Skoda Octavia Combi - will it conquer the market?
Shortly after the liftback version was launched, Skoda is expanding its Octavia body line with a spacious family station wagon. I confess that I was the last person in the editorial office who, for various reasons, had not yet ridden the new Octavia. Hearing both admiration and criticism of this car, I decided to isolate myself from all the voices and check for myself what the Skoda Octavia Combi really is.
After the premiere liftback version Everyone was asking when the station wagon would be available. The question was not unreasonable, since this model variant was the best-selling station wagon in Europe in 2012. In terms of dimensions, the station wagon has the same length (4659-1814 mm), width (2686-5 mm) and wheelbase (4-90 mm) as the 45d version. However, he is 12 mm taller than him. The situation is different when we compare the 11th generation station wagon with the 30th generation. The differences here are very big. The new Octavia is almost 610 mm longer, a mm wider, a mm higher, and the wheelbase has increased by almost cm. Thanks to these measures, passengers have more space inside than before. The luggage compartment can also accommodate liters more luggage (l).
Enough of this dimensional drawing - let's take a look at the car from the outside. The front of the car is identical to the liftback model. A well-defined ribbed bonnet, headlights that are not one but a sum of cut lines, and a 19-bar grille (personally reminiscent of a huntsman's moustache) are the face of the new Octavia. Side profile - this is not fireworks. Horizontally running window line, sloping rear roof with slim D-pillar and side-swept taillights. My hand would be chopped off that the Golf Estate of the VI generation from the side looked almost identical. The design of the rear matches the rest of the exterior. The eye is attracted by the characteristic C-shaped arrangement of lights and the embossing on the flap, giving the effect of two triangles. The unpainted bumper element hides exhaust fumes and parking sensors.
The discreet and classic interior of the Octavia has become more mature. The absence of plastic strips separating the individual parts of the dashboard gives the cabin an elegant look. It was also important for the aesthetic impressions that all the cars that were provided to us for testing were not the cheapest equipment options. I really liked the chairs, which were not only comfortable, but also decently kept our four letters in the places intended for them. The disadvantage of the seats is the lack of adjustment of the angle of the head restraints. On the other hand, a wide range of seat and handlebar adjustments allow you to take a comfortable position behind the wheel, regardless of whether you are two meters or two meters at hand. Ergonomics is also Skoda's strength - we have almost everything you need while driving. Almost because the designers forgot about such an important thing for our ladies as the illumination of mirrors in sun visors. The long wheelbase and the completely new development concept of the MQB platform lead to a significant increase in space not only in front but also in the rear. If in the previous generation we could complain about a little lack of space, here we sit quietly and enjoy the freedom of movement.
Let's take a look at the trunk, because this is one of the main reasons for buying a station wagon. Access to it is prevented by an electrically raised and closed cover (accessory). The loading hatch has dimensions of 1070 by 1070 mm, and the edge of the trunk is at a height of 631 mm. All this allows us to fill the 610 liters available to us very conveniently. As if this is not enough, the capacity increases to 1740 liters after folding the back of the sofa - unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide a method for measuring the volume of the luggage compartment. It is known, however, that bad news awaits those who do not decide to pay extra for a double trunk floor. Of course, only those who expected that after folding the seats they would get a flat loading surface. It is worth keeping this information in mind when setting up your own car. I will only add that you can, if desired, fold the back of the passenger seat and enjoy the possibility of transporting objects with a length of 2,92 meters.
If you think that this is the end of the information about the trunk, then I must disappoint you. The formula "Simply smart" is not empty talk - engineers have made sure that travelers with the Octavia station wagon can transport their luggage conveniently and safely. The aforementioned double floor can divide the boot space in six different ways. The age-old problem of where to hide the trunk curtains and the roof rack has been solved - they will fit under the floor. A novelty that I really liked is the (optional) stowage compartment under the luggage compartment shelf - here all the items that would be scattered around the trunk will find a place. Octavia comes standard with four fold-out hooks for hanging retail chains. At night, we will appreciate two lamps illuminating the trunk, and a 12V socket will allow you to connect, for example, a travel refrigerator. Finally, I would like to add that the mat is double-sided - on the one hand it is a regular mat, and on the other, a rubberized surface. When we need to transport something not very clean or wet, we turn the mat over and we don't have to worry about dirt or water.
The Skoda Octavia Estate engine range consists of four diesel engines (from 90 to 150 hp) and four petrol engines (from 85 to 180 hp). All drive units (except the basic version) are equipped with a Start/Stop system and a brake energy recovery system. Buyers interested in the Octavia 4×4 wagon will be able to choose from three engines - 1,8 TSI (180 hp), 1,6 TDI (105 hp) and 2,0 TDI (150 hp). .). At the heart of the 4×4 drive is the fifth generation Haldex clutch. In addition, every 4×4 model is equipped with an electronic differential lock (EDS) on the front and rear axles. Thanks to this, the Octavia Combi 4×4 is not afraid of slippery ground or climbs.
During the presentation of the Octavia station wagon, we managed to drive about 400 km, of which we drove the first half in a car with a 150 hp diesel engine, and the second half with a 180 hp gasoline engine. The test section ran along German and Austrian motorways and charming alpine towns. Octavia rides the way it looks — right. It is a lot of fun to drive, especially if we have 180 hp under the hood, produced by a gasoline engine. From the lowest revs, the car greedily shifts to revs, the wide usable range of which puts a smile on your face. Diesel, although louder and slightly weaker, can pay off with lower fuel consumption. The Octavia's suspension, without nervous and loud behavior, copes well with the bumps in the road, and even in corners can make a good impression on the driver. After driving a few hundred kilometers, I have two comments about the car - the steering could be more direct, and the air flowing around the A-pillars and railings could make less noise.
Everyone can see what the Octavia station wagon is like. Some like it, others say they can't watch it. To be honest, I know cars that are both prettier and uglier at the same time. Octavia is somewhere in the middle of the field - I would venture to say that it is even closer to good cars. It's just organized and aesthetic. And since it does not cause emotions and is not arrogant - well, it should be so.
Forget about the Skoda positioning that we have been accustomed to so far. Company representatives say that at the moment these are not cars that differ in any way in quality or technology from VW models. Looking at the price of the new Octavia liftback, it’s hard not to notice that it starts on the same level as the Golf VII 5d. The combined version will cost about PLN 4000 64 more, so we will pay PLN 000 for the cheapest one. Is this strategy correct? The near future will show how convincing customers will be.
Pros:
+ spacious interior
+ wide choice of engines
+ build quality
+ additional drive 4×4
+ large and functional trunk
Cons:
- High price
– disable TDI version
- airborne noise at high speeds
