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I’ve already driven the hatchback and was hugely impressed,
not least but the cars roomy cabin and plentiful luggage space. As you’d
expect, the estate has even more space for bags. There’s 610 litres with the
rear seats upright, and 1740 litres with the back seats folded down. Neat
touches, such has handles either side of the boot to lower the rear seats, make
it easy to use all the available space.
To create the extra room inside, the Octavia has grown on
the outside. The new car is 90mm longer and 45mm wider than the current car.
Skoda promises much improved fuel economy and emissions as
well as more space. The Greenline version will achieve 83.1mpg and emits just
89g/km of carbon dioxide, according to the official figures.
Safety levels have also improved, with up to nine
airbags fitted. High-tech safety aids are available, including Automatic Post-Collision Brake, Front
Assistant with City Emergency Braking Function, the Driver Activity Assistant
(fatigue detection), and Lane Assistant to warn drivers if they are drifting
out of their lane and to help them keep a straight course.
There’ll be a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines when the car
reaches UK showrooms. The petrols are a 1.2 TSI with 104bhp and a 1.4 TSI with
138bhp. If you prefer diesel power, the 1.6 TDI has 104bhp and the 2.0 TDI has
148bhp.
Kerbweights have yet to be confirmed, but expect the new Octavia
Estate to weigh slightly less than its predecessor.
Prices are likely to start from around £17,000 when the new Skoda reaches
the UK in June.
