A real box-ticker

The third-generation Škoda Octavia is comfortable, spacious, and a real fleet car box-ticker

Having grown up with Škodas (my mother is Czech, and has always stubbornly refused to buy any other make of car), I’ve always been fond of the brand. Even though back then, they were the butt of playground jokes.
    
The Škodas we’ve owned have always been functional, humble, and practical, but not exactly stylish. However, since becoming part of Volkswagen Group in 1991, Škoda’s models have blossomed to become respected, desirable cars.

GOOD LOOKING BOX TICKER
And the new, third-generation Octavia does command respect. It’s good‑looking without being pretentious. It performs well, it’s spacious, fuel-efficient, low‑carbon and competitively priced. In fact, it ticks most boxes for a fleet car.
    
The Octavia I drove had a 1.6 TDI engine but it felt as if it housed a larger, more powerful block. Acceleration was good, with the turbo providing a notable boost. The ride was smooth, absorbing bumps well, although at speed it did let in a little road noise. The gear change was satisfyingly short and sharp. Compared to its predecessor, the Octavia is wider and longer, with a comfortable cabin and of far better quality than you might expect from a Škoda.  It also has ample boot volume at 590 litres.
    
From an environmental (and cost) point of view, the 1.6 TDI is the most fuel efficient Octavia currently on the market, achieving 74.3mpg (combined) and emitting 99g/km CO2. This means it costs nothing to tax. An ultra-efficient 89g/km Greenline model will join the range later this year.
    
Fuel consumption wise, I achieved 59mpg on a 160-mile round trip, taking in motorways and A-roads, which is decent. But I’m confident I could have achieved better.

MAXIMISING SAFETY
Škoda says that improving safety was an important goal when developing the new Octavia, and so its engineers developed a host of impressive safety systems. These include lane assistant – which keeps the Octavia on track, automatic braking (in an accident), fatigue detection, and adaptive cruise assist – which automatically maintains a pre-set distance to the car ahead. These systems help avoid accidents and mitigate their consequences.
    
Of particular note was the Octavia’s new Intelligent Light Assistant, which turns the high beams on and off automatically. It is really quick – as soon as oncoming traffic is detected, it turns the beams off and back on when the car has passed. This is a great safety feature and does away with the tedium of having to switch the beams on and off.
    
These comprehensive safety enhancements helped the new Škoda Octavia to get five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
    
The new Octavia is available with four engine options: two petrol and two diesel. Power outputs range from 104bhp (1.2 TSI, 1.6 TDI CR) to 148bhp for the 2.0 TDI model. It comes in the three trim levels of S, SE and Elegance and prices start from £15,990. Diesel versions start from only £18,040.

In the words of Škoda ceo Winfried Vahland: “The Škoda Octavia embodies the good Škoda genes in the best sense of the word: lots of room, quality, precise workmanship, modern, mature technology, timeless design, high functionality and the best price-value ratio. Our customers’ expectations have grown. Our aim was to make this car even better for its third generation. This is reflected in the values of the new Octavia, it is a class of its own.” I would have to agree with Winfried.

Details
ENGINE: 1598cc, 4-cyl turbodiesel
CO2: 99g/km
MPG (combined): 74.3
VED: Band A
BIK: 14%
PRICE (OTR): £21,090 (including VAT. £22,715 as tested)