SKODA

SKODA OCTAVIA HATCHBACK 1.5 TSI SE Technology 5dr

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionManual

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph8.2s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2127 g/km

A Skoda Octavia was once the least sophisticated of all the Volkswagen Group's family hatchback products. Not any more. Almost nothing has been held back for this fourth generation version. It's still bigger and better value than most of its rivals, a Mondeo-sized medium range hatch for the price of a Focus-sized one. The difference now though, is that it's clever enough, once again, to change the way you think about Skoda.

PITCHING UP AN OCTAVE

Skoda's fourth generation Octavia sharpens up its act. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

A Skoda Octavia was once the least sophisticated of all the Volkswagen Group's family hatchback products. Not any more. Almost nothing has been held back for this fourth generation version. It's still bigger and better value than most of its rivals, a Mondeo-sized medium range hatch for the price of a Focus-sized one. The difference now though, is that it's clever enough, once again, to change the way you think about Skoda.

Background

You can trace the Skoda success story of the last few decades back to the original launch of one model: this one - the Octavia. Right from its very first appearance in 1996, this has been a car that's always super-sized its value proposition, offering more space than the class norm. For first and second generation versions, that class saw competition amongst Focus and Astra-class family hatches. The MK3 model of 2012 took a step up in the world, virtually big enough to compete with Mondeos and Insignias in the larger medium range segment and this fourth generation version continues to offer that kind of proposition. This Octavia though, is more sophisticated than ever before - and cleverer too - as it has to be to distance itself from the simpler, but not much smaller Scala model that hit the market in the Spring of 2019, not long before this car arrived. The Scala is the car to choose for Skoda motoring as it used to be, light on frills and cutting-edge technology but solid, reliable, value-laden and built to last. This Octavia, in contrast, is more a signpost to a direction the Czech brand wants to go in the future: one that shares the very latest technology with more luxurious brands in the Volkswagen Group stable.

Driving Experience

The powerplant range here has a familiar look if you're familiar with Skoda's borrowed Wolfsburg-sourced engineware. Volume sales are based around the brand's usual 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS petrol powerplant, which gets the brand's 'e-TECH'-branded 48-volt mild hybrid engine tech when mated to DSG auto transmission. Below that, there's an entry-level 1.0-litre three cylinder 110PS petrol unit, which in DSG auto form, also gets that mild hybrid technology. There's also a 2.0-litre TDI 150PS diesel engine, only available in DSG auto form. The top vRS sporting model offers two conventional units, a 245PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol powerplant and a 200PS version of that 2.0 TDI diesel. Like its predecessor, this MK4 Octavia uses the Volkswagen Group's MQB front wheel drive and All-Wheel Drive platform, but in this case the revised version of it that recently debuted on the new-era MK8 Volkswagen Golf. Whatever flavour of Octavia you happen to prefer, it'll come with a fresh generation of drive assist technology. Previously, the optional 'ACC' 'Adaptive Cruise Control' system (now standard) merely braked and accelerated the car based around a pre-set speed. Now, it uses the car's front camera system, GPS data and a host of sensors to drive the car predictively. So when 'ACC' is set, the car knows in advance about bends, roundabouts and upcoming traffic flow, plus this Skoda will adapt itself to speed limits as you enter them.

Design and Build

The last Octavia took quite a big step forward in size; this one has grown more slightly, the hatchback version 19mm longer than before with the ever-popular estate variant now 22mm lengthier. In both cases, width has increased by 15mm. Visually, you'd certainly recognise this as an Octavia if you'd owned one before, but the car looks a little more mature and sophisticated now and features full-LED headlights as standard. LED lighting also features in the wider, thinner rear lamps. Where work was needed on this model line though, was in the cabin. Skoda interiors have always been smart and functional but a little dull. This one could almost fool you that you were sitting in a VW Passat, which is another way of saying that quite a big step forward in perceived quality has been now made. Softer-touch plastics, much more chrome trim and configurable LED ambient lighting all now feature and the new two-spoke multi-function steering wheel looks smart too. As is the current fashion, a digital instrument binnacle display is available, this one 10.25-inches in size. It's complemented by your choice of centre-dash screen; there are four choices, a base 8.25-inch monitor, then, if you can afford more, three 10-inch displays of varying functionality. As usual with an Octavia, back seat space is class-leading. As is boot capacity, which has grown to 600-litres in the hatch, or 640-litres in the estate.

