Skoda Octavia Estate (2013 - 2020) Review
Expert review with performance specs, running costs, and finance options.
The Skoda Octavia Estate has long been a stalwart for families and commuters alike, blending practicality with comfort. Now, this retro icon is making waves once again with its electric rebirth, fusing modern technology with its beloved heritage.
Pros
Spacious interior and generous boot space.
Strong reliability and running costs.
Excellent driving comfort and performance.
Cons
Some rivals offer a more premium interior feel.
The infotainment system can be slightly less intuitive.
Limited electric options within this particular generation.
Experts Review
Explore what top automotive experts from AutoCar, Parkers & WhatCar say about the Skoda Octavia Estate (2013 - 2020). Get key insights on performance, design, practicality, and overall verdict from trusted review sources.
| Source | Expert Summary |
|---|---|
| AutoCar | AutoCar highlights the Octavia Estate's robust build quality, ample storage, and comfortable ride, making it a solid family car. Nevertheless, it has been criticised for its somewhat uninspired design and a firm ride on sporty models. Read about the Skoda Octavia design and styling on AutoCar. |
| Parkers | The Skoda Octavia Estate (2013-2020) is lauded for its spacious interior and boot, impressive practicality, and strong value for money. However, some reviews note its bland interior design and limited engine choices can detract from the overall driving experience. |
| WhatCar | WhatCar praises the Octavia Estate for its reliability, spaciousness, and economical engines, particularly pushing the value offering in the mid-size estate segment. However, some might find its handling less engaging compared to competitors. |
What’s New & Why It Matters
The Skoda Octavia Estate (2013 - 2020) continues to impress with its blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced engineering. Introducing features like improved infotainment systems, enhanced safety technologies, and greater fuel efficiency, this model represents a compelling choice for families and professionals alike. As an estate variant, it excels in cargo space and versatility while maintaining a stylish exterior that retains Skoda's distinctive branding. With the rising trend towards electric vehicles, the future of the Octavia aligns with the emerging 'Retro Icon Reborn' ethos, promising a seamless integration of traditional Skoda characteristics with modern electric powertrain innovations. This means that not only does the Octavia Estate stand firm on the road, but it is also well-positioned to embrace greener technologies and sustainable motoring solutions.
Driving Impressions
B Roads: When venturing onto B-roads, the Octavia Estate maintains a sense of agility that belies its size. The suspension strikes a commendable balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. Its responsive steering fosters confidence on twisty routes, while the strong traction and stability provided by the robust chassis ensure that it grips the road effectively, making for an enjoyable drive.
Motorway: On the motorway, the Skoda Octavia Estate truly shines, offering a blend of comfort and performance that makes long-distance travel a pleasurable experience. The quiet cabin and advanced sound insulation allows for serene journeys, while the engine options deliver smooth power for effortless overtaking. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist features contribute to a more relaxed driving experience, making it appealing for those who frequently drive on motorways.
Town: Navigating through urban environments in the Skoda Octavia Estate is a breeze, thanks to its responsive handling and compact manoeuvrability. While the power delivered by the petrol and diesel engines ensures brisk acceleration, the vehicle remains remarkably composed even in stop-and-go traffic. The enhanced visibility and well-placed controls make it easy to drive in confined spaces, while the modern infotainment system provides entertainment and connectivity without distraction.
Ownership Costs
Running Costs: The running costs of the Skoda Octavia Estate are favourable, making it an economical choice for daily use. With competitive fuel efficiency across its engine range, owners can benefit from lower fuel bills compared to rivals in the segment. Additionally, its reliability means fewer unexpected expenses, further enhancing its value over time.
Charging/Fuel: When it comes to charging or fuel, the Octavia Estate offers a variety of efficient petrol and diesel options that appeal to a broad spectrum of drivers. With the advent of electric versions set to join the lineup, prospective owners will not only have economical fuel choices but also the opportunity to transition into more eco-friendly electric powertrains in the future, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.
Finance: Financing options for the Skoda Octavia Estate are comprehensive, ranging from traditional loans to attractive lease agreements. The vehicle's strong residual values contribute positively to overall affordability, ensuring that it remains accessible to both private and business buyers.
History Overview
Purpose: The Skoda Octavia Estate was designed to offer a practical and versatile solution for families and professionals, combining a spacious interior with efficient performance.
Evolution: Since its launch, the Octavia Estate has evolved significantly, introducing refined designs, advanced technology, and efficient engine options, solidifying its position as a leader in the estate car segment.
Launch of the Skoda Octavia Estate.
Facelift introduced with updated technology.
Introduction of cleaner engine variants.
Ratings
performance
4.2
handling
4.0
behind the wheel
4.1
comfort
4.0
running costs
3.5
green credentials
3.0
reliability
4.5
equipment
3.8
safety
4.4
practicality
4.6
Verdict
In conclusion, the Skoda Octavia Estate (2013 - 2020) is a remarkable blend of practicality, comfort, and efficient performance, making it an excellent choice for families and individuals alike. With its spacious interior and boot capacity, coupled with a competitive engine range and advanced technology, it caters well to modern motoring needs. As Skoda prepares to embrace electrification, this model undoubtedly stands as a solid investment for those looking for reliability and versatility.