Motoring: Refreshed Skoda Octavia is a practical and fun family car - The Coventry Observer

Motoring: Refreshed Skoda Octavia is a practical and fun family car

Coventry Editorial 15th Jan, 2021   0

SKODA Octavia SE L First Edition 2.0 TDi (115PS)

By Tony Yates

Firstly, a little late, but I wanted to wish you all a Very Happy New Year.

This is my first motoring review of 2021 and it’s already looking bleak for the start of this year.

All I can say is ‘Stay Safe’ and well. We will get through this together.

Power and Efficiency:




The 2.0-litre TDi diesel engine has a 0-62 time of around 10.3 seconds and a top speed of 131mph.

Fuel consumption is also good, giving a combined figure of 60+mpg.


So, firstly, how well does it get a move on?

Well, basically, pretty good if I’m being honest and the engine is quite refined thanks to clever technical advances in diesel engine technology.

Also, its torque band is astonishingly good.

I know we all keep hearing how diesel cars will be banished to the end of the earth very soon and we will all be driving around in vehicles powered by ‘Fairy Dust’.

Well, I’m not convinced we are quite there yet.

On the road:

The 115PS engine that was fitted to my test car was enthusiastic and pretty much perfect.

Also, into the corners, the chassis felt poised and tight, even when dealing with all the potholes and bumps on some of our worst roads on the planet.

Plus when the tarmac gets twisty, the chassis firms up to give you maximum grip in and out of every corner.

The steering also feels light, direct and is perfectly balanced with plenty of feedback on what the road beneath you is doing.

Also, the chassis on the Octavia has always been pretty good in my mind because Skoda took the time to do it right, it was not rushed, and they knew it needed to feel like a proper mile muncher.

To be honest, arriving anywhere after a long journey in the Octavia feels like a breeze.

Interior & Technology:

First off, I’m so glad to see that the designers at Skoda have paid a lot of attention to detail inside the cabin of the Octavia – thankfully it now feels refreshing thanks to the new model upgrades which are better than the previous model I tested a while back.

Also, the seats are comfy, and the controls are well set out.

The Columbus touchscreen satellite navigation system with 10” display and digital radio are pretty good too.

The only thing missing now for me is some soothing music tracks playing in the background.

On the inside: there’s plenty of standard equipment, which includes; 17” Rotare AERO alloy wheels, 8 speakers, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, electric driver’s front seat, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, headlight washers, LED lighting front and rear, rear privacy glass and a ‘virtual cockpit with 10.25” display.

Plus, you also get a mountain of safety systems as standard. That’s what I love about Skoda, they are not afraid to give you everything you will ever need, right there when you need it.

Space inside the Octavia is also very good – easily managing to fit in a family of five. The boot space alone is also huge – and you would have no trouble at all fitting in the family luggage. Also, if you are looking to own the Octavia as a business car, then go and sign on the dotted line right ‘now’.

To sum up: I like the Octavia because its practical for a family and its fun to drive. It also has bags of torque and plenty of space on the inside. Big Skoda smiles here then.

Price: from £26,060 excluding options

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