IT is now more than a decade since Skoda introduced its Octavia to the UK, since when, this roomy, well-priced range of family hatchbacks and estates has contributed greatly to the Czech Republic car maker's image moving more and more into the mainstream of the automotive world.
Having operated under the banner of the VW Group since the beginning of the 1990s, today's acceptance of the Skoda brand has never been higher. And 2005 saw Octavia Mark II make its appearance.
In either hatchback or estate car form, the Skoda Octavia offers a quartet of engines - two petrol, 1.6 115bhp FSI and 2.0 FSI 148bhp plus a brace of diesels comprising 1.9 105bhp TDI PD and 2.0 140bhp TDI PD - while trim levels constitute Classic, Ambiente, Elegance, L&K, Sport and 4x4.
Entry level models provide the likes of air con, electric front windows, powered and heated door mirrors, four-speaker sound system with single CD and driver safety systems ABS braking, Mechanical Braking Assistant (MBA), Engine Drag Control (MSR) and Anti Skid Regulation (ASR) as standard.
Ambiente adds an eight-speaker sound system with a six-disc CD autochanger, remote central locking, trip computer and electric windows all round. Elegance spec delivers dual-zone climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
The 4x4 derivative is offered in estate car guise only and comes with the likes of a very useful Tyre Pressure Monitoring system (TPM), front fog llamps, electric windows all round, illuminated air conditioned glove box and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) plus the Haldex clutch all-wheel-drive system which is fully automatic, operating for the most part as a normal front-wheel-drive system, until road conditions call for extra grip and, without any driver involvement, the right amount of power is transmitted to the rear wheels.
Hugely roomy in all parts, the Octavia Estate provides some excellent adult leg, head and shoulder room both front and rear and, while a hugely generous 560-litres of stowage space is available with all five seats taken, the Octavia's agreeably shaped boot increases its carrying potential further to 1,629-litres courtesy of the split/fold rear seating.
In addition, this estate car's practicality and versatility is further extended by plenty of cubby holes both front and rear including seat back pockets, a large illuminated glovebox, storage compartment in the centre console, cup and bottle holders, lidded storage box under the front passenger seat, sunglasses holder and an air conditioned 'Jumbo Box' between the front seats.
In a cabin well put together and boasting some quality materials, the driving environment is excellent, the ratchet-style VW seat height adjust and two-way steering wheel movement combining to provide a superb driving position.
Powered by a two-litre TDI PD engine paired with a smooth-slotting six-speed manual gearchange, this is diesel power at its best, this VW-sourced oil-burner doing full justice to its 140bhp to deliver some enjoyable pace and power.
The 0-62mph sprint arrives in an agreeable 9.9 seconds and the top speed is a claimed 123mph.
Progress is remarkably refined with little noise from road and wind while the 4x4 set-up ensures some confidence-building sure-footed stability.
Overall, this is a well put together estate car which does all the normal things extremely well. Competitively priced and generously kitted out, the Octavia Estate also delivers good value for money and is genuinely a car for all seasons.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI PD 4x4 Estate
Price: £18,690
Mechanical: 140bhp 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 123mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 45.6
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 167g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 10yrs anti-rust