Škoda Octavia 4 (2020): Review
A nautical wisdom says: Length runs. Škoda transfers this insight to the car world, or more precisely: to the compact class. The fourth generation of the Octavia measures 4.69 metres – as much as some middle-class cars. Accordingly, there is nothing in its segment that can compete in terms of floor space and space. The new edition of Škoda, currently the oldest model, defends its top position with the model change.
With its positioning at the upper end of its class, the Octavia stands out above all from the VW Golf Variant. This is important because both cars use the same architecture and share their drive technology. Škoda makes greater use of the format of the substructure and solves some details differently. Our test clarifies what it can do better and where there are problems.
The Škoda Octavia in brief
- Spacious alternative to the technically related VW Golf
- Available as a sedan and station wagon, each with a length of 4.69 meters
- Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids with 110 to 245 hp
- With six-speed manual transmission and seven-speed automatic transmission (DSG)
- Direct steering, comfortable chassis design with slight teetering
- As a sedan, around 1,000 euros more expensive than a Golf 8 with a hatchback
Škoda Octavia 4 (2020) Estate and Saloon review: Boot capacity, dimensions, space |Trunk volume, dimensions of space
Anyone who buys an Octavia is primarily looking for space. There is plenty of it in both body variants: 600 to 1,555 litres of luggage fit in the saloon, 640 to 1,700 litres in the Octavia Combi. No one in the segment offers more cargo space. However, this is a snapshot, because the predecessor Octavia stows 40 liters more with the backrests folded down. Škoda sacrifices so much space for a prettier D-pillar. That didn't have to be the case, but it is hardly noticeable in everyday life.
Both Octavia forms are loadmasters in their own way. The Combi fits more and, above all, bulkier luggage. However, the sedan not only opens its tailgate, but also the area of the rear window. Loading itself is therefore easier in some cases in the notchback. At least Octavia buyers don't have to choose between utility and appearance. Practical hooks and remote unlocking of the rear seat backrests are available in both models.
Further ahead, the Octavia siblings are also generous. Both still have a wheelbase of 2.69 meters. For the model change, Škoda will find additional knee room in the rear. The result: four adults travel more comfortably in the Škoda than in many models in the upper mid-range. It doesn't matter whether the body is carrying a backpack: the roofline of the sedan only lowers from the C-pillar. Narrowness is felt there at most, because the windows are flatter. A fifth passenger has to come to terms with the bulky center tunnel – and costs the outer passengers the soft armrest.
Interior, materials, workmanship of the Škoda Octavia 4 (2020) |Interior, materials, workmanship
It looks modern, the new Octavia. Our test cars compete with digital instruments and great infotainment, with Škoda swinging a pretty clasp across the cockpit and hatching the plastic so that it doesn't look like sparse plastic. Up to the air vents, the dashboard is underfoamed and feels pleasant to the touch.
Underneath and on the sides, on the other hand, there is an austerity program. We would like to forgive Škoda for that, because in practice we only feel it when we reach for the glove compartment. Unfortunately, the door panels and their handles don't look very solid. They give in too easily. This spoils the good impression of the Octavia cockpit. After all, nothing creaks or rattles during our test.
Pleasant: As an option, Škoda installs special sleeping head restraints in the rear as part of the Comfort and Relax package. Their padded horns can be folded out and make a passable cushion. Sleepy passengers can rest without leaning their heads against the side window.
Škoda Octavia (2020) review: Infotainment, radio, connectivity |Infotainment, radio, connectivity
For the model change of the Octavia, the infotainment screen slides up. Škoda is sticking to the touch controls, but is revising them thoroughly. The basic features of the system are the same as those that VW is building in the Golf. Unlike the compact from Wolfsburg, the Octavia still uses real buttons. It feels classic and not so forced digital. Above all, it works better.
In addition, a supporting surface under the touchscreen helps with operation. Unfortunately, Škoda uses a touch bar to adjust the volume in the largest system like the Golf. It may look cleaner, but functionally it only has disadvantages. Without lighting, front passengers often miss at night – if they even know what to do. At least the driver has a rotary wheel on the steering wheel. Good: Smaller systems retain a real volume control.
In the cockpit itself, Škoda is also changing the display and operation. Instead of a central on-board computer, two fields can now be individually assigned in the digital speedometer. However, the operation and changing of the layers is unpleasantly complicated and takes a few clicks longer than before.
Safety and assistance systems in the Škoda Octavia (2020) |Safety and assistance systems
When it comes to electronic tricks, the Octavia masters duty and freestyle: the Octavia IV has a lane departure warning system as standard. LED headlights always light up at the front and rear – two each, by the way, and the four-eyes front will disappear with the 2020 model change. For an extra charge, the track holder can be used for lane centering. Matrix function for the front lights is also optional.
