Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.0 TSI SE review
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Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.0 TSI SE review

Date: 14 September 2016   |   Author: Debbie Wood

Category: Lower medium
P11D price: £17,955
Key rival: Ford Focus
On sale: May 2016

Downsizing engines is not a new concept, but placing a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol in a car as big as the Skoda Octavia hatchback goes against the grain somewhat.

Replacing the 1.2-litre in the line-up this year, on paper this little 115hp engine impresses offering improved fuel economy of 8% and reduced CO2 emissions over the outgoing unit at 62.8mpg and 104g/km respectfully.

Our test car is fitted with larger 18-inch alloys, which has a small compromise on these figures, though, with fuel economy at 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions at 106g/km.

Octavia Side

On the whole-life costs front the Octavia's 41.7p per-mile figure is competitive with its Audi A3 stablemate (fitted with the same engine) and the Ford Focus with its 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine under the bonnet.  It betters the comparable Peugeot 308's 43.1p figure too, despite its 1.2-litre PureTech's superior fuel economy and CO2 figures.

Residual values cannot compete with its German relative, however the Octavia comes out on top verses its Peugeot and Ford rivals.

Surprisingly nippy

When it comes to outright pace, you wouldn't be alone if you were expecting the 1.0-litre to be slow in comparison to other engines in the line-up. But thanks to the 115hp and 200Nm of torque, the car can accelerate from 0-62mph in a whisker under 10 seconds.

There's enough low-down torque to make decent progress away from the lights or on the slip road, although the engine is quite noisy when accelerating.  Overall the drive is accomplished and the car proved composed and neat in the corners. Mated to the engine is a slick six-speed manual, the cars lightweight chassis means the Octavia feels nippy around city streets too and the steering is well weighted, although lacks feedback.

Octavia Inside

The Octavia excels in the comfort department, the ride quality is very good, despite our cars upgraded 18-inch alloys and on the motorway, even with this smaller engine, the Octavia still does its best work. Although a conservative drive, the little 1.0-litre's rev-happy nature creates a little extra fun on the road. 

Hugely practical

A car which majors on practicality, the Octavia offers a carnivorous 590-litre boot that eclipses its main rivals (the Volkswagen Golf offers just 380 litres) and interior space is plentiful with enough leg and headroom to accommodate five adults comfortably.

And the practical features don't end there either, the firms range of 'simply clever' features like the ice scraper in the filler cap, the ticket holder in the windscreen and the Smartphone holder, are genuinely useful for everyday use, plus storage options inside are plentiful including large door bins, a huge centre cubbie and a practical glovebox.

Octavia Rear

The cabin is a little on the basic side but the quality of materials used are good throughout and the centre console, although starting to look quite dated, is easy to control.

Inexpensive options

The Octavia in this combination is an inexpensive car to buy, so it seems unfair to judge any lack of standard equipment too harshly.

That said, it's still disappointing to see features like automatic lights and wipers or cruise control missing on this mid-range SE's standard specification.

Octavia Badge

There is however a variety of other kit as standard, like rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, cruise control, DAB radio, dual-zone climate control, a driver fatigue sensor and a tyre pressure monitoring system.  

Our test car also includes over £3000 worth of options, the most expensive is the satnav system which costs an additional £800, while upgrading to front parking sensors will cost £350 and the aforementioned upgraded 18-inch alloys cost £750. The heated seats are particularly reasonably priced at £250.

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI SE Hatch

Model price range: £16,515 - £27,990
Residual value: 31.2%
Depreciation: £12,355
Fuel: £4830
Service, maintenance and repair: £1468
Vehicle Excise Duty: £40
National insurance: £1412
Cost per mile: 41.7p
Fuel consumption: 61.4mpg
CO2 (BIK band): 106g/km (18%)
BIK 20/40% per month: £51/£102
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space: 590 litres
Engine size/power: 999cc

Verdict


  • Hugely practical
  • Nippy performance
  • Good running costs
  • Cheap P11D price
  • Basic interior
  • Lack of standard kit
  • Conservative drive

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