Skip advert
Advertisement

Estate Car of the Year 2018: Skoda Octavia Estate

The Skoda Octavia Estate is the 2018 Auto Express Estate Car of the Year, with the BMW 5 Series Touring and Volvo V60 commended

Yet again the Octavia Estate is our pick if you’re in the market for a proper load-lugger, because it takes the hatchback version’s practicality and enhances it with even more space and versatility.

The Octavia is arguably the model most responsible for changing Skoda’s fortunes over the past few decades, and following a revision last year that brought updated styling and a more advanced infotainment set-up, the Estate version offers a level of carrying capacity that is quite incredible in this area of the market.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s 610 litres of space with the rear seats in place, and a cavernous 1,740 litres if you fold them down – more than enough for the Octavia to embarrass the boots of bigger estate cars from the class above.

But the Skoda is so much more than a big box on wheels, because it complements the space with a package that’s so strong across the board.

Avoid the entry-level S and you get a decent line-up of standard kit in every model, plus you can choose from punchy four-cylinder petrol engines – including an advanced 1.5-litre TSI unit with cylinder deactivation technology. Alternatively, if you know that you’re going to be covering plenty of miles with the car loaded up, there are efficient and torquey diesel motors.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

A manual will save you some cash over the dual-clutch auto, but Skoda’s DSG is one of the smoothest and sharpest-shifting transmissions on the market, so whichever option you choose, the Octavia won’t be a chore to live with.

That’s because the Skoda impresses with its composure. Forgiving damping on torn tarmac means there’s plenty of comfort for longer trips and motorway journeys, while the car’s infotainment system is right up there with the best in the class, offering strong smartphone connectivity and a clear, responsive screen that never frustrates the user.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The feather in the Octavia’s cap is pricing. Healthy predicted residual values mean that this family estate is available on appealing monthly finance deals, so it’s easy to bag one at the right price whether you’re a cash buyer or opting for a PCP. No matter how you buy it, this is the best family estate car on the market for more reasons than simply space.

Our choice

Skoda Octavia Estate 1.5 TSI 150 SE L (£23,570)

Assuming that you’re buying an estate like this for its carrying capacity and practicality, you’ll want an engine with enough grunt that doesn’t sacrifice refinement. The 1.5 TSI petrol’s low-down turbo torque offers nearly as much pull as the diesel, but it’s smoother, more refined and offers low emissions. SE L spec is well priced and has a generous level of kit. 

Commended 

BMW 5 Series Touring

BMW 5 Series Touring - front

The Touring estate model is just as good as the 5 Seres saloon. It doesn’t quite match the Octavia for value, but blends premium appeal with practicality, offering a 570-litre boot. Diesel still makes sense in a car this size, so opt for a 520d and you can’t go far wrong for performance, tech, comfort and efficiency. 

Volvo V60

Volvo V60 - front

Volvo has always built great estates, and for the V60 it’s mixed the know-how that’s revitalised its SUVs and made them so appealing with practicality and an individual approach. As a result, the new car stands out next to German rivals. It’s refined, packed with tech, good to drive and, with a 529-litre boot, offers exactly what an estate should.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Car Hunter: low-cost, automatic estate cars for £17,000
Car Hunter estate cars for £17,000 - header image

Used Car Hunter: low-cost, automatic estate cars for £17,000

Our Car Hunter has a budget of £17,000 for a family-friendly car with an automatic gearbox. Here’s what we’ve found
Features
27 Apr 2025
Best cars for dog owners to buy 2025
Best cars for dog owners - header image

Best cars for dog owners to buy 2025

Our dogs deserve the best, so here are the cars that’ll keep their tails wagging
Best cars & vans
27 Mar 2025
Best used estate cars to buy now
Best used estate cars - header image

Best used estate cars to buy now

Our list of the best used estate cars will help you find a super-practical car that's also affordable
Best cars & vans
1 Mar 2025
Skoda Octavia Estate review
Skoda Octavia Estate - front tracking

Skoda Octavia Estate review

The Skoda Octavia Estate is one of the best family cars around and an excellent alternative to an SUV
In-depth reviews
26 Sep 2024

Most Popular

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025
EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future

The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
10 May 2025