Skoda Octavia 110TSI wagon 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
In Australia the Skoda brand is a bit of a sleeper, seemingly lurking in the shadows of Volkswagen and Audi. But if versatility and value for money are top of your list, the updated Skoda Octavia – the Czech Republic brand’s top-selling vehicle - is hard to ignore.

The face-lifted Octavia brings styling tweaks, revised options packages and better value for money with a price rise of just $500 for the entry-level model. Skoda’s modest seven-car line-up adds variety through up-spec Sport and RS variants. In the case of the Octavia, there are four models, three powertrains, diesel and petrol power, six-speed manual or six or seven-speed DSG transmission across wagon and sedan body styles.

How much will it cost?
The updated Skoda Octavia range starts at $23,490 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level 110TSI sedan, matched to a six-speed manual gearbox and tops out with the Octavia 180TSI RS 245 wagon at $47,990. Our test vehicle is the entry-level 110TSI wagon with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Tech Pack option ($4900) specific to the Octavia adds an assortment of upgrades and additional goodies, including a 9.2-inch touch screen (up fro 8-inch), adaptive LED headlights, premium Canton sound system with 10 speakers and a digital equaliser, drive mode select, braking assist and setup personalisation via key fob.

For $4200 the Luxury Pack brings pleasing aesthetics and driver assist nice-to-haves such as electrical-adjust leather seats with memory function, lane assist, blind spot detection, heated front and rear seats and auto folding and dimming mirrors. It also raises the airbag count to nine (up from seven).

Add to this a panoramic glass sunroof ($1700) electric tailgate ($500), metallic paint ($500) and Golus 18-inch alloys ($500) and our test vehicle tops out at $39,790 (plus on-road costs). But you’re certainly not in a specification desert.

Skoda Octavia is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and services are set for every 15,000kms or twelve-monthly (which ever occurs first). It also comes with one year’s roadside assist.

Why should I buy it?
Spacious, versatile, comfortable, dynamically competent and well equipped (even more-so in our test case), the Skoda Octavia is every bit the Euro-looker, too. Unquestionably it ticks many, many boxes.

Power comes from the Volkswagen Group’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and the front-wheel-drive Octavia generates 110kW and 250Nm. The punchy engine (zero to 100km/h in 8.2sec) performs with little downside, its everyday efficiency as low as 5.2L/100km (combined) aided by idle-stop technology. Under acceleration there’s a bit of lag, but power builds beautifully and throttle response is good on the go. Brakes are great.

Steering is light and direct, and a good turning circle finds benefit in the suburban slog. The 110TSI however, is dimensionally smaller than many in its segment and is not your performance hero.

Safety and driver assist technology is good – and improves up the model hierarchy. Entry-level kit includes front assist with autonomous emergency braking, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, fatigue detection and adaptive cruise control.

With the optioned Technology Pack, the infotainment suite is… sweet. The 9.2-inch touchscreen is quick to respond and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility bring the connectivity which these days feels like the accepted base level.

When is it available in Australia?
The full Skoda Octavia range – 16 possibilities in total - is available in Australia now. The big decision will be which variant to buy and whether you can resist the Tech or Luxury Pack options?

Who will it appeal to?
The Skoda Octavia’s appeal is far reaching – particularly in the more versatile wagon body style which offers 588-1718-litres of cargo space. Mind you, the sedan’s lift back capacity of 568-1588-litres isn’t diminutive.

Skoda has carved a great space inside the Octavia with thoughtful design inclusions and good technology. The second seating row offers good room for three passengers (good width), but the middle seat has to straddle a large hump in the foot well. Rear seat passengers get dedicated air vents, seat back pockets, two USB charge points and the two outer pews are heated. Two ISOFIX positions and three top tether anchors address young family needs, while the 60:40 split fold seat and through load offer extra load flexibility. With the glass sunroof, the cabin feels both spacious and bright and outward visibility is good.

Skoda’s boot design details deserve accolades – six metal anchors, four sturdy bag hooks, multiple cargo nets, a suspended cargo carrier (up to 3kg), two lights, one 12-volt outlet, a removable light, umbrella, retractable cover and reversible floor mat.

The Octavia will tow 1500 kg in 110kW form.

Practical matters aside, the Octavia delivers a refined cabin and is a very nice place to be. From the flat bottom leather steering wheel to the smooth rolling dials, it feels like a premium product.

Where does it fit?
The Octavia competes in the medium-sized car segment (where the Toyota Camry is sales king), although we find it dimensionally smaller, and with a shorter wheelbase, than many rivals. Nonetheless, what the Octavia lacks in size, it makes up for in execution.
By any measure the Octavia is fit for the family load, but without a jacked up ride or immense proportions. It’s possible the Octavia will be cross shopped with other Euros - think Volkswagen and Audi - as buyers try to justify fitting into a smaller Euro badge rather than the larger, cheaper car from Skoda.
Meanwhile, other considerable rivals lurk – not least of which are Mazda’s Mazda6 , Volkswagen’s Passat and the Ford Mondeo. In those comparisons the Octavia’s value equation is beyond reproach, but matters of size and output will divide buyers who simply need more.

So, what do we think?
On paper and in the flesh, the updated Skoda Octavia delivers a comprehensive package which is fun, safe and versatile. I believe, if not for the little-known badge and Australia’s herd mentality, the Skoda Octavia would be selling in droves. If you’re in the market for a mid-sized all-rounder, this car needs to be on your shopping list.

2017 Skoda Octavia 110TSI wagon pricing and specifications:
Price: $27,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 120g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: five-star ANCAP