Skoda Octavia Estate Review 2024

Despite the popularity of crossover SUVS, traditional estate cars like the Skoda Octavia remain a very practical choice for families. Being related to the SEAT Leon Estate and Volkswagen Golf Estate gives the Skoda some strong competition, but the Skoda Octavia Estate still manages to impress.

The previous-generation Skoda Octavia Estate was very popular with both new- and used-car buyers, thanks to its generous interior space and robust quality. With this fourth-generation Octavia, Skoda has moved the car further upmarket – without forgetting what made its predecessor so successful.

Skoda has reduced the size of the Octavia Estate range, leaving a choice of just two petrol engines, plus two versions of the 2.0-litre diesel. 

All the engines deliver impressive levels of fuel economy, helping ensure low running costs. A plug-in hybrid Octavia iV was previously offered by Skoda, but this has now disappeared from UK price lists. 

There’s also no option to purchase the off-road-capable Octavia Scout Estate, which is reserved solely for fleet customers. This means Skoda no longer offers a cut-price alternative to the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, but an all-wheel-drive version of Octavia 2.0 TDI diesel (albeit without raised suspension) is still sold. 

The sporty Octavia vRS Estate also remains, and is deserving of a separate review as the ‘halo model’ in the range. 

At its core, the Skoda Octavia Estate remains a practical family car, aided by a 640-litre boot capacity. This is 30 litres more than the (already sizable) offering in the previous Octavia wagon, and means the latest car can cope with almost anything you throw at it. 

Dropping the back seats flat – easily done thanks to buttons just inside the boot opening – increases luggage space to a van-like 1700 litres. 

The Skoda Octavia Estate’s interior certainly won’t remind you of a commercial vehicle, though, thanks to the premium touches throughout. Compared to the previous version, Skoda has improved the quality of materials, introducing a sense of genuine plushness. 

On the range-topping SE L model, the dashboard is finished in microsuede upholstery. This gives it a particularly classy finish, and one that pushes the Octavia Estate ahead of the Volkswagen Golf Estate in terms of premium feel.

In line with most cars, prices for the Octavia Estate have become more expensive. At the time of writing, they start at just over £25,000, but still manage to undercut the Volkswagen Golf Estate. 

Strong levels of standard equipment offset the higher prices, with dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, cruise control and rear parking sensors all fitted as standard. A 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is used to control most interior functions, although it can prove to be a lesson in frustration. 

Despite the infotainment annoyances, and a list price that has crept upwards, the Skoda Octavia Estate is still worth your attention as a family car. It really delivers on space, practicality and value for money, making it a perfect workhorse for day-to-day life.

Increasing refinement and comfort was a major focus for the latest Octavia Estate, and Skoda’s work has paid off. Wind noise is kept to a minimum and, although tyre roar is louder than a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, the overall experience is calming. 

How the Octavia Estate handles reflects this comfort-first approach. Its steering is accurate enough, but doesn’t possess huge amounts of detail or feedback. On the plus side, you get plenty of grip and a feeling of confidence on the road. 

Ride comfort is a lesson in serenity most of the time, with none but the largest potholes and bumps causing an upset. Dynamic Chassis Control is an expensive option, providing the driver with multiple suspension settings to choose from. Such is the capability of the standard Octavia setup, though, it seems like an unnecessary expense. Just be sure to avoid specifying larger alloy wheels if you want to maximise ride comfort.

Skoda has rationalised the Octavia Estate’s engine range, meaning buyers now have a choice of four different options. With the plug-in hybrid Octavia iV currently unavailable to order, this leaves only conventional petrol and diesel power. 

The 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is the cheapest offering in the Octavia range. With 110PS, it is also the least powerful, and the manual version requires 11.0 seconds to get from 0-62mph. However, it feels much more lively on the road, and the optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission introduces mild-hybrid technology to help out.

Shared with a host of other vehicles in the Volkswagen Group, the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol has become somewhat ubiquitous. In the Octavia Estate, it comes with 150PS and the potential for 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds. It is a good compromise for those who need more power than the 1.0 petrol, but don’t rack up the annual mileage to need a diesel.

However, for those who do frequently pound the UK’s motorways, the 2.0-litre diesel engine is likely to be the Octavia Estate’s best offering. It comes in two flavours; the SE Technology trim level is offered with a 116PS engine, while the SE L version sees power boosted to 150PS. 

The more powerful diesel is a revelation on the road, with plenty of pulling power making for effortless performance. The 0-62mph sprint takes 8.6 seconds, aided by the standard DSG transmission. All-wheel drive is an option for those who want extra traction.

The Skoda Octavia Estate was evaluated by the Euro NCAP safety organisation in 2022, and awarded the maximum five-star rating. Adult occupant safety was scored at a strong 89 percent, with child safety also high – at 84 percent. It makes for a very safe family car. 

All versions of the Octavia Estate come with lane-keeping assist, cruise control with a speed limiter function, front assist and hill-start assist. Isofix child car seat mounting points are included on the outer rear seats, along with the front passenger seat.

The Skoda Octavia Estate has long been a favourite of carvanners, and this latest version will likely continue that trend. For maximum towing potential, pick the 2.0-litre TDI 4x4 with 150PS, as this can haul a braked trailer weight of up to 2,000kg. Even the 1.0-litre petrol can pull 1,300kg.

Practicality is at the heart of the Skoda Octavia Estate’s reason for being, and it certainly does not disappoint in this regard. Being a big car for the C-segment gives it an obvious advantage, with the Octavia measuring a lengthy 4,689mm from bumper to bumper. 

