• Nicely trimmed, excellent fit and finish
• Class-leading tech and displays
• Infotainment not perfect in use

How is the quality and layout?

The cabin of the Skoda Octavia Estate feels comfortably familiar, with much of its tech shared with the latest VW Golf and other similar Volkswagen Group cars. The driving position is good, and the unusual two-spoke multifunction steering wheel makes using many of the car’s features a piece of cake.

On the automatic models, you get a rocker switch on the centre console to select gears instead of a traditional lever, but the best aspects are the big improvements in quality over older Octavias. There are some cheaper plastics in places, but everything it fitted together very well. Facelifted models include more sustainable materials, dark chrome instead of shiny chrome, and more choices of finish.

The reduced button count compared with the old model has tidied up the cabin, but not necessarily made it easier to use. Skoda does better than VW and SEAT here, however, as there are still physical controls to shortcut to important functions, including for the climate control. You get used to it relatively quickly in our experience.

Infotainment and tech

A large central touchscreen infotainment system comes as standard on every model; pre-facelift had a 10.0-inch screen, after the facelift this has expanded to 13.0 inches, making a big impact on the overall look of the interior. The new screen also has faster software and a slightly easier to use interface with more shortcuts. We need to spend more time with it, but it seems an improvement.

14

All models also get a 10.0-inch digital instrument display. This can be customised with a choice of screen styles that show varying amounts of information, which can also be tailored to personal preference. This is all controlled via the steering wheel; this is reasonably straightforward once you’ve got your head around it, but probably best to set things up before you start driving.

Facelifted Octavias also get a 15W wireless phone charger as standard – that’s three times as powerful as before, and also cooled to reduce the chances of your phone over-heating. It seems to be a bit fussy about phone cases, but was happy enough to charge a phone with one fitted eventually.

Comfort

• Ergonomically comfortable front seats
• Three-zone climate control available
• Still a bit of road noise

The Octavia has always placed a priority on comfort, and the Mk4 continues this tradition. The standard seats are supportive and attractively designed, but further up the range you’ll find electric adjustment (including lumbar support) and the option to add heating, cooling and massaging functions. There are some intricate finishes, too, especially the diamond stitched pattern in the Sportline.

14

Three-zone climate control is available as an option, so all passengers can set a temperature they want without affecting others. The Octavia is a reasonably quiet car on the inside, too, with the latest versions suffering more from slightly raucous engines than road or wind noise. You can lessen this issue by driving gently – or opt for the DSG automatic transmission, which manages optimum gear choice very effectively.