Test Car Specifications
Model tested: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.0 TSI SE
Price: Octavia Estate from £18,395, 1.0 TSI SE from £19,700
Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: family estate car
CO2 emissions: 110g/km
Combined economy: 58.9mpg
Top speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 10.1 seconds
Power: 115hp at 5,000- to 5,500rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 2,000- to 3,500rpm
What's this?
The new Skoda Octavia. The Czech firm says it's more than just a facelift, but in reality it's exactly that. There are no real sheet metal changes, and the revised Octavia is signified by a new front grille that's more Superb-like, framed by some rather oddly shaped headlights.
There are new rear lights - full LED units on all models now - and the changes are just about enough to make it look different to the Octavia it replaces. How successful the update is depends entirely on whether you're sold on the busy headlights and grille treatment, on what's otherwise a familiar and unassuming form.
Changes inside are equally obvious, although entirely welcome. The centre console is now a touchscreen unit, which raises the quality bar hugely. What it operates depends on how much you've spent, but the standard kit list is typically generous across the board. However, if you want the full suite of apps, WiFi hotspot and technological connectivity, you'll need to spend a bit more. You'll not miss any of this kit if you don't choose it, although there are some pieces of optional safety equipment that might be of more interest. The Octavia can now be had with the latest-generation assistance systems, including Front Assist with Emergency Braking function, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert.
How does it drive?
There's nothing revelatory here, because it's an Octavia with a shiny nose, some more optional and standard equipment and some revised drivelines. We tried the 2.0 TDI, which until recently has been the default choice for an estate car like this, and it's easy to see why, as it's punchy, easy and economical. But the thing is, diesel is falling out of favour, and there's an intriguing alternative now, because the Octavia offered with a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol. If that sounds like you've brought a toothpick to a tank battle, you'd be very wrong.
The 1.0-litre only has three pistons, but they're willing as hell, and backed with a turbocharger. The output is a respectable 115hp, which is enough to haul the sizeable Octavia from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds. That's not hugely quick, but it's brisk enough, and the way the small unit performs is so engaging that you'll forgive it a bit of outright speed. It's a willing, rev-happy engine, although for all its enthusiasm to push to the redline, it's not entirely necessary. The low to mid range torque output is enough to make the Octavia easy to drive around town, pulling with more conviction than you'd think, even if you're lazy with the six-speed manual transmission.
So the 1.0 TSI is a surprise then, and a genuine, useable alternative to the once-default diesel choice. It's refined too, with only the occasional throbbing at high revs revealing its three-cylinder nature. Elsewhere, the package is as it has always been, which means fine, surefooted and predictable handling and balance - slightly sharper here thanks to less weight over the front axle - an accomplished ride quality and the sort of space that you'd need to leap up a class to get from an alternative model. The hatchback is huge, but this Estate swallows even more, making it the choice for those families unable to pack even remotely sensibly.
Verdict
Always a very difficult choice to argue against as a sensible family estate car, the new Octavia Estate only builds on its existing strengths. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is a real gem, and in a marketplace that's more sceptical about diesel than ever, it might just prove to be the pick. We're not entirely sold on the new headlights, but we could live with them given how convincing the rest of the Octavia is. Which is the same as it always was, only better.
Exterior Design
Interior Ambience
Passenger Space
Luggage Space
Safety
Comfort
Driving Dynamics
Powertrain
