Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4

With Skoda now firmly a part of the mighty VAG group ( which includes Volkswagen, Audi and Seat), it's hardly surprising that quality has gone up and the old Skoda jokes are a distant memory for all but the most stick-in-the-mud car buyer. The latest incarnation of the popular Octavia, which I've just bought in 4x4 Estate form, is a even further step up from the previous model in terms of design, build quality and driving dynamics. The old car had an incredible reputation for longevity, with owners reporting stellar mileages before some components wore out - exhausts, clutches and the like lasting 200k miles+ are not uncommon. It's little wonder that so many of these cars are bought by businesses looking for reliability and good residuals, and so many are run as taxis, police cars and local authority vehicles, etc.

So, what's it like? Well, being forced to downgrade from more premium brands (I've owned Mercs, Beemers and Land Rovers before, and driven just about every other make you can buy) I was fearful that the Octavia would be a tad disappointing. Yes, it's pretty utilitarian inside - lots of plain, hard plastic and not much in the way of luxury, but it's practical and seems hardwearing. Outside the new model is a smart looking, modern design - if a little bland. Zenon headlights with LED running lights - standard on the VRs, optional further down the model range -improve the looks no end, as do the larger wheel options, but these will affect the ride. The body is built on VAG's near-universal MQB platform - think Golf/Ibiza/A3 - but is longer in this incarnation, giving class-leading legroom, especially in the back. I'm over 6 foot but my rear seat passengers still have loads of room - way more than in a 3 Series; in fact, almost more than my last 5 Series! The ride and handling are well up to modern European spec, and the addition of full-time four wheel drive imbues the car with impressive grip on wet roads. The TDi engine - mine is the 170PS version - is a little crude, particularly on start-up, but it quietens down after a mile or two and is acceptably smooth. It pulls well, so overtaking can be carried out with confidence, and is currently returning an impressive 47.5mpg on mixed driving. I expect this to improve a little once it's loosened up a bit too. The gearbox - a 6 speed manual only on the 4x4s (that might have changed now) is light and positive and the clutch action smooth, with no judder or 'shunt' in the transmission. In fact it's only really in the area of refinement that you notice you're not in something costing ten grand more. Noise levels are a bit higher than I'm used to, and there is just a hint of harshness which manifests itself as vibrations through the pedals, but this doesn't overly affect the pleasure of driving it. Fit and finish is good and the seats are comfortable and supportive. If you upgrade the on board tech (SatNav/Media/Audio) like I did you get a system that is straight out of an Audi. It's intuitive to use, with a large touch-screen at its heart. The radio (DAB is included) is excellent, there's a USB port for loading music and photos to the Hard Drive or to plug in an iPod/iPhone, and Bluetooth too so you have a handsfree phone and can stream music wirelessly if you prefer. The dealership experience was superb - easily up to any of the premium brands I've had before - and the car comes with a 3 year warranty, 3 year breakdown cover and 3 years free servicing (if you finance it through Skoda). Of course the Octavia Estate is not a C Class or a 3 Series rival - it hasn't got those car's refinement or luxury. But it doesn't cost anything like they do either, and is likely to be more reliable than a Ford or Vauxhall. Overall, as the title of my review says - really, why pay more?

Hello , i own a skoda octavia combi 1.8t 4x4 150hp\awd , tunned in 195hp. It,s a splendid car, good looking, nice interior, good on mileage, enough horse power, plenty of room for the passanger annd in the trunk. Overall my best choice ever and i have owned a "few" cars like a golf 4 vr6(2004) , an audi a6(2004) ,a subaru impretza (2006)and others. I am sure to say that this car is the best in all and it keeps it's value after time. Good luck

I have owned this car for 3 years and the only minus is the petrol version is a bit gutsy on fuel.

Handling in wet, dry, snow or ice is superb. Plenty of room for passengers and boot space is huge.

No major mechanical problems, would definitely have another.

The Skoda Octavia Estate is a briliant car, no problems, best car ive ever had.

Two years and 18k on theclock faulty rear wash/wipe and needs new front tyres. Beautifully sure footed on twisting roads . A gem on sheet ice and snow covered roads A solid reliable load lugger with only minor flaws. A surprisingly fun drive. Embarass faster cars on the back roads( at the expense of tyres). 45mpg about town up to 56 on long runs WE LOVE IT.

My Skoda was delivered late, and damaged. In the first six months it had a new steering rack, new 4-wheel drive unit, new aerial, a management thingy for the engine. It burns oil, leaks water, it is currently in the garage again for three faults.

It was my first ever new car and I will never, ever buy Skoda again.

I hate my Skoda. I have had better experiences in the dentist's chair.