Drive with us: Skoda Octavia Estate Review

Skoda’s stalwart estate continues to shine

The Skoda Octavia has been synonymous with the Czech brand since its launch and this spacious estate provides one of the best combinations of practicality and performance in its class.

Rivalling the likes of the Ford Focus Estate, SEAT Leon Estate, Kia ProCeed and Volkswagen Golf Estate, the Octavia has always been one of the most popular Skoda models.

In this latest Carparison review, we’re behind the wheel of the SE Technology 1.4 TSI iV 204 PS DSG and we want to know all about how it drives, its practical space and hybrid performance.

Price

Prices for the Skoda Octavia start from £22,215 if you're looking at the entry-level SE trim. If you’re after the more performance-focused vRS edition, then prices begin at £31,850.

This makes the Octavia fantastic value for money when compared to some of its rivals. Prices for a Kia ProCeed start from just over £25,000 – although you only have to pay just under £30,000 for the range-topping spec.

If you want an Estate variant of either the Golf or the Focus, both entry-level variants are more expensive (£24,580 & £23,375), while the best trim levels can surpass the £35,000 mark for both models.

With our Skoda lease deals, you could pay for your next vehicle with one affordable monthly payment. 

Engine Options

With such a vast lineup, Skoda offer a wide range of engine choices. Whether you want petrol, diesel, petrol-hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, there is something for you.

A full breakdown of the engine options and the trim levels they are available with is as follows:

Petrol & Petrol Hybrid

• 1.5 TSI 150 PS 6G Manual (SE, SE Technology, SE L)
• 1.0 TSI 110 PS 6G Manual (SE, SE Technology)
• 2.0 TSI 245 PS DSG (VRS)
• 2.0 TSI 245 PS 6G Manual (vRS)
• 1.0 TSI e-TEC 110 PS DSG (SE, SE Technology)
• 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS DSG (SE L)

Diesel

• 2.0 TDI 116 PS DSG (SE, SE Technology, SE L)
• 2.0 TDI 150 PS 6G Manual (SE, SE Technology, SE L)
• 2.0 TDI 116 PS 6G Manual (SE, SE Technology, SE L
• 2.0 TDI 150 PS 4x4 DSG (SE L)
• 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG (SE L)
• 2.0 TDI 200 PS 4x4 DSG (VRS)
• 2.0 TDI 200 PS DSG (vRS)

PHEV

• 1.4 TSI iV 204 PS DSG (SE Technology, SE L)
• 1.4 TSI iV 245 PS DSG (vRS)

Drive

To put it simply, the drive was fantastic. The Octavia Estate really did leave a lasting impression on us. As you pull away, the car is silent and cabin noise is next to nothing.

The Octavia comes with a choice of two engine modes: E-Mode and Hybrid. The latter uses both the petrol engine and the hybrid motor, while the former offers pure electric driving.

Skoda claim the Octavia has a range of just over 40 miles and we found this true to form. 

As well as the two engine modes, you have four driving modes; Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual. While it may not be the best for the Octavia’s efficiency, Sport mode made it oh so fun to drive. You get a rewarding pull as you put your foot down and what follows is an endearing soundtrack from the engine.

We were testing out the 204hp SE Technology edition and even that boasted impressive performance. After spending time in this variant of the Octavia, the sportier vRS edition - which comes with an extra 40hp - looks more and more like a tantalising prospect for those who want that extra oomph. 

The steering is agile and while on the move, you don’t feel the true length of the car at all. It manoeuvres incredibly smoothly and even down narrow country levels, it handled everything well. The Octavia's rear visibility is perhaps one of the minor complaints. It's not terrible, but it's not great either, as a result of the sloping roof.

Design and Interior

The entire Skoda lineup has always benefitted from a refined and stylish design. The Czech manufacturer likes to keep things simple and in return, the Octavia has a nice flowing design and is packed with road presence.

Without looking overly sporty, the Octavia does look quite imposing from the front, with a long front grille and sleek front headlights that look like what you might see on a more premium Audi. 

The 18" Vega Aero alloy wheels, that are specific to the hybrid variant of the Octavia Estate, also give it a nice sporty feel. 

Skoda have created a very relaxing cabin through a nice blend of materials. There is a combination of chrome and soft-touch finishes, while our Octavia included some well-placed checkered detailing. 

