Insurance Group: 13
MPG: 74.3
CO2: 99
0-62 Mph: 10.8 secs
BHP: 104 BHP
Range: 817 miles
PROS: An impressive revamp sees the Octavia return with an even larger cabin and a good level of equipment, and this diesel version delivers excellent fuel efficiency.
CONS: The driving experience is not be as exciting as some of its rivals, and the design of the car is quite traditional and cautious.
The 1.6-litre diesel engine of the Octavia is designed to deliver efficiency rather than performance, but it still holds its own offering acceleration from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 121mph. The handling of the car is not the most exciting, with the steering being quick to respond but slightly lacking in feel, while there is also some body movement while cornering. The ride is firm without being uncomfortable, and there is plenty of grip while cornering.
Inside the cabin there is plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver, and the seat and steering wheel both adjust to allow almost every driver to get comfortable. The centre console is well designed with large buttons and a touch screen system that is logical and easy to use. The visibility is generally good, but there is some obstruction through the rear window, while the refinement in the car is quite good, although the diesel engine can become audible when given a hard workout.
Skoda have certainly opted for a look that is very similar to the previous Octavia when they were redesigning the vehicle - the Octavia is a very conservative-looking car, albeit a very handsome one. The size of the car is slightly larger than the previous incarnation, putting it on a par with the Ford Mondeo in terms of size. The car is also supplied with alloy wheels, which certainly helps to give it a quality look.
The Octavia is supplied with electric windows in the front and the back of the car, while climate control helps to make it a pleasant partner on a longer drive. In terms of security equipment the car comes supplied with an alarm and an immobiliser, while the inclusion of a rear parking sensor is a wise decision considering the increased size of the vehicle.
One of the greatest attributes of the Octavia is that it is very practical, with a cabin that offers plenty of space both in the front and the rear, with passengers in the rear enjoying plenty of legroom and headroom. The seats fold forward for additional load space, but for the majority of cases the large boot will offer more than enough space for luggage.
The Skoda Octavia achieved the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test, with a good range of airbags installed to ensure that driver and passengers alike remain safe. It is also supplied with plenty of electronic assistance to help the driver ensure the car can stay out of any accidents where possible. Skoda is noted for making cars that are reliable, and with a minimal number of changes in the design it is likely that the new Octavia will be just as reliable as the previous model.
With a list price of £19,240, this isn't the cheapest model in the range, but it is still competitively priced and with its ultra efficient engine is well worth considering for those covering higher mileages, as it offers a stunning 74.3mpg. The low insurance group along with the wonderfully low carbon emissions offered by the car also makes it a good car to keep on the road.
It is expected that this version of the Octavia will hold its value fairly well because of the excellent efficiency and low running costs for the car, although saloons aren't always the strongest for holding their value. The car is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty.
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