Just earlier this year, Skoda celebated its 60th anniversary of the Octavia, with a total of over six million units built worldwide. The current third generation of the Octavia alone accounts for over 2.5 million cars that the Czech car manufacturer has put on the road.
These are big numbers, and it is not hard to see why millions have chosen the Octavia as their practical daily roundabout. Here's why the Skoda Octavia is a highly successful family sedan.
1. A practical space
Skoda is known for the generous amount of space in its cars, and the Octavia is no exception. With a wheelbase of 2,686mm, it offers a significant amount of space all around. Not to mention, the Octavia is packed with nifty features that make it all the more usable.
The door pockets are big enough to swallow 1.5-litre water bottles, an air-conditioned glovebox, compartments underneath the front seats to store your umbrellas or small items out of sight, and luggage hooks help to keep loose items from moving about in the boot.
And on the topic of boots, the Octavia sports an immense 590-litre one - fold the rear seats and you'll get a whopping 1,580 litres. Its fastback-style tailgate offers a more practical and spread out loading area, too.
In the cabin, the Octavia doesn't fall short on technology, either. It comes with all the connectivity features you expect in a car in this day and age, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes loading up your favourite music playlists or your GPS a breeze.
2. The family man with power
While the Octavia proves to be a comfortable and spacious family sedan, it doesn't fall short when you want to have a little fun behind the wheel.
When it comes to power, the Octavia has it covered. It is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that is efficient and packs a good punch. It pushes out a more than adequate 148bhp and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels, coupled with a smooth shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
This gives the Octavia much added verve behind the wheel, which is not something you usually find in this segment.
And while you're having a little fun, the Octavia has you covered if things turn a little awry. There's Blind Spot Assist, Electronic Stability Control and seven airbags to keep you away and protected from danger.
The Octavia even tells you to stop for a coffee break if it senses you're tired behind the wheel, too.
3. Czech dynamism to the test
To prove the dynamic handling abilities of the Octavia behind the wheel, the Octavia 1.4 TSI is used as a platform to shortlist the fastest drivers to represent Singapore in the Asia Auto Gymkhana Series (AAGC).
The AAGC is a competition for the Asia Pacific region that sets out to find the fastest driver in gymkhana - a technical routine where route memorisation, driving skill and a balanced car trumps outright car performance.
While it might seem odd that a family sedan would be part of such a challenge, racing is in fact part of Skoda's bloodline for over 100 years, with a strong focus in rallying, such as the World Rally Championship.
Decked out in its brand colours of white and green, the Octavia 1.4 didn't break a sweat. Drivers were seen pushing the Octavia hard, doing their very best to clock a quick time through the course. Its stint in the gymkhana race further proves the Octavia's performance potential, and is a fun car to pilot when driven enthusiastically.
4. The all-encompassing sedan
If you’re looking for a dynamic family sedan that is big on space and offers a dynamic drive, the Octavia is it.
While there's the Octavia 1.4 TSI, those looking for more power can look towards the Octavia RS245, the 1.4's hot blooded brethren. It provides a good 241bhp and 370Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
And it will still carry with it the same practicality and all-roundedness that the Octavia is known for all these years.
