The Skoda Octavia Combi is one of those cars that quietly gets everything right.
It is practical, comfortable, economical, and comes without the unnecessary fanfare of an SUV.
Yet, despite its rational appeal, it has always been somewhat underappreciated. That is, until you step inside one, drive it for a while, and suddenly realise why it is so well-loved by those in the know.
Now, with a new facelift, Skoda has refined an already impressive package. There are updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille, redesigned lights, and a refreshed interior with upgraded tech.
It is not a radical reinvention, but then again, it did not need one.
Refined, Understated Design
No one buys an estate car to turn heads. The Octavia has always been about understated sophistication, and the facelift continues that theme.
It is now 9mm longer than before, though you would not notice unless you had a measuring tape on hand. The real changes are in the details; the new grille is sharper, the lights are sleeker, and the bumpers give it a more modern look.
And yes, for those who believe practicality is king, the boot space remains a cavernous 640 litres, more than any other wagon in this segment.
Interior Is Still A Mixed Bag
This generation of the Octavia faced some criticism for its minimalist approach to interior controls, and none of that has changed in the facelift.
Climate controls, for example, still live within the infotainment system, rather than being dedicated physical buttons. That said, Skoda has at least made the system more intuitive, with quick-access buttons for key functions like climate, settings, and drive modes.
The build quality is still solid, though I did notice a slight vibration on the touchscreen when driving over rough roads.
On the tech front, there is a larger 13-inch infotainment screen, an updated 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and faster USB charging ports.
And for those who love their AI assistants, Skoda is apparently integrating ChatGPT into its voice assistant, Laura. In theory, this means Laura can answer general knowledge questions.
But It’s Still Extremely Practical
There are flip-out hooks in the boot to keep your shopping bags from sliding around, hidden umbrella storage in the front doors, and even an ice scraper tucked inside the fuel filler cap.
For parents, small secondary pockets behind the front seats are perfectly sized for smartphones, keeping kids entertained without the risk of them dropping their devices under the seats.
There is even a USB-C port above the rear-view mirror, specifically for dash cam users. It is small, thoughtful touches like these that make the Octavia Combi such an easy car to live with.
It Isn’t That Quick
Skoda is not one to limit your choices, and while you can get the VRs, this one’s the more sensible 1.5-litre variant.
115bhp and 220Nm doesn’t sound like a lot, but it enables the Octavia to park under the Cat A COE banner.
The mild-hybrid system pairs with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The electrical assistance under acceleration is a welcome touch, making the car feel smooth in stop-start traffic.
The car will complete the century sprint in 10.5 seconds, which on paper might seem pedestrian, but in real-world driving it is more than sufficient.
If you’re not going anywhere in a hurry, you can easily average more than 16.4km/litre, the claimed figure from Skoda. Impressive for a car of this size.
But It’s Still Decently Sporty
For those who prioritise driving dynamics, the Octavia Combi is not going to set your pulse racing. But that is not the point.
This is a car designed to be a refined, effortless cruiser, and in that regard, it absolutely delivers.
At highway speeds, it feels planted and secure, with excellent sound insulation and a ride that absorbs imperfections beautifully.
The steering is precise but not particularly sharp, and the chassis is clearly tuned for comfort rather than sportiness. The suspension is well-judged, and while soft damping means it floats slightly over crests, it never feels unsettled or disconnected.
For those wanting a bit more control, the slightly older Sportline model come with progressive steering and a slightly stiffer suspension that lowers the ride height by 15mm.
Of Course, There Are Some Minor Annoyances
No car is perfect, and the Octavia Combi has its quirks.
Speed warning and lane-keeping assist systems automatically turn on every time you start the car. A legal requirement, but still mildly irritating.
Thankfully, Skoda has not buried the off-switch in endless touchscreen menus. A few flicks of the scroller on the steering wheel, and it becomes muscle memory.
Come On Guys, You Don’t Need An SUV
Let’s be real: most people do not actually need an SUV.
The Skoda Octavia Combi is proof of that. It is more economical, just as practical, and better to drive than most crossovers on the market. With its updated design, refined tech, and thoughtful practicality, the facelifted Octavia is smarter than ever.
It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but that is not why you buy an Octavia. You buy it because it makes everyday life easier.
Simply clever.
Technical Specifications
Skoda Octavia Combi Mild Hybrid
Engine: 1,498cc 4-cylinder Turbocharged, Mild Hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 115 bhp
Torque: 220 Nm
Gearbox: 7-Speed (A) DSG
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 203 km/h
Fuel Economy: 16.4 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$189,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Skoda Centre Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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