Skoda's fourth generation Octavia Estate continues to go large. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the improved version.

Ten Second Review

The fourth generation version of Skoda's Octavia Estate gets a light refresh as part of this Czech model's mid-term update. It's still great value for money, equipment levels are strong and it holds up to 640-litres without having to fold the back seats. That's similar to the kind of space you could expect from much pricier Passat-segment station wagon models in the next class up.

Background

Do you really need a small estate car? The whole purpose of an estate car is its easy load lugging ability and to choose a small one is a bit like choosing a slow supercar or an ugly coupe; it pretty much defeats the initial point. But if you want a new car, you've to keep to a budget and you fancy a station wagon over an SUV, going for a decently-sized Passat or Peugeot 508 SW-class estate costs serious money these days. Which you might think would leave you needing to look at a late, low mileage decently-sized estate rather than something new. Before you do that though, check out the car we're looking into here, the latest improved MK4 version of Skoda's Octavia Estate. It might just surprise you.

Driving Experience

The subtleness of this car's mid-term is equally evident by the minimal changes made to the engine range. As before, the core of the range is made up of 1.5-litre TSI petrol or 2.0 TDI diesel engines, each with either 116PS or 150PS options. As previously, if you pay extra for the petrol unit with a DSG 7-speed automatic, you get the brand's mHEV mild hybrid tech thrown in. The diesel, which remains unelectrified, comes in lower-powered form with a manual gearbox and in higher-powered guise with the DSG auto. So far, there's no PHEV drivetrain available, but we expect one before the end of this car's life cycle. The previous entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine is no longer offered. Nor is the uprated 2.0-litre diesel in the vRS, though vRS customers do now get an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit - now with power boosted to 265PS, along with a sports exhaust that produces a more characterful sound. As previously, the vRS sits 15mm lower than the standard model on firmer sports suspension. It can't now be had with AWD though. Actually, AWD (once an Octavia calling card) is generally noticeable by its absence, though you can talk to your dealer about an AWD 2.0 TSI petrol variant with 204PS. As before, all Octavias use the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform - the evolved version of it engineered for the current MK8 Volkswagen Golf. Whatever flavour of Octavia Estate you happen to prefer, it'll come with plenty of drive assist technology, including a standard Adaptive Cruise Control system that uses the car's front camera system, GPS data and a host of sensors to drive the car predictively. So when 'ACC' is set, the car knows in advance about bends, roundabouts and upcoming traffic flow, plus this Skoda will adapt itself to speed limits as you enter them.

Design and Build

You'd have to be quite a Skoda loyalist to notice the visual changes made to the updated version of this fourth generation Octavia Estate. A subtly revised front grille is flanked by more angular restyled LED headlamps positioned above a pronounced crease in the front bumper that's supposed to present a visual reference to the Czech flag. Both front and rear bumpers have been revised too - to be more aerodynamic; which is the main reason why overall length is up by 9mm (to 4,705mm - compared to 4,698mm for the equivalent hatch version). The rear LED lamp clusters have been redesigned too. And there are some fresh wheel designs. Once you get behind the wheel, you'll find the changes made this this updated MK4 model are as subtle as they were outside. If you happen to be familiar with the original version of this NX-era design, the main thing you'll probably notice is the new, larger 13-inch central screen; before perhaps going on to note the new recycled cabin materials and the steering wheel's smarter two-dimensional Skoda badge. There are cabin charging upgrades too: the 'Phone Box' wireless charging mat now provides for up to 15W wireless charging; and the USB-C ports deliver up to 45W - triple the amount offered with the pre-facelifted car. The 'Virtual Cockpit' digital instrument screen has now been standardised in its largest 10.25-inch size and, as before, can display in a choice of four graphic layouts that include twin dials and full-screen mapping. In the rear, as usual with an Octavia, back seat space is class-leading, thanks to this Octavia's unusually long 2,686mm wheelbase - that's 67mm lengthier than a Volkswagen Golf. As a result, it's more spacious in the back than any other family hatch-segment model - at least for legs and knees anyway. Out back, cargo space remains class-leading, though you'll only get a powered tailgate to access it if you avoid base trim. Once the hatch rises, 640-litres of space is revealed - compared to 600-litres in the hatch.

