Škoda stores up on quality

Driving the outgoing Octavia and its Scout sibling, we came away impressed - particularly with the latter, which was a good allrounder. The first taste of the new-look is an Octavia TSi DSG petrol wagon. The looks from the front are more mainstream, something its predecessor had a crack at but did not quite master.

The loadbox over the rear axle is not exactly inspired by a Jennifer Lopez or Beyonce - hearse-like is perhaps a little more apt. From inside the car, you do not have to look at it and if you did not look aft you probably would not have any sense of being in a load-lugger.

It is a light and easy car to drive, with the little direct-injection powerplant giving plenty once it has overcome a combination of the DSG and turbo hesitations, something that still is a problem for the VW group and others opting for double-clutchers but there has been plenty of improvement.

Clever induction and turbocharging provide 118kW of power from 4500 to 6200rpm but there is also a good spread of torque on offer between 1500 and 4500 - 250Nm, which delivers decent in-gear acceleration as well.

The only bugbear is it prefers to drink 98RON premium unleaded but it sips at a fairly frugal rate.

We got 8.71/100km, not too far away from the 6.71/100km that the car is rated at for the Australian Design Rules. There is some clever storage features in the centre console and the boot, while it is not the car's best angle, offers good storage capacity as well.

Pitch a pram, belt a bag and sling a suitcase in the back and there's still enough room.

A trip home from the airport after an extended absence required three large suitcases, one smaller one, plus other assorted bags and a stroller.

All slotted into the wagon.

Cabin space is enough to accommodate four adults in comfort, or mum, dad and three offspring will fit without any issues - although the territorial arguments in the rear will probably still be heard.

The TSi is a front-wheel driver but has stability control and six airbags - dual front, side and curtains for front and rear passengers.

Style gurus probably will look for form over function in this market but those with even a hint of practical leanings (and any sort of budgetary limits) should have the new Octavia on the shopping list, near the top.

SMALL TORQUE

Škoda Octavis TSi wagon
Price: from $33,490.
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol four-cylinder.
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive.
Power: 118kW between 4500 & 6200rpm.
Torque: 250Nm between 1500 & 4500rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 7.8 seconds. Top speed 223km/h.
Fuel consumption: 6.7litres/100km, on test 8.7 litres per 100km, tank 55 litres.
Emissions: 157g/km.
Suspension: MacPherson struts with lowertriangular links and stabiliser bar (front); Multi-linkswith stabiliser bar (rear).
Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated.
Wheels: 16in alloys.