Skoda Octavia hatchback (2013-2020) - Practicality & boot space

If there’s one area where the Skoda Octavia definitely sets the class standard, it’s practicality. For starters, the cabin is huge, with rear-seat passengers getting the sort of head and legroom you’d normally expect in a larger and much more expensive executive saloon. What’s more, the large rear doors open wide, making access to the back seats a doddle.

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Skoda Octavia interior space & storage

In the back of the Octavia, there’s space for two adults to sit very comfortably. The central seat is a little more restrictive, but three children will easily fit. What’s more, the large rear doors open wide, making access to the back seats a doddle.

The interior is littered with useful storage spaces. Highlights include a large air-conditioned glovebox and huge door bins that can comfortably accommodate a 1.5-litre bottle of water. Better still, they’re flock-lined to prevent small items from rattling around.

Ahead of the gearlever, you’ll find a neat cubbyhole that also houses the USB and MP3 player ports, plus there’s a pair of cup-holders in the centre console next to the handbrake. SE models and above benefit from useful map pockets in the back of the front seats, while the rear seats in SE L cars get a folding central armrest that incorporates two cup-holders. Neat details include a sunglasses holder set into the roof lining ahead of the rear-view mirror and a parking-ticket clip on the windscreen.

Folding tray tables in the back of the front seats, enlarged bottle openers and a removable boot-mounted LED torch are among Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features intended to make living with an Octavia easy.

Boot space

The Skoda Octavia’s boot steals all the headlines. The standard hatchback has a generous 590-litre capacity, which stretches to 1,580 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats lowered. If that’s still not enough space, then you’ll have to fork out a little extra for the Skoda Octavia Estate, which boasts even more room.

As hatchbacks go, the Octavia is a pretty capable load-lugger. It can take 590 litres of luggage, rising to 1,580 litres if you drop the rear seatbacks. This is considerably more than the 380/1,270 litres you’ll find in a Golf hatchback.

Yet it’s the attention to detail that really impresses, giving you the impression that Skoda’s designers have really thought about what busy families need from a car. For instance, you’ll find handy shopping-bag hooks, a handy 12V power supply and a pair of bright lights, which are very welcome when you’re loading or unloading in the dark.

Towing

The Octavia can be fitted with a tow-bar preparation kit for less than £200, but you’ll have to get a dealer or aftermarket specialist to fit the actual tow bar, at additional cost. Still, it’s worth doing if you regularly tow a caravan or trailer, because the Octavia was a class winner in the Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year awards. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel is the star of the show here, with a maximum towing weight of 1,800kg. A useful optional extra, Trailer Assist, is available to help with steering when reversing a car and trailer.