The fourth-generation Octavia was first introduced in 2019, and now has been significantly overhauled outside and in to keep it fresh with a subtle new design, tweaks to the cabin and improved technology. Our first chance to sample the facelifted Skoda Octavia was in Vienna at its international media launch in May this year (read Matt’s detailed review of the Combi estate here) and now the revised car has arrived in Ireland, so we’ve had a chance to drive an Octavia Combi estate in Irish specification.
How much is the Skoda Octavia in Ireland?
The most affordable Octavia hatchback costs €31,430, while the Combi estate starts at €33,035. The entry trim level is called Selection, then there’s Selection +, Selection Box (isn’t that supposed to be full of chocolate and given to kids at Christmas?), Sportline and the standalone RS model at the top of the tree.
At the time of writing, buyers can choose between petrol and diesel engines in both body styles, with manual and automatic gearbox options. The 1.5 TSI petrol engine comes in 115hp or 150hp guises, and with mild-hybrid assistance when paired with the DSG automatic gearbox. Diesel choices (starting at €34,670 as a hatch or €36,490 as an estate) are limited to either 115hp or 150hp versions of a 2.0-litre TDI engine, the more powerful one always fitted with the DSG auto. Our test car was the Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI DSG in Selection + specification.
The Octavia RS is exclusively powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine making 265hp and bolted to a DSG auto, while Irish pricing for the forthcoming plug-in hybrid Octavia has yet to be announced.
Driving the Skoda Octavia Combi on Irish roads
Comfort is the name of the game for the Octavia and on the 18-inch wheels of the test car it proved to be wonderfully comfortable over many hours at the wheel. And yet, while the suspension manages to isolate the cabin from the worst of the road surface beneath, that doesn’t mean the car wallows about the place through corners either. In fact, it’s very composed, very polished and stable.
By the same token, it is not particularly interesting to drive, but few buyers of a diesel-engined, C-segment estate will expect - or indeed want - an engaging-to-drive car and the Octavia is competent by any measure with well-judged driving controls adding to the experience.
Admittedly, the diesel engine is always audible (the petrol alternative is quieter), even if its workings die away into the background on the motorway. Wind and road noise are par for the class rather than being exceptional, though the DSG transmission is smooth in operation, and you’ll rarely feel the need to override it.
How economical is the Skoda Octavia?
The diesel version we tested is undoubtedly efficient, especially on the motorway. We covered about 700 kilometres in total, about three quarters of that at a cruise, helping return a fantastic 5.3 litres/100km overall. Matt saw an average of 5.1 litres/100km in Austria earlier in the year in warmer conditions driving only during the day, while we also drove at night and it was late October (so there were other energy drains at work), which probably explains the difference. It’s decent economy no matter how you cut it. Aside from the RS models, the petrol and diesel Octavias all cost either €190 or €200 a year to tax.
The 1.5 TSI petrol versions won’t be as economical as the diesels on the motorway, but there’s unlikely to be a yawning gulf between them at lower speeds, and we’d highly recommend buyers only go for the diesel if they do indeed spend a lot of their driving time at a quicker pace. That’s necessary for efficient use of the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). If you only ever do short hops, stick with petrol power (or wait for the plug-in hybrid).
What are the Skoda Octavia Combi’s rivals?
The Octavia hatchback has more competitors than the Combi as estates have - sadly - fallen out of favour with buyers in many markets, replaced by SUVs. Nonetheless, there are plenty of good alternative estates in the same price range as the Octavia, including the Ford Focus Estate, Opel Astra Sports Tourer, Peugeot 308 SW and Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. From within the Volkswagen Group are the SEAT and Cupra Leon Sportstourers.
How popular is the Skoda Octavia in Ireland?
At the time of writing, the Octavia is the second best-selling new car in Ireland so far in 2024, and that’s not likely to change this year. Its nearest direct rival is the Toyota Corolla in seventh spot while Skoda itself is in third place overall for brands thanks in no small part to its wide network of 27 dealerships. The Octavia Combi is actually the best-selling estate of any size in Ireland this year by quite some margin.
Does the Skoda Octavia nail the brief?
And some. For quite some time now the Skoda Octavia has punched above its weight in the sector in terms of image, quality and ability. Nothing has changed in that regard with the facelift and it’s still an excellent all-rounder. An estate may not be on the shortlist for many Irish buyers, but the Octavia Combi makes for a fabulously practical alternative to an equivalently priced SUV or crossover. Meanwhile, those that regularly cover long distances, or need maximum towing capacity, will be glad there’s still a good diesel option in the lineup.
Ask us anything about the Skoda Octavia Combi
If there’s anything about the Skoda Octavia Combi we’ve not covered, or you’d like advice in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
