What's the news?
The new Skoda Octavia Combi estate will have its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March. As well as being larger than the outgoing model, Skoda has fitted a number of 'Simply Clever' features to make buyers' lives that little bit easier.
Exterior
From the front, there is nothing to distinguish the estate from the hatchback version. Moving back, the roof gains a couple of rails, which leads to a sloping and rounded tailgate. The rear lights are taken straight from the hatchback and extend round to the side of the car. The resulting profile however, is that of a sensible, practical car as opposed to that of a sports tourer.
Interior
It's here where Skoda is claiming to have worked most of its magic. A 610-litre boot space is said to be the highest in its class, with the volume increasing to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded. The boot also contains what Skoda calls 'Simply Clever' ideas, comprising of a double-sided floor mat, a large net restraint system and bag hooks.
These ideas are continued throughout as the Octavia comes with a number of bottle holders, a waste bin, an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap and holders for multimedia devices. Exclusively for the Combi model, Skoda has created a coat rack and a remote-controlled rear backrest folding system.
Adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Light Assistant and a new range of radio and infotainment systems can also be specified for the new Octavia.
Mechanicals
Two petrol and two diesel engines are available in the UK, including the Greenline motor that is said to achieve 83.1mpg on the combined cycle while returning just 89g/km of CO2. The latest Octavia Combi will also be offered with Skoda's new four-wheel drive system featuring a fifth-generation Haldex clutch.
Safety features are in abundance in the new Octavia. Automatic braking systems, a fatigue detection system (Driver Activity Assistant) and Lane Assistant are some of the gizmos offered to prevent the Octavia's driver from crashing. If the worst does happen though, nine airbags have been fitted as standard.
Anything else?
The Octavia Combi will be unveiled during Skoda's press conference at the Geneva Motor Show that runs from the 5th-17th March.