Skoda Octavia Estate (2013 - 2020) 1.4 TSI Elegance 5d DSG (2014/14) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm not someone who buys a car to make a statement but if I believe it says anything it is that I'm not a badge snob and I'm driving a car that's as good as as an Audi for 2/3rds of the price. Whose having the last laugh then?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My daughters tell me it as an old man's car and at 64 they're not wrong. Those who can see past the badge and old jokes realise it is amazing value for money.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Without a doubt. I bought it because of the amazing value for money and quality build but also I'd had two as hire cars and loved them and it was better than a Passat I hired around the same time.

What are you likely to buy next?

Too early to say as it won't be for another 2-3 years. But despite having had 3 BMW 5 series, 2 Subaru Legacies, 2 Honda Accords amongst many others, none were as good as the Skoda so for now I can't see past another one.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£21,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought from internet broker and saved nearly £4000 on list price but car was delivered from Skoda dealership.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Hired two while on holiday and thought it was brilliant.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

The performance is amazing for such a small engine size. Generally engaging to drive and DSG gearbox is a delight in normal use. Steering is light but responsive handling more than adequate. Engine and wind noise is very suppressed but there is some road noise and thumping from suspension over our potholed urban roads but it is really no worse than any other car in its class, its just that everything else is so classy you begin to expect it to perform above its class. On the motorway it is quiet, smooth and refined again it gives the sense of being in a much more expensive car. The DSG gearbox tends to hunt between gears going up steep mountain roads but this is hardly a daily occurrence for most people and easily solved by putting into manual.

What's it like to park?

For a big car surprisingly easy, rear parking sensors obviously help.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No

What's most practical about your car?

Passenger and load space is cavernous.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Blue-tooth phone and media connectivity.