Interesting for frequent drivers: the Traveller assistance package. It combines all semi-autonomous capabilities. The driver remains responsible, but can largely relax on the motorway. The Octavia reliably maintains distance, track and speed. A hand on the steering wheel is enough for the car to confirm. The capacitive steering wheel does not need to sense any movements, only the presence of the driver. Nevertheless, he should pay close attention to the speed, because in the test the Octavia does not reliably recognize all traffic signs.
At Škoda, assistance also includes practical details with a lot of charm. Octavia adopts four of them from its predecessor: umbrella in the door panel and ice scraper in the fuel cap are not new inventions, but they are still practical. The AdBlue filler neck in the Octavia TDI is designed in such a way that the car can refill the urea for its SCR catalytic converters at the truck pump. Smaller containers and fiddly filling are therefore not an issue for the Octavia.
Škoda Octavia 2.0 TDI review: Engine, transmission, fuel consumption
Škoda offers the Octavia as a gasoline, diesel, natural gas car and plug-in hybrid. Which drive makes sense for which driving profile follows the usual criteria: the diesel engine works excellently on long distances, while a small gasoline engine works well in the city. Plug-in hybrids are particularly suitable for company car drivers who can charge regularly. Natural gas requires compromises due to a thin network of filling stations, but scores with low CO2 emissions and low fuel costs.
The diesel engine in the test Octavia belongs to the VW Group's current diesel family ("EA 288 Evo"). With a displacement of 2.0 litres and 150 hp, it meets the ideal dimensions of a kilometre hero: enough power for a large station wagon, little excess for reasonable consumption. Due to its principle, it delivers its moment in time and only briefly. Thanks to a good tuning of the (optional) dual-clutch transmission, however, the latter is not noticeable.
During our test, the Octavia 2.0 TDI consumes an average of 4.4 litres on the commute to the Berlin countryside and 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the fast-paced long journey. These are excellent values that make us overlook his nailing during a cold start. It's a pity: The VW Group is abolishing mild hybrid functions in its diesel engines in order to meet the Euro 7 emission standard in the long term. The drivability will benefit from them in the long term. Gasoline engines with automatic transmissions are already equipped with them.
Chassis, handling, steering in the Škoda Octavia 4 |Chassis, handling, steering
In large cars, comfort is usually more important than sport. So it's all the nicer that Škoda is building direct and precise steering in the Octavia. Especially after switching from the normal to the sports program, the giant steers crisply and follows the commands without delay. At this point, the Octavia is a reminder of the good sides of the Golf.
However, Škoda is taking a different approach when it comes to the chassis. The body is allowed to move more. This is particularly noticeable with small suggestions, for example when changing lanes on the motorway. Bumps in the road make it swing gently. It won't be nautical, but above all cozy. The damping cleverly absorbs holes and edges, but does without a bit of agility.
Škoda Octavia 4 (2020) prices, equipment, conclusion |Prices, features, conclusion
The Octavia remains large and practical. In terms of equipment, it is catching up significantly: Much of what was previously not available will be added to the car when the model is changed. These include a head-up display that projects onto the windscreen and matrix LED lamps. We like its economical diesel especially on long distances. Only its chassis should be a little crisper.
Škoda's large compact starts at 20,990 euros as a sedan with 110 hp. The station wagon rear costs 1,300 euros extra and thus about 500 euros less than a comparable Golf Variant. A dual-clutch transmission is available for all drives (surcharge: 2,600 euros). However, Škoda links automatic transmission and more than 115 hp to the second equipment variant (Ambition) for an extra 3,670 euros. It also allows for additional extras.
Without other options, the Octavia Combi with its large diesel costs at least 32,380 euros. With a large navigation package (2,660 euros), light package (2,250 euros) and full assistance (2,940 euros), it already cracks the 40,000 euro mark. This is not so much due to a general price increase. The car outbids its predecessor by around 2,000 euros, slightly less when adjusted for equipment. There are simply more extras available. The length that runs also applies to the surcharge list.
Škoda Octavia IV (2020): Technical data
| Model | Škoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI DSG |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive optional) |
| Achievement | 150 hp (110 kW) at 3,500 rpm |
| Torque | 360 Nm at 1,600 to 2,750 rpm |
| Consumption according to the manufacturer | 3.7 l/100 km (combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 97 g/km |
| Test Consumption | 4.4 l/100 km |
| Exhaust gas purification system | SCR catalytic converter |
| Length | 4,689 mm |
| Width | 1,829 mm |
| Height | 1,470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,686 mm |
| Trunk volume | 640 to 1,700 l |
| Base price test model | from 32.380 Euro |