2010 Skoda Octavia Combi Review
Price
RM145,900
Installment
RM1,391/mth
2010 Skoda Octavia Combi at a glance
Well-built, comfortable and with class-leading seating and loading space, the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi makes an accomplished family estate. But its poor image and potentially high depreciation are key issues.
2010 Skoda Octavia Combi quick specs
| Body Style | Estate |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Skoda Octavia Combi ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi's rather pedestrian styling will not win it many fans, not in hatchback form and also not in estate form. Sure, the Skoda front end looks instantly familiar, but is the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi's styling going to attract buyers? We think unlikely so.
Handling
The 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi shares the same basic platform as many Volkswagen models, giving it the same well-adjusted ride-handling balance. The handling is competent overall, with ample grip, decent body control, good composure and surprising agility. The steering could be more communicative, however.
Comfort
The 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi offers a smooth, supple ride along with a reasonably refined cabin. At cruising speeds, road and wind noise are audible but not in an intrusive manner. The well thought-out cabin comes with a simple, logical dashboard, sound ergonomics, and plenty of steering column and driver's seat adjustments. All-round visibility is excellent, too.
Quality + Reliability
The 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi's cabin feels classy and appears well-built. The solid fit-and-finish coupled with the quality materials match what class-leaders are offering. Switchgear, mostly shared with Volkswagen models, works with precision and tactility. Skoda is not well-known in Malaysia, but it is elsewhere. Under Volkswagen's watchful guidance, Skoda has revamped itself with a series of mechanically dependable models including the Octavia.
Performance
Giving the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi plenty of urge whether for city driving or highway cruising is an in-line four 16-valve 2.0-litre FSI engine. With 148 bhp at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm at 3500 rpm, the engine is flexible and strong enough to cope with the Skoda Octavia Combi's marginal weight increase over the Octavia hatchback. The standard six-speed automatic transmission complements the engine well, shifting smoothly and decisively under all scenarios.
Roominess
One of the roomiest in its class, the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi provides superb head- and leg-room both in the front and rear. The boot is large with 580 litres of loading space, and can be extended to an impressive 1620 litres with the split-fold rear seats folded down.
Running Costs
The engine strikes a good balance between performance and fuel economy; if driven with consideration, the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi should be reasonable to run. Servicing and repairs should be affordable, too. Depreciation is the biggest issue, however; the unestablished Skoda brand coupled with the relatively unpopular estate body style are factors pointing to high levels of depreciation.
Value for Money
The smaller Skoda Fabia Combi has proved itself usefully spacious for both occupants and goods. The 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi manages to improve on that, and adds a healthy dose of comfort, quality and performance. The issues of depreciation and poor image still remain, but on the whole, the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi makes an accomplished family estate.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, rear parking sensors, cruise control, 6-disc CD/MP3/radio audio system, electric door mirrors and remote central locking. Safety kit includes airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Environment
Thanks to modern technologies like FSI, the engine is quite frugal and clean for its 2.0-litre capacity. The only blemish is that the 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi is fully imported, which would cause more pollution than if it is locally assembled.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Ride comfort
Classy cabin
Class-leading space
Pedestrian styling
Poor brand image
Potentially high depreciation
