Skoda Octavia Greenline III 1.6 TDI first drive review

Describing the Skoda Octavia Greenline as ‘normal’ sounds like damning it with faint praise. That’s not meant to be the case; but it’s impressive how ultra-frugal motoring no longer has to mean compromise in any area. In fact, this car is one of the least dowdy eco-champions we’ve ever driven.

The interior mirrors the simple, clear controls and generous room of the other Octavia Mk3 variants, while the enormous boot offers 590-1580 litres of stowage.

The Octavia Greenline doesn’t possess explosive reserves of low-end grunt, instead it is at its best when it can settle into a long-geared, steady-speed lope.

The car is perhaps a touch noisier than other variants in the range. A fair amount of engine thrum and road noise seems to enter the cockpit, although not to a particularly unpleasant level.

Road imperfections also make themselves known from time-to-time. The handling is benign, although don’t expect much in the way of driver engagement; this is a car built for composed cruising.

The challenge for the driver of the Octavia Greenline is teasing up the average miles-per-gallon figure displayed on the infotainment screen. During a 45-mile run that encapsulated urban roads, country lanes and motorway, we achieved 69.8mpg, still a way from the (optimised) official claim but fairly impressive nonetheless.

If you’re searching for a hatchback that offers generous interior space, is well equipped and makes a decent fist of achieving its impressive economy claims, the Octavia Greenline should be near the top of your short list.

However, don’t equate this car’s green credentials with bargain basement cheapness – it is fractionally more expensive than the standard 1.6 TDI, although there’s potential for high-mileage motorists to recoup the extra outlay in lower fuel costs over time.

We found the 1.6 TDI installed in the regular Octavia a little anaemic when we assessed it, but the modestly more powerful version seems to make a lot more sense as part of this eco-focused package. 

Above all, though, this Octavia Greenline shows how much encouraging potential is left in the internal combustion engine. Still want that hybrid?

Skoda Octavia Greenline III 1.6 TDI

Price £20,150 0-60mph 10.6sec Top speed 128mph Economy 88.3mpg CO2 85g/km Kerb weight 1205kg Engine 4 cyls, 1598cc, turbocharged, diesel Power 108bhp at 3250-4000rpm Torque 184lb ft at 1500-2750rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual