Skoda Octavia Combi: A car that combines strengths and new qualities

Skoda Octavia Combi has been successful for more than two decades. The third generation of the Skoda Octavia was introduced in 1996, and since then, more than 5 million units have been sold. The car has undergone comprehensive revisions, giving it a new and striking design, refined interiors, and optimized driving characteristics. It is available in nine engine variants, including a CNG option. Skoda has extended the range of driver assistance systems and added a new generation of infotainment systems to the Skoda Connect online services.

The Skoda Octavia Combi combines the strengths of the brand, such as generous interiors and exceptional value for money, with new safety and comfort features. The upgrades have given the car a distinctive appearance, thanks to the wide radiator grille, additional lighting units within the headlights, and a redesigned rear bumper with subtle contours. LED technology for the rear light cluster has also enhanced the car's appearance. The hatchback has grown in length by 11 mm to 4,670 mm, and the estate has increased by 8 mm to 4,667 mm. The wheelbase remains at 2,686 mm, which is unusually long for a compact car segment.

The Skoda Octavia Combi's interior is spacious and clear, with high-quality materials and new features. The boot capacity of the hatchback is 590 l, which expands to 1,580 l with the rear seats folded down. The estate has a boot capacity of 610 l, which can be expanded to up to 1,740 l if needed. The revised Skoda Octavia Combi models are launched with a choice of nine engines: four TSI petrol, four TDI diesel, and one CNG engine, with power outputs ranging from 63 kW (86 PS) to 135 kW (184 PS). The modern drivetrains contribute to the car's good balance of driving performance, consumption, and emissions. They feature a manual gearbox with 5 or 6 speeds or automatic DSG gearboxes with 6 or 7 speeds.

The TSI engines have a turbocharger and direct petrol injection, and the 1.2-l TSI engine with four cylinders and a power output of 63 kW (86 hp) is the entry-level variant. The engine with the smallest capacity in the range has a power output of 85 kW (115 hp, and the 1.0-l TSI engine with three cylinders is available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The 1.4-l TSI G-TEC engine is a bivalent engine that can run on CNG and petrol, offering a power output of 81 kW (110 PS). The 1.4-l TSI produces 110 kW (150 hp) as a pure petrol engine. The 1.8-l TSI engine is the top variant, offering 135 kW (184 hp).

The Skoda Octavia Combi's driving characteristics are optimized with the availability of Dynamic Chassis Control and all-wheel drive when coupled with the 110 kW (150 hp) TDI engine and optional 7-speed DSG gearbox. The car also features a range of driver assistance systems, including lane departure warning, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, and park assist.

The Skoda Octavia Combi's new generation of infotainment systems enables using Skoda Connect online services.

Another innovative feature of the Skoda Octavia is the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system, which is available as an option on some trim levels. This system allows the driver to adjust the suspension settings to suit their driving preferences. There are three modes to choose from: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. In Comfort mode, the suspension is softer, providing a more comfortable ride. In Sport mode, the suspension is firmer, providing better handling and stability at higher speeds. The Normal mode provides a balance between the two.

The Skoda Octavia and Skoda Octavia Combi come with an extensive range of driver assistance systems. One of the standard systems is the Front Assist system, which uses a radar sensor to detect objects in front of the vehicle and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Another standard system is the Lane Assist system, which uses a camera to detect lane markings and can help keep the vehicle in its lane.

Optional driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front and can automatically accelerate and brake to keep up with traffic, and Park Assist, which uses sensors to detect available parking spaces and can help the driver park the vehicle. Other optional systems include Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The Skoda Octavia and Skoda Octavia Combi also feature a new generation of infotainment systems, which enable the use of Skoda Connect online services. These services include real-time traffic information, online navigation, and weather updates. The systems also include smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to access their favorite apps and music on the go.

The Skoda Octavia and Skoda Octavia Combi offer a range of 'Simply Clever' features designed to make life easier for the driver and passengers. These features include an umbrella holder in the driver's door, a removable LED flashlight in the boot, and a waste bin in the door panel. The cars also come with a double-sided boot floor, which can be flipped over to create a waterproof surface for storing wet items.

The Skoda Octavia and Skoda Octavia Combi are two of the most impressive cars in the compact car segment. Their spacious, high-quality interiors, powerful and efficient engines, advanced safety and driver assistance systems, innovative infotainment, and 'Simply Clever' features offer exceptional driving experience. If you're in the market for a compact car, you owe it to yourself to give the Skoda Octavia and Skoda Octavia Combi a test drive.