The Skoda brand has been on the rise for many years now, its profile improving from a drab eastern-European car company to a fully-fledged VW-subsidiary – creating cars that can hold their own against rival models from Ford or Audi. And at the head of the Skoda line-up we find the wonderful Skoda Octavia. Since its conception in 1995, Skoda has sold more than 3.7 million Octavia hatchbacks worldwide, spearheading the improvement of the Skoda brand. In 2013, Skoda gave their signature car an update to help the model better compete with rival hatchbacks. And in this Skoda review, we’ll be taking a look at the new Octavia.
Original image by M 93
Design
The designers at Skoda knew what they were aiming for when they worked on the new Octavia. Sure, the car won’t get many second glances – but that isn’t to say it’s not pretty. Far from it, in fact – as far as family hatchbacks go, it’s a sporty offering from Skoda which still retains its family car status. The 2013 update has increased the wheelbase, making the car slightly longer and wider. As a result, the new Skoda Octavia is clearly bigger on the inside; both in terms of legroom and trunk space. The interior is very no-nonsense – a trait the Skoda brand excels at – with a straightforward control panel that’s easy to operate and comfortable seating which takes full advantage of the car’s extra space. The Skoda Octavia is exactly what you want from a large family car.
Performance
You can choose from a range of Volkswagen engines and transmissions – allowing for plenty of flexibility, to create a car that best suits your budget and driving style. No matter what options you go for, you’ll always be able to hit the 62mph mark in under eleven seconds. As far as handling goes, the new Skoda Octavia does exactly what you’d expect from a family hatchback. Its handles easily and is best described as a very relaxing ride. The car remains relatively noise-free, even at high speeds and you’ll rarely get jolted – even when hitting rough surfaces.
Features
The basic version of the Skoda Octavia finds itself rather nicely equipped, while maintaining a low price tag. At a bare minimum, you’ll get alloys, a nice DAB radio, an emergency braking system and electric mirrors and windows. The SE version builds on this comprehensive kit, with a fatigue detection system, parking sensors and dual climate control. And at the top of the range, the Elegance offers intelligent lane and park assistance and keyless go.
The entry level Skoda Octavia starts at an affordable £16,310 and is by no means a gas guzzler. Combine this with low servicing costs and the high level of standard equipment and you’ve got yourself an amazingly good value buy. If you’d like to climb inside a Skoda Octavia of your own but can’t find the funds, the Car Loan Warehouse can help. We’re experts in Skoda finance and we can help you find the car that fits you best. Check out our online car loan calculator now for an instant quote.