Market and Model

If you're anything like most, you'll probably be shocked at the prices of new cars. This is a time when Vauxhall can charge you up to £35,000 or more for a Corsa and still keep a straight face and as such, the fact that you can buy a Skoda Octavia Estate for a starting figure beginning at around £28,000 (around £1,000 more than the hatch version) seems extremely reasonable. Positively generous in fact. Okay, so that'll mean the entry level engine and trim, but even that includes quite a lot these days. The core trim level is 'SE Technology'. The mid trim level is 'SE L', then 'Sportline', with the top of the range marked by the sporty vRS models. As usual with a Skoda, all variants get as standard a range of practical 'Simply Clever' features, a number of which (the ice scraper and the optional umbrella) have made the switch to sustainable materials. An extra storage box is now available for rear seat passengers and estate customers can now order an optional luggage cover that will retract when the tailgate is opened. There's loads of safety kit of course - and Skoda has updated the car's 'Attention and Drowsiness Assistant'. The brand's 'Collision Avoidance Assistance' autonomous braking system is standard across the range, along with lane departure warning (featuring steering assistance) and predictive cruise control, which works alongside a traffic sign recognition set-up. There are also new Park Assist features; and revisions to the keyless-entry system, with proximity sensors that now automatically lock or unlock the car as you approach or walk away from it. The other option you'll want to consider is the new, larger 13-inch centre screen which, like the smaller monitor, has a new ChatGPT version of Skoda's 'Laura' voice control system built into it (named after one of Skoda's founders, Vaclav Laurin).

Cost of Ownership

The efficiency figures are much as before, though Skoda claims that the volume 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine's turbocharger has been re-worked to improve economy and minimise thermal loses. As before, the mHEV mild hybrid system that's fitted to 1.5-litre TSI auto models doesn't make a huge frugality difference. To recap, it pairs a 12-volt belt-driven starter motor with a small 48-volt lithium ion-battery, which stores energy that's recuperated under braking. The setup assists the petrol engine with a small electric boost, while also enabling this Skoda to coast with the engine completely disengaged at speed on the highway, improving efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. You'll be wanting the WLTP emissions figures that'll determine this car's tax status. For the manual 1.5 TSI petrol, it's 121g/km (and 53.0mpg on the combined cycle). For the 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel DSG auto, it's 120g/km (and 61.9mpg). As for servicing, well as usual with Skoda models, there's a choice of either 'Fixed' or 'Flexible' maintenance packages. You'll choose the 'Fixed' approach if you cover less than 10,000 miles a year and with this, the car will typically be looked at every twelve months. If your daily commute is more than 25 miles and your Octavia will regularly be driven on longer distance journeys, you'll be able to work with a 'Flexible' regime that in the first two years of ownership could see you travelling up to 20,000 miles or waiting up to 24 months before a garage visit. A single inspection service every year or 20,000 miles will be required thereafter, whichever comes sooner. And warranties? Well the standard package is three years and 60,000 miles. We can't see why Skoda couldn't extend that mileage limit to 100,000 miles, since that what you get with a mechanically very similar Volkswagen Transporter model. Doing that though, wouldn't give Skoda dealers so much of an opportunity to sell extended warranty packages.

Summary

There aren't too many cars that have improved their appeal quite as markedly as this fourth generation Skoda Octavia estate. Yes, it's now smarter, more media-savvy and better equipped, which are all decisively good things. But the keys to this car's big draw are simple. It's still spacious and great value - and the prices haven't taken a sharp climb. The Octavia was already one of the most affordable cars in the family hatchback-derived station wagon sector. It's no longer really in that segment but now gives cars like the estate versions of the SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Passat a real headache. The best value is obviously to be had at the entry-level end of the Octavia Estate range. At the top end of the line-up, it's easy to see many trading equipment for badge equity and defecting to Volkswagen or Audi products, but given that they're all built by the same group, that might not be such a bad thing. Not so much if the money was going to BMW or Mercedes though. As it stands, this is a solid seven out of ten car. You'll love it.