Market and Model

The core trim level is 'SE' and pricing sits in the £25,500-£39,000 bracket. The mid trim level is 'SE L' with the top of the range marked by the sporty vRS models. Whichever trim level you opt for, as usual, there's a premium of around £1,000 if you want the estate rather than the five-door hatch. As usual with a Skoda, all variants get as standard a range of practical 'Simply Clever' features. In this case, that means a helpful AdBlue nozzle for diesel variants and familiar touches like an ice scraper secreted in the fuel cap and a ticket clip on the driver's side A-pillar. If you've more to spend, a 'Sleep package' can be added that'll give you more comfortable rear seat head rests, stowed blankets and sun blinds. Other extras include massaging front seats, a head-up display and Matrix LED headlights that adapt to the road and other vehicles. As you'd expect, camera-driven safety kit provision has taken a step forward. The brand's 'Collision Avoidance Assistance' autonomous braking system is, as expected, standard right across the range, along with lane departure warning featuring steering assistance and predictive cruise control, which works alongside an updated traffic sign recognition set-up. If you specify your car correctly, you'll find that the cruise control set-up can combine with Skoda's 'Lane Keep Assist' and 'Traffic Jam Assist' systems to provide for a degree of semi-autonomous driving.  

Cost of Ownership

You'll be wanting the WLTP emissions figures that'll determine this car's tax status. For the manual 1.0-litre petrol version, you're looking at up to 116g/km (and up to 54.9mpg on the combined cycle). For the manual 1.5 TSI petrol, it's 121g/km (and 52.7mpg on the combined cycle). For the 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel DSG auto, it's 114g/km (and 64.9mpg). For the 2.0 TDI 200PS auto, it's 130g/km (and 56.8mpg). The e-TECH system that features on Octavia 1.0 and 1.5 TSI petrol models fitted with DSG auto transmission is of course the same one we're increasingly seeing on various VW Group models. To recap, it pairs a 12-volt belt-driven starter motor with a small 48-volt lithium ion-battery, which stores energy that's recuperated under braking. The setup assists the petrol engine with a small electric boost, while also enabling this Skoda to coast with the engine completely disengaged at speed on the highway, improving efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Don't get your hopes up too high though, as to the effect all of this will have on your running costs. Experience with equivalent Audis has shown us that it doesn't make an enormous amount of difference. 

Summary

The Octavia name - based on the latin for 'eight' - is an almost inseparable part of Skoda's history, dating all the way back to 1959 when it arrived to designate the eighth design produced by the Czech brand following World War II. In modern era guise, Octavias have sold prolifically, enough, if placed end-to-end, to fill all three lanes of the complete M25. But those sales of course date back to a time when this was a slightly smaller and much less sophisticated car. How will modern era buyers cope with a version of this Skoda that's quite a lot more expensive and sophisticated. It'll be interesting to see. What's clear is that like its Korean competitors, Skoda sees a future in which it no longer competes as a 'value brand'. That market will be left to the Chinese. Instead, the Czech maker wants a higher quality image developed alongside higher quality products - cars like this one. They want the purchase of something like an Octavia to be viewed not as a cheaper choice but instead as rather a clever one. That time may already have arrived.

  • Heated rear windscreen
  • Rain and light sensors
  • Aero front windscreen wipers with intermittent function
  • Electric front and rear windows

  • ESC including ABS, EBV, MSR, ASR, EDS, HBA, DSR
  • Hill hold control
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Hill start assist
  • Rear disc brakes

  • Textile floor mat set

  • 2x USB Type C ports (for charging and data transfer)
  • 2x USB Type C ports in rear of front centre armrest (charging only)
  • 1x USB Type C port in rear view mirror (charging only)
  • Voice control system
  • Bluetooth system

  • Speed limiter
  • Turn Assist
  • Front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist
  • Electro-mechanical power steering
  • Front assist system

  • Boot lid release from inside vehicle (electrically)

  • Columbus satellite navigation with 10" touchscreen display
  • Smartlink (includes android auto and mirrorlink)
  • Colour multifunction trip computer
  • Wireless SmartLink for Apple Car Play
  • Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" digital display

  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

  • Aluminium decorative inserts

  • DAB Digital radio
  • 8 speakers

  • Body colour door mirrors and handles
  • Chrome grille surround
  • Black window surrounds
  • Ice scraper in fuel cap

  • Rear fog light on one side
  • High level third brake light

  • Climatronic dual-zone electronic air conditioning

  • Ticket holder
  • Chrome inner door handles
  • Illuminated air conditioned glovebox
  • Leather trimmed gearshift lever
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Sunglasses storage
  • Front centre armrest
  • 4 foldable roof handles
  • Satin black textured with artificial stiching in dash board pads
  • Parcel shelf - folding
  • Umbrella in door panel
  • Two-spoke leather multi function steering wheel

