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The Octavia
A practical family car that also happens to be rather stylishly designed. An unusual combination and one that might explain why the Škoda Octavia was What Car? magazine’s ‘Best Small Family Car’ in 2005 and 2006.
With a choice of 8 engines, including the powerful 2.0 TDI, the Octavia performs as well on the road as it does in the value for money stakes, given that it starts from just £11,020 RRP.
When you consider that air-conditioning is now standard on the entry level Classic models and alloy wheels are now standard on mid-level Ambiente models, the price is even more difficult to fathom.
Now, the Octavia is pretty spacious but if you really want to take the kitchen sink with you, the Octavia Estate might be a better choice. With the rear seats folded down it can swallow a whopping 1,620 litres. Perhaps next year we should enter it in the ‘Small Family Car With a Massive Interior’ category instead.
The Octavia vRS
The Škoda Octavia vRS, What Car? ‘Best Hot Hatch’ 2006, breaks new ground on many fronts.
Powered by either a petrol 2.0T FSI 200bhp engine or the new diesel 2.0TDI PD 170bhp, they are the most powerful production cars we’ve ever made. With a top speed of 149mph and a 0-62mph time of just 7.3 seconds for the petrol and a top speed of 140mph and a 0-62mph of 8.5 seconds for the diesel (where the law permits) they are also the quickest.
But the Octavia vRS is a performance car with a difference. With its ample legroom and massive boot, not only can five adults travel in comfort and safety, there’s plenty of room for shopping, luggage or outdoor equipment as well. So whether it’s you and the mountain bike in the back on the way home from a hard ride or taking the whole family out for the day, spacious comfort comes guaranteed.
Nothing about the Octavia vRS is ordinary. And that includes the level of equipment. The standard specification includes 17" ‘Zenith’ alloy wheels, a boot spoiler for the hatchback, figure-hugging sports seats, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, aluminium-effect trim and deeper bumpers.
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