Body Glass

Heated rear windscreen

Rear privacy glass

Electric front and rear windows

Aero front windscreen wipers with intermittent function

Rear window wiper

Rain and light sensors

Brakes

ESC including ABS, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR

Electronic parking brake

Hill hold assist

Chassis/Suspension

Sports suspension with 15mm lower

Communication

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Traffic sign recognition

Drive mode selection

Turn Assist

Progressive dynamic steering

Front assist system

Driver Convenience

1x USB Typc C port in rear view mirror

eCall emergency system

4x USB Type C ports - 2x in front centre console and 2x in rear (45W)

Wireless charging (15W) with cooling function

Driver Information

Wireless SmartLink for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Driver fatigue sensor

Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Gloss black air vent surrounds

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

13" touchscreen display with navigation

Exterior Body Features

Gloss black roof rails

Gloss black diffuser

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Ice scraper in fuel cap

Gloss black spoiler

Exterior gloss black sports styling including front grille, window surrounds, door mirrors and badging

Exterior Lights

Rear fog light on one side

High level third brake light

LED daytime running lights

Logo projection in front doors

High beam control

Interior Features

Interior door handles in dark chrome

4 foldable roof handles

Steering wheel in black leather with black stitching

Jumbo Box storage

Umbrella in door panel

Sunglasses storage

12 volt socket in boot

Storage compartments in left and right of boot

Ticket holder

Mechanical rear seat release from boot

Aluminium pedals

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Luggage compartment lighting x2 lights

Packs

SportLine Design Selection pack - Octavia

Safety

Curtain airbags and front side airbags

Two tone horn

Warning reflectors in front door

Three point seat belts in front and rear

Passenger airbag deactivate switch

3x3 point rear seat belts

Front central airbag

Drivers knee airbag

Tyre pressure monitor

Alarm with interior monitoring, tilt sensor and back up horn

Visual and acoustic seat belt reminder

ISOFIX on front passenger seat and outer rear seats

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seats

Heated front seats

Unsplit rear bench seat, split folding backrest with centre armrest with cupholder

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front sports seats

Front head restraints

3 rear headrests

Security

Keyless start/stop

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Remote central locking

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with mirrors

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.014

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 118

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 155

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 159

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 113

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 117

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 101

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 105

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 122

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 128

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 123

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 118

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

CC: 1498

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 54.4

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 41.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 40.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 56.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 54.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 63.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 61.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 52.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 50.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 54.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 52.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.4

General

Coin Series: Sportline

Coin Description: TSI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 21E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 999999

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 68

NCAP Safety Assist %: 81

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 4

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.6

Top Speed: 139

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: VEGA AERO

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4698

Width: 1829

Wheelbase: 2686

Width (including mirrors): 2003

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1453

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1328

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1910

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 47.8

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1700

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 700

Max. Loading Weight: 582

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 640

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1700

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic chassis control

Driver Information

Head up Display

Entertainment

CANTON sound system (12+1 speakers)

Exterior Body Features

Electrically adjustable tilt/slide panoramic glass sunroof

Exclusive paint

Pearl effect paint

Packs

Comfort package - Octavia Estate

Assisted drive package - Octavia DSG

Light and view package plus - Octavia

Simply clever package premium - Octavia

Assisted drive package plus - Octavia DSG

Winter package plus - Octavia DSG

Winter package premium - Octavia Sportline DSG

Family package - Octavia

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Moon white

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Race blue

Metallic - Brilliant silver

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Black magic

Paint - Special

Exclusive paint - Velvet red

Safety

Crew protect assist and rear side airbags

Seats

Electric front seats with memory function

Service/Warranty

Service plan (Your first two services)

Extended warranty (5 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 100000 miles)

Extended warranty (4 years or 80000 miles)

Towing

Preparation for tow bar

Electric tow bar with adaptor

Trim - Leather

SportLine Design Selection - Grey fabric/black artificial leather

Wheels - Alloy

19" Draconis black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

16" Steel space saving spare wheel

18" Space saving spare wheel