The enormous cargo capacity (588 litres) is perhaps the Octavia’s strongest weapon, but there’s useful storage throughout the cabin and a quality feel about the execution. The layout of all the major controls is sensible and functional, with perfect fit, quality materials and plenty of soft touch surfaces. Fold the second row seats down, and the luggage space opens out to a whopping 1718L.
Of special note regarding the driver interface (as usual) is the Volkswagen Group Bluetooth connection, which is easy to activate, simple to use and reliable. Callers on the other end of phone calls made or received, reported the Skoda’s connection to be crystal clear.
The diesel engine, while not as rapid as its petrol counterpart is grunty, smooth and quieter than most. High tech direct injection ensures fuel usage is as frugal as possible, but also assists in delivering snappy throttle response from almost anywhere in the rev range. There’s a little bit of diesel clatter at idle, but the Octavia is never tractor-like.
Maximum torque is on offer from 1750rpm, which is just off idle, so step off the brake and mash the throttle and the Octavia gets cranking pretty quickly. Aside from a slight flat spot just off idle, there’s almost no turbo lag whatsoever, and you’ll love the fact that the DSG holds gears until redline. Once it does get to redline, shifts are fast and precise.
The diesel engine’s piece de resistance though is in the mid range. While there is that slight flat spot from a standing start, any roll on manoeuvre once moving illustrates the mid range prowess of the diesel engine. There’s a smooth and powerful surge to redline, with the DSG quickly selecting the optimal ratio to make the most of the engine’s torque delivery. What this relationship between torque and gearbox does is make the Octavia feel even more rapid than it really is.
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