The design has been well thought out and Skoda have made a little go a long way, creating a cabin that feels rather premium, but does not come with the big expensive price tag.

Technology

The infotainment system that comes in the Skoda Octavia is competitive. Using the touchscreen is easy and everything is well within reach. There are many layers and sub-menus to the system, so you can find yourself jumping between sections – however, there is a lovely selection of physical buttons that sit underneath the screen itself.

The screen has a commanding presence within what is a very smart and refined cabin. It looks like the system we saw in our recent Peugeot e-2008 review. 

The navigation system was one of the better ones that we’ve tried but it was Voice Control that took us by surprise. 

It was ever so slightly temperamental and would often chime in looking to help without a command. We're sure it will be something you master over time though - perhaps we were just using the wrong command!

We mentioned earlier that when driving, you don’t feel the length of the car. However, we felt the Octavia would’ve benefitted from a reversing camera.

You do get a better feeling for the sheer size of the vehicle when reversing into a parking space and a rear-view parking camera – which is available as an optional extra – would’ve solved one of the few complaints we had.

There are also two USB C ports in both the front and the rear, while select trims can also come with a 12V socket in the boot.

Space and Practicality

As an Estate variant, we expected a generous amount of space in the Octavia and we weren’t disappointed.

When you’re behind the wheel, the driving position is very good and throughout the cabin, the Octavia feels spacious.

Passengers in the rear seats benefit from a great amount of leg and headroom, while comfort levels are very high. Carrying three in the back is doable, but the large centre tunnel eats into the outer passengers' foot room. 

If you’re using the Octavia Estate as a family car, you’ll be pleased to hear it comes with great storage potential. The glovebox and door bins are competitive, while in the centre console you have space for your phone, keys and loose change. There is also an adjustable armrest that includes good storage space too. 

The Octavia has ISOFIX points in the front and rear passenger seats. If your passengers are going to be older, the attached storage pockets behind the front two seats include a handy pouch for phones as well.

As a hybrid, the Octavia does fall short on boot space when compared to its rivals. There’s 490L of space on offer to be exact and within that comes a smart space under the boot floor to store your charging cables out of sight.

The Volkswagen Golf Estate offers one of the best spaces in the class at 611L, while the Focus isn’t far behind at 575L. However, that doesn’t mean the Octavia’s space cannot suffice. It comes with no load lip, an adjustable boot cover and an array of hooks and tethers, which make it a very well-rounded, practical space.

Model Lines and Equipment

SE – From £22,215

• 16" Twister AERO alloy wheels
• Bolero radio with 10" touchscreen
• LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist
• Wireless SmartLink for Apple Car Play only (wired for Android Auto and mirrorlink)
• Voice control
• Black roof rails

SE Technology – From £22,470

In addition/replacement to SE

• Columbus satellite navigation with 10" touchscreen display
• Infotainment online
• Remote Access
• Textile floor mats

SE L – From £26,455

In addition/replacement to SE Technology

• 17" Rotare AERO alloy wheels
• Microsuede upholstery
• Rear privacy glass
• Keyless entry and start/stop including rear doors
• Heated front seats
• Microsuede upholstery
• Chrome roof rails

vRS – From £31,850

In addition/replacement to SE L

• 19" Altair anthracite alloy wheels
• LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist
• Leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel with "S" badge
• Ambient lighting
• Sports bumpers
• Sports suspension (15mm lower than standard Octavia)
• vRS Rear spoiler
• VAQ - Electronically controlled limited-slip differential (2.0 TSI only)

*Prices and model lines correct at the time of publication

Verdict

It’s the sign of a good car when everyone at Carparison HQ loves it. The Skoda Octavia Estate was a hugely popular car. When we asked for second opinions, they were unequivocally positive, with many complimenting its drive and impressive performance. 

From a driving perspective, the Octavia delivers effortless power, control and comfort. And make no mistake about it, with that hybrid engine, it can shift. 

Perhaps the Estate body (naively) blurred our expectations for this review, but the Octavia was such a pleasant and welcoming surprise.

Skoda have once again produced a car with a fantastic blend of comfort, practicality and performance, and we think the Octavia is one of the best value for money estate cars out there.

Interested in a Skoda Octavia lease deal? Browse our latest personal contract hire offers and business contract hire offers.