a decent size.

Inside the cabin the theme of quality and value for money is continued. The most immediate feeling is one of space.

The Octavia is one of the biggest small family cars around and even taller occupants will have no problem stretching out with both legs and head!

The boot is massive, too, deep and wide, and will swallow up the kitchen sink without many problems.

All through the cabin the materials are solid and of good quality. The plastics are soft and the dash is laid out in a sensible practical fashion.

The ever present green and silver Skoda brand colour scheme looks classy.

On the safety side, all Octavias have twin front and side airbags, although side curtain airbags are only an option for all but top spec cars. Other standard safety features are ISOFIX child seat mounts and electronic brakeforce distribution.

There are seven trims in all for the Octavia range, from entry level S through to top of the range Scout (estate)

The Skoda Octavia is really good value for money in its class, its a big family car that has loads of room inside but handles like a much smaller car.

The TDi is particularly nippy and is comfortable around town and on longer runs, with a comfortable ride.

The TDi also manages to return mpg figures of over 50 mpg which makes it even more of an attractive proposition economically.

And the reliability record of Skoda, with the backing of VW is improving all the time.

Skoda Octavia
2- litre diesel
Tested: Octavia SE 2.0 TDi
0-62 = 9.6
Top speed = 129mph
Combined mpg = 51.4 mpg
OTR Price = £19,203 (range from £11,500)