Skoda Octavia Hatchback (2013 -) Review

This is the third generation of the popular Skoda Octavia from the Czech maker. It is now 90mm longer and 45mm wider than the previous generation but it also looks more elegant than before. The wheelbase has grown by 108mm meaning more legroom and boot space.

Skoda’s Octavia has also been on a diet, shedding 102kg, and this - in conjunction with a more efficient engine line-up - has helped it to achieve CO2 emissions as low as 89g/km.

Efficient engine line-up

Five engines are available: three diesels and two petrols. The 108bhp 1.6-litre TDI 'Greenline' engine will be the most popular thanks to its CO2 emissions of 89g/km and claimed 83mpg average fuel economy.

Both manual gearboxes and automatic DSG gearboxes are available on the Octavia and those looking for even more performance have the option of the Octavia vRS.

Equipment and safety

There are three trim levels: S, SE and Elegance. The standard kit level is pretty generous with 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth and DAB radio as highlights. Skoda says around £3,500’ worth of kit has been added to the new car when compared with the older models.

New technology that will be available on the Octavia for the first time includes Adaptive Cruise Assistant (which automatically maintains a pre-set distance from the car ahead), an Intelligent Light Assistant (which switches from high beam to dipped when it detects approaching traffic) and Traffic Sign Recognition (which is useful when a speed limit changes suddenly).

The Skoda Octavia has also got a driving mode selection system which allows enthusiastic drivers to set certain vehicle characteristics at the flick of a switch, to sharpen the throttle response and weight-up the steering.

Practically speaking

Bigger and more elegant than the previous generation, this Octavia is class-leading in terms of interior space. With the seats in place the boot holds 590 litres and when you fold them flat the load space expands to 1,580 litres.

It also features Skoda’s new double-sided floor covering – one side carpet and one side rubber, protecting the boot from muddy shoe prints or wet dogs. There are plenty of cubbyholes in which to store loose change and knick-knacks, while the Octavia also comes with a useful ice scraper placed inside the filler flap.

Read on for the full Skoda Octavia review.