Estate Car of the Year 2022: Skoda Octavia Estate

It’s a good thing the Octavia has a big boot, because it needs all the space it can get to carry off its huge haul of trophies. That’s because for the third year in a row the spacious Skoda has secured our Estate Car of the Year award – and it’s not hard to see why.

The Czech machine has impressive carrying capacity, with a well shaped load area that offers 640 litres of space. Handy levers in the boot allow you to drop the rear seats in seconds, liberating a healthy 1,700 litres. There are loads of clever storage solutions, too, such as heavy-duty hooks, load dividers and a 12-volt power supply. The optional ‘Virtual Pedal’ allows you to open the powered tailgate when your hands are full simply by waving a foot under the rear bumper, too.

Occupants are equally well catered for, with the Octavia delivering loads of head and legroom for those sitting in the back, while the cabin itself has a classy feel, thanks to its sharp design and top-notch materials. It also features the brand’s latest tech, including a slick infotainment set-up and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Yet the Skoda’s load-lugging credentials don’t come at the expense of driver satisfaction. As with the Octavia hatchback, the Estate combines wellweighted steering and deft handling with a cosseting ride and good refinement.

There’s a wide range of punchy petrol and frugal diesels, while business users can save a bundle on company car tax with the plug-in hybrid. And for keen drivers there are the rapid and rewarding vRS models – available with petrol, diesel or PHEV power – plus the option of four-wheel drive to give all-weather peace of mind.

Factor in Skoda’s famed value and reliability, and it’s easy to see why the Octavia is head and shoulders above its rivals in the space race.

Our choice

Skoda Octavia Estate 1.0 TSI SE Tech (£24,570)

The SE Tech model is our pick, and it’s great when paired with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. Place a £2,500 deposit on a three-year PCP deal, and it’s £394 a month. A 10-inch screen with sat-nav and wireless CarPlay, plus 16-inch alloys are included.

Commended

BMW 3 Series Touring

An excellent all-rounder, the 3 Series Touring blends family-friendly space and versatility with a big dollop of driver appeal. Few estate cars are as fun to drive as the BMW, with sharp handling and a range of responsive engines, including a plug-in hybrid and the forthcoming, fire-breathing M3 Touring. It’s not cheap, but the BMW is beautifully built and crammed with cutting-edge kit, plus it serves up top-notch refinement.

MG 5 EV

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense estate car that will keep the family finances firmly in the black, then the all-electric MG 5 takes some beating. Thanks to its 52.5kWh battery, it can travel up to 214 miles on a charge, according to MG, while the 578-litre boot means few EVs of this size or price can match it for practicality. It’s also relaxing to drive, comes with loads of standard kit and is priced from just £29,695.

The 2022 New Car Awards are brought to you in association with Hankook tyres

New Car Awards 2022: the winners

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