The Skoda Octavia is currently the Czech manufacturer’s biggest seller, responsible for about 41 per cent of its worldwide sales overall. It makes sense then that such a vital car for Skoda would cover as many bases as possible, and the addition of the new 1.0-litre TSI engine aims to make the Octavia more appealing to those who want efficiency without sacrificing the fun factor.

This turbocharged three-cylinder engine is the same one which has already been available for some time in the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A3, and now it comes to the Octavia as a replacement for the outgoing 1.2-litre TSI.

Skoda says that it’s more powerful than the 1.2 but also a lot more efficient, consuming six per cent less petrol than its predecessor. Particularly for the eco-conscious and for some business drivers, the new 1.0-litre Octavia might be the one to have.

Performance

As before stated, the new engine is the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that powers the Golf Bluemotion TSI and the Audi A3. It’s got a maximum output of 113bhp with 200Nm of torque, and on paper can do the 0-62mph sprint in just 9.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 126mph.

The extra weight of the Octavia over both the Golf and the A3 might slightly hamper the engine’s ability, but it still picks up well and the fact that the motor itself weighs only 78kg means that the car is really quite nippy.

There’s that familiar three-cylinder thrum when you’re giving it the beans, but it’s extremely well balanced. Skoda says that the 1.0-litre is so stable in fact that it doesn’t need a balance shaft to offset vibration, and once you lift off and get to cruising speed it’s so smooth and hushed you’d easily mistake it for a bigger engine.

On paper, it’s a very efficient thing too. As previously stated, Skoda says that it sips six per cent less fuel than the 1.2-litre petrol engine it replaces and it’s claimed to be able to return up to 62.8mpg with CO2 emissions of just 104g/km.

Octavia models with the 1.0-litre engine also benefit from an optional aerodynamic package which adds a tailgate spoiler and low rolling resistance tyres to further aid efficiency and preserve fuel.

Ride and Handling

It’s sprightly when you want it to be and body roll is at a minimum, but it still feels much more at home on an A road than on the twisties.

All in all, the new engine doesn’t have a massive effect on the handling of the Octavia, though you’ll swear that its lightness does make the car’s front end a little happier to dive into the corners. It’s definitely a car made more for comfort than thrills, but then that’s no bad thing with a soft and comfortable suspension setup that’ll make light work of eating up the motorway miles. It’s sprightly when you want it to be and body roll is at a minimum, but it still feels much more at home on an A road than on the twisties. Part of that is thanks to the Octavia’s steering, which is a little on the light side and lacks the feedback of some of its Volkswagen Group stablemates like the SEAT Leon or Volkswagen Golf. It isn’t available with Skoda’s new Dynamic Chassis Control option either, which comes only on Octavias with 148bhp or more. Bear in mind that this is with the basic S trim riding on 16-inch wheels, however. Opting for a higher-spec model or one of Skoda’s top-selling vRS performance variants will naturally deliver a much more rewarding driving experience.

Interior and Equipment

Skoda co-founder Vaclav Laurin started a bicycle business after a German company was rude to him and wouldn’t fix his bike. Skoda started making bicycles, before moving onto motorcycles and eventually cars.

One of the downsides to the new 1.0-litre engine is that it’s only available with the entry-level S or the mid-spec SE trims. As a result, anybody looking for more equipment will either have to opt for a higher-spec trim and sacrifice the 1.0-litre engine, or make do with the lower trim option and pick heavily from the options list. Standard kit on the S is fairly limited but you do get some nice bits and bobs like a leather steering wheel, an eight-speaker sound system and a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. SE adds on popular mod cons like dual-zone climate control and fully electric windows, along with rear parking sensors and lumbar support for the front seats. For £200 you can specify sat-nav, while also optional is a full list of Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features like small bins that sit in the door cubbies and a handy umbrella that’s neatly stowed away in a compartment under the front seats. New for this year is the option of a wireless phone charger for £300, while allows drivers and passengers to charge their smartphones simply b leaving it in the phone cradle at the bottom of the centre console. As well as charging the phone, it also links it to the car’s aerial to boost signal in more remote areas.

Cost

This current model starts from £15,990, putting it nearly a grand below the Volkswagen Golf.

The Octavia has always been well priced against its rivals and this current model starts from £15,990, putting it nearly a grand below the Volkswagen Golf and around £300 below the most basic Ford Focus. Our test car equipped with the 1.0-litre engine costs from £17,910 making it extremely affordable, while the fact that it reportedly claim up to 62.8mpg with just 104g/km of CO2 will also make running costs attractive. How depreciation effects the 1.0-litre engine will have to be seen, but higher mileage drivers and fleet administrators may still prefer to opt for one of the diesel engines, which offer a bit more economy over long distances and would likely hold their value slightly better.

Our Verdict

When it comes to being a cost-effective all-rounder, the Skoda Octavia won’t put you far wrong. It’s spacious, comfortable and with the addition of the new 1.0-litre petrol engine offers plenty of punch but with running costs that rival those of a frugal diesel engine. Although some buyers might prefer the more traditional diesel options and the fact that Skoda has restricted the little petrol to the two most basic trims might put others off, the new engine is remarkably capable and shows how far three-cylinder technology has come in the past year or two. Some rivals will offer higher quality, more standard spec or better driveability, but when it comes to practicality and cost effectiveness the Skoda Octavia remains the best car of its kind at its price point.