Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI

The Octavia is a great car. Although the ride quality lacks some of the polish of a VW Golf, for many people, the Skoda’s bigger interior and lower price tag will more than compensate. This 2.0 TDI is the pick of the diesels, and we recommend the top-of-the-range Elegance model – even though that moves the Octavia dangerously into Golf territory.

The Skoda Octavia really impressed us when we drove it at the beginning of the year. But this is the first time we’ve tried a UK-spec car, fitted with a 2.0 TDI engine.

This is the most powerful model in the range, and has plenty of performance. The 0-62mph sprint time of 8.2 seconds is impressive enough, but the punchy nature of the engine makes the Octavia feel even swifter on the move.

For those who cover lots of motorway miles and demand a car that combines effortless overtaking ability with impressive economy, it certainly delivers.

It’s actually the most relaxing of all Octavia models – not only is the engine hugely flexible, it’s smoother and quieter than the 1.6 TDI, too. The larger diesel also has a six-speed manual as standard, instead of a five-speed, and this box is far slicker to use.

Trouble is, the 2.0-litre diesel version of the Octavia starts from £20,140, as it’s only available from mid-spec SE trim and up. The 1.6-litre diesel, however, is offered in S trim and so comes in at a whole £2,000 less in its cheapest guise.

The only kit the SE adds over the S that’s worth having is electric rather than wind down windows in the back, plus rear parking sensors. Our advice would be to find another £1,000 and upgrade to Elegance spec. This comes with luxuries like part-leather seats, cruise control and sat-nav.

And that highlights the main problem with the Octavia. The Skoda brand is supposed to be all about affordability and, the higher up the range you go, the less the car makes sense.

For example, the 2.0-litre TDI Elegance costs pretty much the same as the Golf 2.0 TDI SE. And while it may have extra standard kit, it’s not quite as good to drive.

Part of the reason is that in the UK the 2.0-litre Octavia doesn’t get independent rear suspension (2.0-litre Golfs do). As a result, the Skoda neither rides nor corners with quite the same panache. Even so, the cavernous cabin and boot make it a very compelling proposition.