Skoda Octavia Estate long-term test review

The humble estate car may not be at the pinnacle of fashion right now - that place is still reserved for the SUV – but they make superb family cars. That’s why we’ve just spent six months with the Skoda Octavia Estate, testing it as a school-run commuter, a long distance hauler and even a camera car, to evaluate its good and bad points as well as discover the dream specification should you plan on buying one. Allow our Editor-in-Chief Jon Quirk to give you a quick tour…

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[sleepinglea]

Best car review I've seen! Love the fact that they drove it for 6months before reviewing! Like others, I disagree about the looks. I think it's one of the best looking estates around. The others all look the same these days. The Octavia is my favourite after Volvos.

[AG-jhky]

I disagree with the commentators dislike of the facelift look...I think the front grill and headlights look brilliant compared to the golf combi

[vassiliskoronis]

Great car! I had it for three years in 1.6 tdi version and for about 85.000 km. Fantastic handling and economy. You can transfer all your family and you can take almost everything with you! Thanks for your nice review. I agree, best value for money!

[nikb]

We own one (the third generation in our family now) and it's a very good family car indeed.

[jingle]

I still don't understand why some families opt for SUVs which are definitely smaller inside than this estate.

[steveo]

I like the mk7 golf estate but I personally think this is a good looking car and would definitely put it on my list.

[sakal]

I have the previous version for 8 years now and with 130K KM it never let me down. I only paid for regular maintenance.

[iwanellis-roberts]

Very average review. Bit patronising of Skoda owners, no mentioning of handling or the higher bhp diesel, gearbox options or fuel economy.

[snsble]

I found this informative, honest and pleasant to watch.

[si_vis_amari_ama]

I bought a 15 year old 2007 Mk2 estate 2.0 tdi Elegance, 6 speed manual, 160K on the clock. Its a great car, really nice to drive, and I keep the fuel consumption in check by not having a lead foot (except for fun or necessity). I think the body looks nice, but I dont really care that much anyway. Who cares if it is boring. The stereo is adequate and the bells and whistles are a novel change. I like to buy good, used, cheap, low mileage cars that have been looked after, and I save a squillion in cash. Never had a problem yet.

[hennejensen]

I have been driving a 2.0 tdi for about three years now. The engine is by far the best ingredient here, the power is great especially given the low weight of the car. More than 150 bhp without 4 wheel drive is absolute overkill because traction is lost quite easily in damp conditions even with the wider tires. I prefer this engine over the 1.6 diesel which doesn't come with a 6 speed manual gearbox and has too much torque and power concentrated on a too small rev range. The 2.0 diesel can accelerate easily in 6th gear, fully loaded from 1400 rpm onwards. Flip to 4th at those revs and it will beat an audi A6 2.7 tdi in the acceleration to 130 km/h (and beyond). The Columbus infotainment system is good as well.
Nevertheless, there are problems with this car: the stereo sounds crap (even with the Canton upgrade, with the sub switched on at average levels there is a certain lower frequency that gets bumped which results in bass only when playing the wrong tracks. Result = sub is permanently switched off), there is an annoying rattle coming from the two front radiator vents when the car is cold which apparently cannot be solved, there are too many hard plastics around, the leather feels plasticky and the DAB antenna seems to have an issue when it's raining.
I have ordered my next car which will be a mercedes e class estate. We will keep the skoda as the second car. It will certainly do the job for most people but if you are critical and have driven a premium car before you will notice the quality difference. To cut a long story short: never buy a premium car and enjoy your Skoda (but get a better after market stereo) ;) !

[styleyK]

Good review, I like reviews where they have been using the vehicle as their daily car.

[stephencurran]

I’ve had a 1.2 hatchback octavia for 9 years now it certainly does not feel underpowered in any way because I’ve own 3 Ford mondeos with a non turbo 1.8 engine before that and I cannot notice any difference. The hatchback has a massive boot and the car feels the same size as my old mondeos

[vanessarolph]

Great video so much detail about space so important with dogs grandchildren buggies shopping not to mention camping holidays!

[banno]

I have the 1.6 DSG Black Edition estate in white and I wish I had gone for the 2.0. It feels under powered when accelerating at higher speeds and I average about 50mpg on a 15 mile commute to work. A 270 mile drive to Wales I can average 56-60mpg depending on traffic. I can't help but feel the mpg is affected by the fact you have to floor it to get up to speed without holding everyone up. I've never managed more than 500 miles from a full tank but I think this is because the car encourages you to refuel half way between 1/4 and empty. It could probably do 600 at most if you ignored the shouting.

The Black Edition has black alloys and tinted windows so it looks less like a taxi and more like the vRS from the outside (minus the painted calipers, LED lights, badge, fog lights, exhaust pipes...)

The boot is incredible! I've managed to fit two weeks worth of clothes, Xmas presents and a pushchair at ease in the back without removing the parcel shelf.

I'll be testing a vRS when it is time to hand this back.

[rsolman]

I don't care what the car looks like from the outside. Driving a subaru legacy proved this to me. I want comfort and I want the neighbours to see a dull car.

[ArturoPerez-sixk]

I really Love It, and even outside, of course it'snt the most fun to drive, but it's a great value for money, cheap to buy and run, very spaceous, even got tons of compartments inside the cabin.

[doyle]

Nice honest review whilst ignoring your own prejudice. No brainer of a car.

[raymondswan]

Just about to buy another one of these. I had a skoda Octavia green line before and as a taxi it was bombproof. The one I'm about to get is the 1.6 version of the car you just reviewed in quartz grey.

Why did you suggest the Manual over the DSG?

[Chipchase]

I agree with the presenters comments about the looks of the latest cars. Skoda is trying to attract younger customers with a meaner, edgier design, which for me is not appealing at all - but then I’m over 50. I much prefer the mk 2 looks, without the pointless sharp creases in the panels. I think the mk 2 chrome grille is more pleasing to the eye too, giving the car greater presence in my opinion. I’ve just purchased a 2012 Skoda estate plus, a very handsome car.