Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Octavia

In this year's Auto Express Driver Power survey, 87 per cent of old-model Skoda Octavia owners said they would buy another

As with the conventional front-wheel-drive model, the Octavia 4x4 is a well built and practical load-carrier that offers surefooted handling in all conditions. It might cost £1,350 more than the equivalent two-wheel-drive model - and it's available only in estate form - but it has gener-ous equipment, and its ability when grip levels are low is very impressive. The 4x4 is a great value addition to the Octavia range, but most buyers will probably opt for a regular SUV instead.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In this year's Auto Express Driver Power survey, 87 per cent of old-model Skoda Octavia owners said they would buy another. The good news is the latest family car is better than its predecessor, and now there's a new four-wheel-drive estate version, powered by either a 1.9-litre TDI diesel or 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine. We headed to the Arctic Circle to find out if it adds to the Octavia's appeal.

Inside, the 4x4 remains unchanged from the front-drive models, which is no problem, because the interior impresses with its simplicity and practicality. The extra bulk of the 4x4 transmission has not affected the estate's boot capacity, either. The Octavia has permanent four-wheel drive, thanks to a Haldex clutch system, which sends 99 per cent of power to the front wheels in normal conditions, which will help fuel economy.

When traction is lost, drive is shared between the front and rear axles to provide the best grip, and the system's ability in the snow was very impressive.

Equally important is the fact that, despite the car's raised ride height and increased suspension travel, it behaves like a front-drive Octavia on the road, with body roll similar to the regular estate's. And even though the 4x4 system adds weight to the load-lugger, the 105bhp 1.9 TDI motor still provides decent performance.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia

RRP £21,750Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £9,995
Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb

RRP £35,925Avg. savings £2,890 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Skoda Scala

Skoda Scala

RRP £19,520Avg. savings £1,845 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Skoda Fabia

Skoda Fabia

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £1,554 off RRP*Used from £9,300
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival
Smart Roadster exclusive image

Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival

The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
16 Jun 2025
New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there’s a whole lot more too
Audi Q3 - front

New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there’s a whole lot more too

Audi’s not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
News
16 Jun 2025