Accessibility Page Navigation
Style sheets must be enabled to view this page as it was intended.
Print Header
Border Top
Border Left
Border Right
SKODA
Used Car Search
Be the first to receive our latest stock updates and news on special offers Find your nearest dealer
Border Top
Border Left
Border Right

Skoda Octavia Estate 1.6 FSI Ambiente

For:
The Octavia estate is well equipped, well built and provides lots of space.

Against:
All bar Elegance models have a two-inch step in the loadbay.



Performance

Petrol options include two 1.6-litre engines, one with 102bhp and one with 115bhp, and a range-topping 150bhp 2.0-litre unit. There is a 105bhp 1.9-litre and a 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, both are available with a Direct Shift Gearbox for a choice of automatic or manual gearchanges. The entry-level petrol is likely to struggle a little with heavy loads in the back but the others offer plenty of pull.

Ride & handling

The Octavia is based on the platform of the latest VW Golf and has a remarkably supple ride. While it deals with bumpy surfaces without any thumps or crashes, it is still enjoyable to drive and stable through corners.

Refinement

Skoda's efforts to make the Octavia as refined as possible have paid off. Some noise is audible around the front windows but the Octavia is a very quiet estate. All of the engines are a little gruff, however, particularly the 1.6 FSI petrol and 1.9 diesel when worked hard.

Buying & owning

The estate is attractively priced and dealers should be willing to offer small discounts. Running costs are competitive and residuals should be above average. The 1.9-litre diesel is the most fuel-efficient, returning 55.3mpg.

Quality & reliability

Fit and finish is top notch. Although all materials have a high quality and solid feel, the grab handles in the cabin are not damped as they are in a Golf. Mechanical components are shared with the VW, so the Skoda should be reliable. We haven't heard of any major problems with the Golf or Octavia yet.

Safety & security

Every model comes with twin front and side airbags, with side curtain airbags as an option. ISOFIX child seat mounts in the back seat, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution are also standard and stability control is an option. Entry-level trim does not come with a standard alarm.

Behind the wheel

Masses of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver's seat allows for a superb driving position for all shapes and sizes. The classy-looking dash is logically laid out and made from quality materials. There's plenty of stowage space around the cabin. All-round vision is very good.

Space & practicality

There's much more legroom than before in the back, and a class-leading 580 litres of space behind that. This extends to 1620 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded. The load bay is a useful shape, but the floor is bisected by a two-inch-high step on Classic and Ambiente-trimmed cars.

Equipment

EQUIPMENT There are three trim levels - Classic, Ambiente and Elegance - as well as the all-wheel-drive 4x4 and Scout models. Electric front windows and a CD player are standard across the range, and all but the entry-level Classic cars have a CD multichanger, electric rear windows and air-conditioning or climate control. The Elegance and Scout models also feature cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Running Costs

Town mpg

32.5

Out of Town mpg

52.3

Average mpg

42.8

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12.1

CO2 Rating (g/km)

158

Insurance Group

7

Typical Insurance Quote

£388

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

39

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£308

Pence Per Mile

39.5

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£676

Servicing Intervals

2yr/Variable

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Estate

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1598/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

113/6000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4581

Width (mm)

1769

Height (mm)

1469

Boot Space (min ltr)

580

Boot Space (max ltr)

1620

Turning Circle (m)

10.2

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1470

View the What Car? Road Test for: