What's the news?
The covers have been removed from the second member of the Octavia family, that of the all-new Combi estate. Bigger and more practical than the car it replaces, the new Combi will arrive in the UK in June priced from £16,790.
Exterior
Longer, wider and with a longer wheelbase than before the new Combi trumps its predecessor in every way that matters. The looks, like those of the hatchback, are a touch conservative, but Skoda knows its market and leaves 'young and funky' to SEAT.
In the UK, entry level 'S' models will be equipped with 16-inch alloys, roof rails and projector headlights while 'SE' cars get parking sensors and front fog lights. Range topping 'Elegance' models will be equipped with 17-inch rims, 'Intelligent' headlights, and emergency city braking - not really an exterior feature, but it should keep the front bumper from being mangled...
Interior
Ninety mm longer than the old model, the new Combi boasts a boot space of 610 litres, enough to embarrass many a competitor from the class above, if only 20 litres more than is offered by the hatchback. Like that car, however, the Combi offers class leading leg- and shoulder room with more than enough 'toys' inside to keep even the most bored passengers busy.
Mechanicals
The new Octavia will be available in the UK with four engine options: two petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 105hp (1.2 TSI, 1.6 TDI CR) to 150hp for the 2.0 TDI model. Engines are up to 17 per cent more economical than the previous generation units and a fuel-efficient Greenline version, available in the UK later in 2013, will offer CO2 emissions of only 87 g/km.
Anything else?
The Skoda Octavia Combi goes on sale in the UK from June 2013 with prices starting from £16,790 for the 1.2-litre TSI 105hp S. The flagship 2.0-litre TDI CR 150hp DPF DSG Elegance model costs £24,040. The premium for the Combi over its Hatch sibling is £800.
Paul Healy - 6 Mar 2013
