Skoda Octavia Estate review

Once upon a time a Skoda was the cheap option, but no more. The first Octavia Estate we tested– a top-spec ‘SE L First Edition’ with the most powerful diesel engine and auto box – was specced to over £30,000. That’s a lot of money, but not outrageous in context.

Not counting the vRS, and now the First Edition trims are no more, there are just two trims to choose from – SE and SE L. Neither wants for kit – all Octavias get latest-gen infotainment with a ten-inch screen and good active safety tech.

Over and above SE, SE L adds digital dials, adaptive cruise control, drive modes (which you ought to ignore anyway), heated electric seats and keyless start/entry among others. 

Prices start at £22,210. You can save around £1,000 by going for the hatch instead. Big-ticket options include matrix LED lights at £1,610 and Dynamic Chassis Control at just shy of £1,000. All Octavias are pretty economical – good mpg (especially for the diesels and mild-hybrids) and low CO2 mean they won’t cost you too much to run. Though company car drivers may will want to go for the plug-in hybrid, which could save them a bundle in tax.