SKODA ENJOYS A well-known reputation for producing saloon cars with generous levels of rear legroom and boot space.
But with both its key models offering some of the best-in-class space inside, should you stick with an Octavia or spend the extra for the Superb?
The Skoda Octavia sits in the same segment as other popular models like the Ford Focus, Kia Ceed and Volkswagen Golf. The difference with the Octavia is that it is one of the few saloon shapes (technically it’s a five-door liftback). Having that little bit of extra length means that it features above-average levels of rear passenger legroom, although the transmission tunnel limits the middle rear foot space as you can also have an Octavia with all-wheel drive.
The boot in the current generation measures 590 litres and can increase to 1,580 litres.
Unsurprisingly the majority of recent Skoda Octavia models are diesel-engined. The larger 2.0-litre engine in 150hp guise makes for a great all-rounder and when matched with the DSG automatic gearbox delivers a refined and generally smooth driving experience. If you’re chasing fuel economy, then the 1.6-litre diesel with the manual front-wheel drive transmission claims to provide some frugal consumption figures.
The Skoda Superb is a hard car to fault. It has arguably handsome looks, is well proportioned and features an interior that is as practical as it is spacious. In its current form it has been around since 2015, and by now there is a good selection of models on the used market. Like the Octavia, the Superb is also a liftback design, but the current version loses the split tailgate of its predecessor. At 625 litres, the boot is still huge, and that can bump up to 1,760 litres when you drop the rear seats.
It also uses a 2.0-litre diesel engine but feels even more refined on the move than the Octavia does. You can get a more economical 1.6-litre diesel engine, but we think the larger engine is better suited. It’s smooth and has great front seats that provide ample support making long journeys a doddle.
However, if you want to get extra carry capacity without having to move up to a larger sized car, there is a happy middle ground – the Octavia Combi, or estate in Skoda parlance. For only a little extra length, the Octavia Combi offers up to 1,750 litres of boot space – making it easily able to handle family weekends away or ideal for lugging around sports equipment. With the roof rails, there’s extra scope for adding a roof box or bike holders if you prefer not having them on a rear rack.
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