MOTORING
Skoda
Octavia Estate
The
2017 has seen a revised Skoda Octavia range introduced to the market place . They have always had a class leading roominess and now with higher specifications , and most being available at reasonable prices , the Skoda Octavia should be a vehicle to be considered . If you are one that is prioritising maximum space with low running costs then the Octavia Estate , which I was privileged to test recently , should be on your bucket list , writes Bob Hickman .
It has a modern classy look , both interior and exterior , and in addition it drives reasonably well too .
Octavia in the UK is one of the Skoda ’ s best selling if not the best selling , with over 20,000 + sales in 2016 , this is quite exceptional for this particular vehicle . There is a range of engines , 6 in total , ranging from diminutive 1-litre petrols ranging through to a quite sporty 2-litre 230bhp and turbo diesels from the wonderful VAG market place are available as a 1.6-litre or a couple of 2-litres producing 150 and 200bhp .
What I like about all the vehicles in the VAG Group , and especially the Skoda Octavia , is being able to choose between manual or the brilliant DSG twin-clutch auto gearboxes . In addition the Skoda Octavia is also available in some engine derivatives as a 4-wheel drive . You really do have a lot of boxes that can be ticked .
There are S , SE , SE Technology , SEL and my particular derivative Laurin Klement , this is well towards the top of the specification and there are very few extras left to be included in this vehicle . It has wonderful 18 ” alloy wheels , and Skoda have fitted anti-theft bolts , which is a useful feature , the acoustic rear parking sensor complete with the additional rear view parking camera as an extra was an excellent facility on this long , wide , vehicle . I particularly liked the satellite navigation and the infotainment system , the 9.2 “ touch screen worked brilliantly and at all times was easy and informative in its display . The Satellite Navigation especially was a delight to operate .
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