Road Test - Skoda Octavia SE 2.0 TDI

Author: Ian Strachan

Skoda has certainly done enough no longer to be the butt of motoring jokes. And the latest Octavia has wiped the smile off the faces of a few more prestigious manufacturers. The new Octavia is a serious competitor to more established rivals - and it starts from not much more than £11,000.

I test drove the new Octavia in SE trim level, powered by VW's impressive 140 bhp 2.0 litre turbo diesel power unit. I have to say it was a revelation.

This Octavia moves Skoda about as far from its troubled past as it's possible to get. This is a very competent, well built, well-specified, well priced offering in the medium car segment and it's every bit as good as its mainstream competitors. This car drives and handles superbly.

The first thing you notice about the new Octavia is its bold new look with its sweeping headlights, deep body colour front bumper and side mouldings. It has a robust look to it, even though lines are smooth and rounded.

Inside, this Octavia is roomy and pleasant with lots of new features including new trim materials and touch screen instrumentation. There are lots of storage spaces including illuminated air conditioned glovebox, storage box under the passenger seat and a bottle holder in each front door.  Instruments are clear and controls are well arranged.  Boot space is impressive, with 560 litres of luggage space.

The 2.0 litre diesel powered version is very pleasant to drive. It's a smooth and extremely willing unit - one of the more refined diesel engines around. At motorway speeds it cruises effortlessly and only when pushed hard feels under any strain. It also benefits from VW's excellent pleasantly-sprung six speed gearbox. As a result fuel consumption is very good at 51.4 mpg in mixed driving.

Ride and handling are cool and surefooted. The Octavia corners flat and confidently and there's a good feel to the powered steering, aided by some electronics which reduce the powered element with increasing speed, keeping the driver in touch with the road.

Equipment levels are high. Standard equipment includes front and side airbags for driver and passenger, remote central locking, eight speaker stereo with CD changer and MP3 player, electric windows, visual rear parking sensor, rear window wiper (all saloons should have these) full size alloy spare wheel (and these)  and air conditioning. The SE comes at £16,395 on the road.

My test car was fitted with a satellite navigation system at an additional £1,540, and a multi-function steering wheel with Bluetooth at £690. 

If you can overcome any residual prejudices, then this well-specified Skoda is a very good buy. You can pay a lot more for a lot less.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk