Dazed by the never-ending stream of crossovers and SUVs, you’d almost think everyone has one. A look at the sales figures, however, shows that we in the Netherlands are still devoted to hatchbacks and station wagons. A week with the new Skoda Octavia Combi makes it clear why.
From a down-to-earth perspective, a compact SUV or crossover actually does not have much added value compared to a station wagon of the same size. See the new Skoda Octavia Combi, the reason for this test: lots of space in combination with the most modern technology and a gasoline engine with enough power to make long journeys without any problems. After all, a person does not need more.
The only thing you don’t get is the high entry of an SUV or crossover. And of course you will receive less attention from local residents or fellow road users. In any case, you do not have to leave it for all other measurable benefits.
That certainly applies to the Skoda Octavia Combi. It should come as no surprise that the brand scores well in terms of use of space. That it fits another 30 liters more than in its already not under-sized predecessor. You can stow a total of 640 liters in the trunk and when the rear seats go flat, another 1,060 liters are added for a total of 1,700. In the back seat, the Octavia continues unabated. It may be on the exact same wheelbase as its predecessor, but it still seems like there is just a little more head and legroom. If five people of average Dutch size come along, no one will hit a railing or roof. So far more of the same.
No budget atmosphere
In the front, the Skoda has taken a bigger step. The budget atmosphere of yesteryear has made way for a sleek and apparently high-quality interior. That first impression is reinforced by an excellently adjustable seating position and two screens that work quickly and conjure up crystal-clear images. In addition, they have thought better about the operation at Skoda than at Volkswagen, which supplies the same hardware in its Golf. No slider for the temperature settings of the air conditioning, just two always visible button clusters on the screen itself. The volume slider, which unfortunately has remained, has also been positioned a bit smarter, so that you no longer accidentally turn the radio loud while you want to do something else. The addition of physical shortcuts to directly access the vehicle menu, among other things, makes life easier.
At Skoda, they have examined the driving dynamics of the Octavia. That was also necessary; the previous one had such a week suspension and damped that the chassis quickly lagged behind the facts if the road surface was poor or the cornering speed above average. The new version feels calmer and handles blemishes with much more grace. This provides a more pleasant overall picture, especially because comfort still clearly predominates. However, it is no longer at the expense of refinement and with the optional adaptive dampers in Sport, the Octavia does fine. The control is still light and somewhat indirect.
Old acquaintance
In the front of the Skoda we meet an old acquaintance, because the 1.5 TSI 4-cylinder with cylinder deactivation, 150 hp and 250 Nm was previously available. The engine still spoils you with a lot of torque from low revs and unnoticed you quickly go smoothly in peace. The gearbox shifts in typical Volkswagen-Skoda-way: light, clear and easy.
At Skoda, the range of optional active safety options, as well as the rest of the options list, is limited. For the time being, you can only opt for a First Edition, which includes adaptive cruise control, an autonomous emergency braking system and a knee airbag. Lane Keeping Aid and Blind Spot Sensor are separate from the option list. Options are not too expensive and the First Edition has the basic necessities all on board, with the extras over the other two adaptive dampers, a power tailgate and an inch larger alloy. For a solid total price of € 36,420, because Skoda has clearly passed the budget stage there too.