Reviews
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It may be a reflection on my IQ, but I like to keep things simple. As such, I’m a big fan of the Skoda’s interior.
Not that simple is a synonym for barren, for the Octavia RS230 is loaded with equipment. There are more airbags than you can throw a crash test dummy at, electric front seats (driver’s with memory function), heated seats front and rear, dual-zone climate control, air-conditioned glove box, Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, collision-brake assist and an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Crucially, though, the workstation is back-to-basics and all the better for it. For instance, having a proper lever handbrake might sound like a small thing, but I’m willing to bet the vast majority of you out there with a newfangled electronic one have at one time or another cursed it and its unintuitive operation.
Without wanting to come over all consumer advice, a quick word on the Skoda’s rear accommodation is appropriate at this point. The Octavia is not a big car, but room in all directions is plentiful for this 180cm scribe, though under-thigh support is good rather than great. The boot is also huge. Figures of 588L (seats up) and 1718L (seats down) mightn’t mean much, until you realise a Mazda CX-5 offers 403L/1560L and a Subaru Forester 422L/1474L. The rear seats don’t fold flat, but that’s only because the Octavia has an unusually deep boot floor.
I also love the ribbed seats – they remind me of a Maserati Merak – and I’m a complete convert to Apple CarPlay; it’s brilliantly easy to use and renders the Skoda’s standard media system largely redundant.
Last month I mentioned the full-length glass roof can turn the cabin into a bit of an oven during hot weather, but it seems I underestimated its effects. The front passenger seat has developed a couple of small scars, which I can only deduce are a result of leaving a jumper on it with metal ends on the toggles during a recent run of scorching Melbourne days.
Next month, we’ll dive into the Octavia’s handling credentials.
MONTH TWO
Liked It keeps things simple
Disliked Strange scars on the seat
Favourite moment Discovering the joys of Apple CarPlay
Fuel this month: 10.2L/100km Average: 10.2L/100km Distance this month: 904km Total distance: 3613km
