Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI wagon

If talent automatically meant success, you'd probably be seeing a lot more of Škoda's Octavia on the road. It hasn't happened, though. Whatever the reason, sales have never really amounted to more than a steady trickle.

Now there's a new Octavia on the streets, boasting different drivetrains, massaged styling, an improved cabin and simplified line-up.

The old Elegance and Ambiente model lines are gone, replaced with a choice of three engines for either hatch or wagon variants.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Here we're testing the $35,790 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine allied to Volkswagen Group's latest seven-speed dual-clutch auto. But the range starts with a $26,990 1.6L petrol manual hatch (Škoda calls it a "liftback") and stretches to $38,290 for the automatic version with a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine.

The tested car gets dual-zone climate control, six-CD audio, auto headlights and wipers and 16-inch alloys on top of the 1.6's already respectable specification. The sporty RS and Scout 4X4 remain unchanged at the top of the range but get an update later this year.

HOW SAFE?

Six airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard but parking sensors cost more. Given the less than remarkable rear vision, they're probably a good idea.

Škoda is confident the new Octavia's crash safety will rate better than its predecessor's four stars.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

The Octavia's cabin looks much the same as before but the dashboard is new, nicer to the touch and seems better assembled. There's also a different steering wheel, centre console and switchgear exuding a classy, if still somewhat sober, ambience.

Functionally, there's plenty of space up front, loads of spots to stow smaller items and a wide range of steering and seating adjustment. The back seat is less impressive, with acceptable space for taller adults and fewer snmall-item storage options.

The wagons boot goes from big to positively huge with the back seats folded. You also get bag hooks, 12-volt outlets, luggage tie-downs and a full-size spare.

UNDER THE BONNET

Škoda might be Volkswagen's budget brand but it doesn't miss out on technology.

The 1.8 TSI gets the sane 118kW 1.8- litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dualclutch auto gearbox as the latest Golf.

The 1.8 TSI is smaller than the 2.0 FSI it replaces but superior in every respect. It's more powerful and has more torque, yet is more economical, with auto versions rating 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the official test cycle.

On the road, you'll find a strong supply power on tap from just 1500rpm, with linear delivery right to the redline. It's smooth, refined and used just 7.1L/ 100km on our urban/highway test loop, although preferring premium unleaded.

The seven-speed auto is great on the move, with deliciously sharp shifts and a huge ratio spread but its combination of jerky take-off and too-eager upshift makes it a little awkward in stop-start driving. On hills, progress is noticeably uneven.

ON THE ROAD

Like the old Octavia, this is a solid drive. Turn the well-weighted wheel and the Škoda pretty much just goes where you point it, displaying composure and predictability.

For the most part, the suspension does a good job of cushioning big impacts. However, smaller bumps aren't as well-suppressed and the unrelenting jiggling eventually becomes tiring.

There's plenty of road noise on coarse-chip surfaces and our test car also had plenty of wind noise above the windscreen.

VERDICT

The original Octavia was already good and the new one is that bit better.

The cabin is nicer, the new 1.8 TSI engine is a gem and the simplified line-up should make things easier for potential buyers. However, the Škoda still falls tantalisingly short of brilliant.

It could be quieter and more comfortable, the auto could be better-behaved at times and its presentation while professional - is a little too sober for its own good.

Ultimately, though, these are minor blemishes. If you want a smallish car that's roomy, practical, great to drive and good value, it deserves to be on your shopping list.

For more on the Škoda Octavia, visit drive.com.au/Škoda

AT A GLANCE

HOW MUCH? From $33,490 (man), $35,790 (auto)
ENGINE 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 118kW/250Nm, 6.7L/100km,157g CO₂/km, FWD
WHAT IT HAS Twin front, side and curtain airbags, stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, trip computer, automatic headlights and wipers, six-CD audio with auxiliary jack, leather-shod multi-function steering wheel, 16-inch alloys
FOR Sprightly performance, excellent economy and dual-clutch auto gearbox, rock-solid road manners, roomy and practical cabin, huge boot, great value.
AGAINST Auto is jerky around town, jiggly ride, average refinement, prefers premium unleaded.

THE COMPETITORS

HOLDEN ASTRA CDX WAGON
From $29,790
Handy boot, capable and refined road manners, plenty of toys, middling performance, flat seats, confusing switchgear, poor cabin storage.
***

MAZDA6 CLASSIC WAGON
From $36,740
Supreme style, slick road manners, roomy and classy cabin, user-friendly boot, quality, value, engine lacks low-rev zest, could be quieter.
****

PEUGEOT 308 XSE TOURING
From $36,190
Can seat seven, cabin is classy and versatile, strong performance, capable road manners, final row only for children, firm ride, mediocre auto, thirst for premium unleaded.
***