New Skoda Octavia Combi here in June

Octavia Combi now longer and widerSkoda's new Octavia Combi will launch here on 15 June with three different specification variants, both manual and automatic transmission options and five engine choices, writes Trish Whelan.

Prices are from €18,995-€29,395.

The third generation Octavia Combi comes with unrivalled cabin and luggage capacity, a top 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, many new comfort features, low fuel economy and a new range of touch screen audio and navigation systems.

Estates account for less than 2 percent of the new car market in this country - and Skoda accounts for over 13 percent of the compact family estate segment.

Skoda say the new Octavia Combi will see the brand challenge not only direct competitors but, because of its large proportions, it will also challenge cars in the larger Executive estate class.

This latest version is powered by the latest low emission TSI petrol engines as well as common rail diesel engines. Petrols include a 1.2, 1.4, 1.8; diesels are 1.6 and 2.0. The 1.6 TDI version sips only 3.8 L/100kms (a whopping 74mpg). Road tax is from €180-€390.

The new Octavia Combi is longer and wider than the outgoing car. The longer wheelbase allows for increased cabin space and luggage capacity with best in class boot volume of 610 litres. Despite this, this latest car has shed up to 100kg in weight compared to its predecessor.

Increased specification levels include more airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Stop Start technology. All models, except the entry level Active model, have alloy wheels.

4x4 versions, sporty RS alternatives and an 87 g/km Green Line edition will arrive before the end of this year.