Skoda revs up its prices
YOU really do feel like you’re singing an octave higher when crooning behind the wheel of the new fourthgeneration Skoda Octavia estate — designed with active and sporty families in mind. Ahead of this weekend’s big Bank Holiday getaway, I’ve spent a week in the range-topping vRS iV plug-in hybrid, a handsomely imposing vehicle with a smart interior, 490 litres of flat load lugging space in the rear, plenty of pulling power for towing and money-saving motoring — providing you keep it charged.
Also available are 2-litre petrol and diesel versions which have 150 litres more rear boot space than the hybrid, which accommodates batteries.
It looks assertive, with a grille reminiscent of old BMWs (before this German rival started expanding it to cartoonish levels).
Coincidence? I suspect not. A turbocharged 1.4-litre TSi petrol engine linked to an 85kW electric motor and six-speed automatic gearbox (with manual over-ride) develops 245hp, allowing brisk acceleration from rest to 62mph in 7.3 seconds up to a top speed of 139 mph.
It’s very nimble for such a large car, with smooth, light steering, and is long-legged and comfortable on motorway journeys.
If you recharge it daily or overnight, in electric-only mode it has a range of up to 38 miles. Its CO2 emissions are no higher than 36g/km thanks to plug-in charge and hybrid energy from braking and deceleration.
The high-spec vRS iV estate starts at £36,875 and includes as standard everything from 19in alloy wheels and privacy glass to sports suspension and red brake calipers. Extras on mine pushed it over £40,000.
But would / should you pay £40,000 for a Skoda? Just as the style and reputation of the marque has risen under the stewardship of its owner, the Volkswagen Group, so too have the prices.
There are cheaper options, though. The range starts with models from £22,215 for the 1.0litre three-cylinder petrol entrylevel SE trim, with the equivalent hatchback saloon from £21,235.
The car has already won a clutch of awards: it is the reigning Auto Express Car of the Year, as well as best estate and family car, and What Car? named the Octavia iV variant as best plug-in hybrid.