First drive: Skoda Octavia estate

Updated
First drive: Skoda Octavia estate
First drive: Skoda Octavia estate

In a new car market seemingly dominated by crossovers and other models filling niches we didn't know existed, it's refreshing to see a manufacturer launch a solid example of that old UK favourite, the estate car. Skoda, a brand inextricably linked to practicality since its VW group takeover, has unveiled a new estate version of its brilliant Octavia hatchback. AOL Cars headed to the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbuhel to see if it's any good.

What is it?

If you need even more rear load space than the cavernous Octavia hatchback offers, Skoda has you covered, with the quite frankly massive (internally at least) Octavia estate. Unlike some of its contemporaries, the Octavia wears its practicality trump card like a badge of honour, so it comes with a class-leading 610-litre boot (1,740 litres with the rear seats folded) and has a folding front passenger seat, allowing for items up to three metres in length to be stowed safely. It's also littered with design touches that fulfill Skoda's 'simply clever' strapline. It's got rubbish bins in the door panels, an ice-scraper built into the fuel-filler cap and enough cup holders to service a mobile Starbucks.

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