This enables the Skoda to be blessed with a vast boot, offering 640 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place. This is 40 litres more than the hatchback version of the Octavia, and 29 litres more than the Volkswagen Golf Estate. Dropping the Octavia Estate’s back seats down increases luggage capacity to a cavernous 1700 litres. 

Large dimensions mean there will be no complaints about room for passengers, either. Those in both the front and back are well catered for, with the long wheelbase and large doors a boon for those with young kids in child seats. 

Skoda has not forgotten its ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, either. There is still an ice scraper hidden inside the fuel flap, while the screenwash filler cap now incorporates a funnel to prevent spillages. Smartphone holders, large door bins and cup holders are dotted throughout the cabin.

Skoda has made a determined march upmarket, and this is evident inside the new Octavia Estate. Everything has been lifted up a notch, with features like the Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard adding to the impression of quality on higher-spec models. You have a sense that everything is built to last, too.

The top-of-the-range SE L version features a dashboard clad in microsuede upholstery, matching the material found on the seats. Combined with neat chrome detailing, it makes this particular Octavia Estate feel suitably premium. Whisper it, but it even manages to outdo the Volkswagen Golf Estate.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment inside the Skoda Octavia Estate is the infotainment system. It’s a similar setup to that found across the Volkswagen Group range, with a 10.0-inch touchscreen used to control everything from heating and ventilation to music and car settings. 

The problem is that the actual software is unintuitive, with even simple tasks needing multiple presses through different menus. There is, at least, a row of physical shortcut buttons below the infotainment screen. However, the fact that many functions reset when you switch the car on means you’ll become very familiar with them.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard, allowing you to bypass some of the infotainment challenges. Connecting a smartphone is not without problems, though. Drivers have reported the infotainment system is prone to crashing, even after software updates. 

The Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard on higher-spec models is a delight, thankfully, offering a range of custom views. It is just a shame the rest of the interior is hobbled by its reliance on the confusing central touchscreen.

New prices for the Skoda Octavia Estate start at around £25,500 for the 1.0 TSI in SE trim, rising to just under £35,000 for the range-topping 2.0 TDI DSG 4x4 model. This makes the Skoda a little pricier in comparison to the equivalent SEAT Leon Estate, although the Octavia does counter with a more generous standard specification. 

Against the Volkswagen Golf Estate, the Skoda undercuts its German relation by around £3,000. With its additional interior space and upmarket cabin finish, this makes the Octavia appear something of a bargain. With the potential for lengthy delivery times, a nearly-new or pre-registered model may be the quickest way to get hold of an Octavia Estate.

Knowing that owners are likely to have affordability as a key reason for buying an Octavia Estate, Skoda has sought to reduce running costs.

Rather impressively, every engine in the Octavia Estate range has the potential to deliver more than 50mpg in the official WLTP fuel economy tests. This starts with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol, capable of up to 53.5mpg in manual SE form, stretching to 54.5mpg with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Opt for the 1.5-litre TSI petrol and an official 53.1mpg is claimed for the DSG version in SE L trim. Although as an engine that likes to be revved, the 1.5 TSI may be a little less economical in real life.

Unsurprisingly, the 2.0-litre diesels offer the best official fuel consumption figures. The Octavia Estate SE Technology, when fitted with the 116PS 2.0 TDI engine, has the potential for 66.7mpg. Even the 150PS version found in the SE L model can reach 63.2mpg, although the 4x4 version reduces this to 55.1mpg.

Insurance costs should be affordable, with the Octavia Estate 1.0 TSI SE in insurance group 13. This peaks at group 21 for the SE L version fitted with the 2.0 TDI engine.

Skoda supplies the Octavia Estate with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty as standard. This can be increased to four or five years for an additional cost, with fixed-price servicing also an option.

The Skoda Octavia Estate lineup begins with SE trim, which is more generously equipped than you might imagine for an entry-level car. Standard features include LED headlights and tail lights, a set of 16-inch ‘Twister Aero’ alloy wheels, a chrome front grille surround and black roof rails. 

On the inside, the cloth seats feature manual adjustment for both height and lumbar support in the front. There is also a two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminium trim inserts and dual-zone climate control air-con. Rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless start/stop are other interior features. 

A 10.0-inch ‘Bolero’ infotainment touchscreen is fitted, incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. Android Auto users are limited to a wired connection, but there are five USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin, including one above the rear-view mirror to power a dash cam. A colour multifunction trip computer can be found in the instrument cluster.

In the boot is a roll-up load cover, along with handles to drop the rear bench seat flat. And Skoda hasn’t forgotten to include the ‘Simply Clever’ umbrella hidden inside the door. 

Next up in the Octavia Estate range is the SE Technology, which is aimed at business users. This comes with a set of carpet mats, a variable boot floor and front parking sensors, too.

The Octavia Estate SE Technology has Skoda’s ‘Columbus’ satellite navigation system integrated into its 10.0-inch multimedia touchscreen. A 10.25-inch digital dashboard is also included, along with wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users. 

Topping the regular Skoda Octavia Estate range is the SE L, which stands out from its lower brethren with 17-inch ‘Rotare Aero’ alloy wheels and extra chrome exterior trim. Rear privacy glass, electrically folding side mirrors and headlight washers are also part of the deal.

On the inside are seats clad in microsuede, with the front pair heated. The dashboard is also covered in microsuede, with chrome trim surrounding the air vents and silver decorative inserts. Adaptive cruise control, a drive mode selector and keyless entry complete the package.