ŠKODA Octavia Wagon

New ŠKODA Octavia

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Car Verdict

Design and Engineering
Since arriving Down Under in October 2007, you'd be lucky to find a review which wasn't favourable to this mid size wagon from the Czech Republic. The mid life facelift went on sale in early 2009, (as this generation Octavia has been on sale in Europe since 2004) bringing along a more modern touch to both the exterior and interior. The headlight design is of a more interesting shape and the bumpers are restyled front and rear.

Interior and Styling
The mid life facelift sees a new dash design with higher quality soft touch plastics, upgraded switchgear and a new steering wheel design. The front seats are comfortable, generously sized and supportive (the sporty RS variants feature fantastic grippy front pews) and the steering wheel has both rake and reach adjustment. The driver and front passenger receive an adequate number of storage compartments up front (centre console compartment, door and seat bins and a decent sized glovebox). Rear cargo space is good (with useful storage hooks, luggage net and a 12 volt outlet) and for carrying serious loads the second row seats split fold for over 1,600 litres of carrying capacity (200 litres over the Octavia hatch). Rear visibility is good, better than the Octavia hatch.

Performance
A great selection of engines to choose from: three petrol (1.4L turbo with 90kW, 1.8L turbo with 118kW and 2.0L turbo with 147kW) and two diesel (2.0L turbo with either 103kW or 125kW). We're big fans of the 1.8TSI (118kW) grade – a great mix of power (enough for the average family with 2.2 kids) and economy (official combined fuel economy figure of only 6.7L with the excellent seven speed dual clutch DSG gearbox).

Ride and Handling
Steering has good accuracy - providing safe and secure inputs; the ride is mostly refined, staying calm over most surfaces. RS grades ride is firm but never harsh.

Buying and Owning
All grades come standard with six airbags, Anti-lock brakes and Electronic Stability Control - the Octavia wagon ticks the safety box. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the second row adjustable air conditioning vents.

The Verdict
Compact exterior dimensions; top notch fit AND finish; impressive luggage capacity; excellent drivetrains; decent handling; good value for money.