  • Luggage compartment lighting x1 light

  • Alarm with interior monitoring, tilt sensor and back up horn
  • Automatic warning lights in case of emergency braking
  • ISOFIX on front passenger seat and outer rear seats
  • Visual and acoustic seat belt reminder
  • Warning reflectors in front door
  • Automatic fuel cut off in case of crash
  • Emergency call and proactive services
  • Automatic door unlocking in case of crash
  • Head and curtain airbags
  • Two tone horn
  • 3 point front/outer rear seatbelts+pre-tensioners
  • Passenger airbag deactivate switch
  • Tyre pressure monitor
  • Drivers knee airbag

  • 3 rear headrests
  • Front head restraints
  • Height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar support
  • Unsplit rear bench seat and split folding backrest

  • Door locks with immobiliser
  • Remote central locking
  • Keyless start/stop

  • Sun visors with mirrors

  • CO2 (g/km): 109
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • NOx: 0.042
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: 0.0002
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 127
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Min: 178
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Max: 194
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Min: 127
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Max: 150
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Min: 108
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Max: 132
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Min: 123
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Max: 158
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 153
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 127

  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
  • Transmission: MANUAL
  • Gears: 6 SPEED
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9
  • CC: 1498

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • EC Urban (mpg): 45.6
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): 72.4
  • EC Combined (mpg): 60.1
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Min: 36.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Max: 33.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Min: 50.4
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Max: 42.8
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Min: 58.9
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Max: 48.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Min: 52.3
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Max: 40.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 50.4
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 42.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Min: 7.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Max: 8.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Min: 5.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Max: 6.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Min: 4.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Max: 5.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Min: 5.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Max: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 5.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6.7

  • Generation Mark: 4
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 18E
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 999999
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 150
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.5
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Coin Series: SE Technology
  • Coin Description: TSI
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

  • Engine Power - KW: 110
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184
  • Engine Torque - NM: 250
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1500
  • Engine Power - BHP: 150
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.2
  • Top Speed: 142
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: TWISTER
  • Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

  • Width (including mirrors): 1994
  • Height: 1470
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4689
  • Width: 1829
  • Wheelbase: 2686

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1263
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 1846
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 47.8
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 600
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 660
  • Max. Loading Weight: 583
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1555
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

  • Rear window wiper: £0

  • Wireless charging: £325

  • Cruise control: Included
  • Adaptive cruise control: £430
  • Lane assist: Included
  • Rear-view parking camera (Inc Full Matrix LED headlights,rear LED lights (high),dynamic indicators,cornering front fog lights): £1,975
  • Rear-view parking camera Inc Rear LED lights (high) and dynamic indicators: £595

  • Travel assist: £825
  • Travel Assist - in combination with a winter pack: £685
  • Driver fatigue sensor: £45

  • Exclusive paint: £975
  • Special solid paint: £595
  • Pearlescent paint: £595
  • Metallic paint: £595
  • Solid paint: Included

  • Full LED Matrix headlights with AFS and integrated headlight washers, rear LED lights and dynamic indicators and cornering front fog lights: £1,575
  • LED front fog lights: Included
  • LED headlights with LED daytime running lights: Included
  • LED rear lights - low functionality: Included

  • LED interior light pack - Octavia: £260
  • Winter pack - Octavia: £730
  • Simply clever pack - Octavia: £95

  • Metallic - Race blue: £595
  • Metallic - Moon white: £595
  • Metallic - Petrol Blue: £595
  • Metallic - Quartz grey: £595
  • Metallic - Brilliant silver: £595
  • Metallic - Titan blue: £595

  • Pearl - Black magic: £595

  • Solid - Energy blue: £0

  • Exclusive paint - Velvet red: £975
  • Exclusive paint - Crystal black: £975
  • Special solid - Corrida red: £595

  • Crew protection assist and rear side airbags: £495
  • Driver and passenger front and side airbags: Included
  • Manual rear child locks: Included

  • Towing preparation: £195
  • Integrated tow bar with adapter: £955

  • Cloth - Black: £0

  • 16" Twister AERO alloy wheels: Included
  • 17" Rotare Aero alloy wheels: £430
  • 17" Pulsar Aero black alloy wheels: £680

  • Tyre repair kit: Included
  • Temporary space saver wheel with 205/60 R16 tyre: £180

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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