Skoda Octavia Review
By Motor Match • 07/09/2023
These days, the Octavia is more premium than ever, let's see what this spacious family car has to offer.
What is it?
The name ‘Octavia’ is pretty much synonymous with Skoda. The Czech brand’s core model has been a key part of its range for decades and it’s still the same today. Combining practicality and robust build quality, the Octavia has always been a go-to for families after reliable transport or drivers who want a car that’ll perform day-in, day-out.
These days, the Octavia is more premium than ever and, despite the soaring popularity of crossovers and SUVs, continues to be a much-loved choice in the market. Now available with a wide range of engines and specifications, it’s a car worth checking out. So let’s see what it has to offer.
What’s new?
The latest generation of Skoda Octavia sits on a brand-new platform, with this MQB-Evo setup being used frequently across the wider Volkswagen Group. What this platform brings is added space and versatility, as well as the option to incorporate electrified engine setups.
Skoda has also implemented a range of new technologies and a fresh infotainment system, while ensuring that the Octavia remains just as spacious and useful as it always was.
What’s under the bonnet?
Skoda offers the Octavia with quite a variety of engine options, including - surprisingly in this day and age - a diesel. But, in fact, it’s the oil-burner which does fit the character of the Octavia, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged setup able to deliver an impressive 60mpg alongside super low emissions of between 123 and 141 g/km depending on wheel size.
You can, of course, get the Octavia with a plug-in hybrid setup, too, which allows it to do up to 43 miles on electric-only power. However, the PHEV does suffer from a dent in boot space as a result of the batteries underneath, so we’d be inclined to lean towards one of the more ‘regular’ versions if you’re after the best possible space.
What’s it like to drive?
The driving experience you get in the Octavia is just what you’d expect from this model. It’s comfortable, refined and really easy. Most of the sound outside the car is prevented from entering the cabin and this leads to a relaxing driving style overall. The steering is relatively light, but this makes the Octavia a bit easier to position at slow speeds.
On the motorway is where the Octavia truly feels at home, however. It’s nicely planted and seems to feel really settled at greater speeds. Plus, when you’re in the diesel version, it’s at these points where you can revel in the car’s impressive efficiency.
How does it look?
The new Octavia carves a pleasant line between looking ‘normal’ and having some interest-inspiring features. We particularly like it in estate form, but even the standard hatch stands out thanks to its sharp headlights and wider-than-ever front grille.
Remember, too, that you can get the Octavia in sporty vRS specification, which adds in dynamic front and rear splitters alongside larger alloy wheels and a smattering of vRS badges. It’s still very understated, however, in typical Skoda fashion.
What’s it like inside?
There are loads of plus-points inside the Octavia. For starters, it’s large and spacious with plenty of cubbies that can be used to store all of those items which tend to accumulate within a car. Most of the dash area has been cleared up of buttons, too, with the vast majority of functions now housed within the central screen, The material quality is good, too, though you’ll find some scratchier plastics lower down the cabin. On the vRS, the large bucket seats which come as standard do obscure the view for those sitting in the back, too.
But you can’t fault the Octavia when it comes to boot space. There’s a huge 600 litres available in the standard hatch, or 640 litres in the estate. Whichever version you opt for, it’s going to trump the vast majority of similarly-sized rivals for capacity.
What’s the spec like?
As with other Skoda models, the Octavia has a healthy level of standard equipment so that right from the off, you’re getting a car that has more than enough tech on-board. For example, even entry-level SE variants benefit from 16-inch alloy wheels and a full 10-inch infotainment setup which incorporates smartphone mirroring tech.
A popular option is SE L, as it brings more eye-catching 17-inch alloy wheels, and though the 10-inch infotainment system is the same as the SE, it now gets native satellite navigation as standard.
Verdict
The Skoda Octavia is the kind of car that you can rely on. It’s spacious - either in hatch or estate form - but it’s also well-built and robust enough for a busy lifestyle. Though diesel models might not be the flavour of the month, these remain a great option for high-mileage drivers too.
Refinement has taken a big step up over the previous Octavia and it’s all tied together with a design which is fresh and modern. What’s not to like?
You may also like…