Skoda Octavia Estate (98-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Octavia was the model that wiped the smile off the face of Skoda’s critics for good. It was the fruition of more than seven years of Volkswagen input and finally put paid to stale old Skoda jokes. The estate makes a fine family car - roomy, well equipped, attractive and available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. The load area is a decent size and really useful for anyone who's looking for a car that doubles-up as a dependable workhorse.
3.5 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Comfort

The interior looks smart, the inside is spacious and the load area is generous – all the features that appeal to family car buyers. There's plenty of room for the front passenger, but taller passengers may find legroom in the rear a little tight and there can be a lot of wind noise on the motorway.

4 out of 5

Practicality

It's easy to load up, as the boot has a low lip and wide opening and can carry a substantial cargo. The rear seats fold flat for extra room, if it's needed. This makes it an ideal car for the buyer who needs a car for work as well as family life. There's also a reasonably-sized glovebox and cupholders in the front.

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3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

The driving position is excellent. It's easy to get comfy thanks to a highly adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel. The dashboard is attractively designed and easy to use, with buttons and switches intuitively clustered and easy to reach. At night the instruments are backlit in a smart green colour. There's good all-round visibility, although the chunky windscreen pillars can restrict the view if you're pulling out of a T junction.