The Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus-rivalling Skoda Octavia may not be the most striking
hatchback on sale, but it puts in a phenomenal shift for the Czech brand, being its biggest
seller worldwide, making up a massive 41 per cent of its sales.
So, it’s already doing a great job, and like all other manufacturers, Skoda is following
the ‘if it aint broke, maybe still tweak it a bit’ regime, so there’s some minor
changes for 2017, there’s slightly reworked, fancier headlights, reminiscent of the new
Kodiaq SUV, and a reshaped bumper that’s now lower.
And you’ve got to admit, it does look a smidge smarter, but the more significant changes
are to its in-car tech and safety kit.
So let’s talk about the new stuff first, well, the infotainment system in the Octavia
has had a significant revamp from entry-level.
You’ve essentially got three different options, in either 8 or 9.2 inch, there’s the Bolero
system, Amundsen system, then this, the 9.2-inch Columbus system.
Now each of these focus on offering more smartphone-like interfaces, and they really do, especially
this Columbus system.
I mean for me, I think this is perfect – it’s actually Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible
as standard – and you’ve got a very Android-esque layout that’s simple but still manages to
be smart and avoid looking bland.
Massive improvement here, well done Skoda.
Now the updated safety kit in the Octavia includes the likes of Predictive Pedestrian
Protection for autonomous braking – and this is standard on our Laurin and Klement
model, and this sits alongside the likes of adaptive cruise control and lane departure
warning.
Apart from that, typical Skoda layout, which is to say it’s smart, and well-laid out,
but not particularly adventurous.
Our L&K model actually has these smart chocolate-coloured inlays.
In fact, the new screen does wonders for the interior in terms of sprucing things up a
bit.
So, the Octavia has always been one of the ones to beat when it comes to space, and the
latest model is no different.
You’ve got the same proportions so that means there’s loads of both head and leg
room.
And there’s enough for three passengers to sit comfortably.
The boot’s even better…
As this is the Octavia Estate, you get the standard hatch’s 590 litres – and then
some, with boot space standing at 610 litres or 1,740 litres if you fold the seats down.
It’s not just cause it’s big though, it’s nice and square too and you’ve got some
handy Simply Clever features to play around with too.
Nothing has changed mechanically for the 2017 Octavia Estate, so you can expect it to drive
just like before, which is to say it drives very similar to a Volkswagen.
It’s sensible, comfortable, easy to drive around town, happy to cruise along quietly
on the motorway.
Yeah, everything you’d want from a car.
Well, as long as that doesn’t include sporty driving.
You see as carefree the Octavia is to drive, it still fails to offer anything excitement
wise.
The steering is accurate, but doesn’t offer much feedback, and especially with the estate
model, it does feel slightly on the bulky side on the road.
There are some adjustable driving modes, including Sport and Eco mode which tweak the steering
and throttle input, but there nothing special.
In fact, I think the only real highlight is how the Sport mode hangs onto gears longer.
But that’s not where the Octavia’s USP lies, it’s designed to just get you around
and have you feeling fresh when you arrive – and it does exactly that.
Just like most other Skodas, the engine line-up in the Octavia is excellent as well, there’s
a 1.0-litre turbo, a mid-range 1.6 diesel and this 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel we’ve got.
And this engine gives you everything really – a sprint time of 8.6 seconds, yet you
should comfortably get an average of around 50mpg.
And this DSG automatic keeps up well with even the most erratic shifts in driving characteristics.
One of the biggest boons of the Octavia is its price though, as it starts from under
£18,500 – which is less than most rival estates, including the Volkswagen Golf Estate,
Honda Civic Tourer and the Ford Focus Estate.
And even if you want to go for a mid-range spec, it stays affordable too.
And that’s just another reason why the Octavia is a car you buy with your head and not necessarily
your heart.
I mean I love it.
I love how it just gets on with it.
But it’s that very equilibrium that might put some people off.