What’s hot?
- Our Octavia 4×4 Estate was powered by the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDi turbo diesel engine. This engine has plenty of low-down torque and feels quite rapid when extended, with acceleration to 62mph taking just 8.7 seconds and the top speed is an impressive 132mph.
- Despite the keen performance and four-wheel drive, this ŠKODA is still kind at the pumps. Combined consumption is claimed to be 57.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 124g/km.
- Considering its four-wheel drive ability, we think its 20% company car tax band for 2014/15 is pretty good.
- The Octavia’s six-speed manual gearbox has a light and positive change.
- During normal driving it’s hard to tell this is a four-wheel drive car at all, there’s more body roll due to the slightly taller suspension, but this Octavia is still a tidy handler. When the extra grip is needed the Octavia’s, Haldex system seamlessly switches from two- to four-wheel drive giving the security of extra grip in wet or muddy conditions.
- The Octavia 4×4’s ride always remains generally composed, part of this could be down to the moderately-sized 16″ alloys.
- The Octavia’s driving position is comfortable and all-round vision is generally good.
- On the outside, the latest Octavia estate has a touch of the early noughties Audi about it, with all the sharp slashes along the flanks and the distinctive lights
- Rear passenger space in the Octavia estate is generous and the icing on the cake of this package is the huge, practical 610 litre boot that can be extended to 1740 litres with the seat folded down.
What’s not?
- The Octavia 4×4 is fitted with a Driving Mode Selection system with Normal, Eco, Sport and individual modes. However, they feel too similar in everday use, with only the Sport mode making an obvious change to the steering
- The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel might be a performer, but it’s noisy and buzzy at speed.
- There’s no such thing as a cheap ŠKODA anymore and almost £3,000 extra for four-wheel drive, plus the increased running costs mean the two-wheel drive version is more attractive – unless you really need the extra security.
