Estate car sales up 160% here

SKODA Scout

With sales of estate cars on the increase here, the Octavia Combi (SKODA refers to estate cars as Combis), has increased sales of 47 percent over the first six months of 2014 which also reflects the general growth in the segment, writes Trish Whelan.

The Superb Combi has sold 49 percent more vehicles than the same period last year.

The SKODA Superb Combi (estate) was recently awarded there most satisfying estate car to live with according to owners in the latest Which? Car Survey with the car also topping the poll of the most searched for estate car on the Which? website.

Ireland still has a long way to go to reach European levels as hatch and saloon models still account for most sales with only 1 in 10 Octavias sold in Estate versions. In countries such as Sweden, Germany and Italy, Octavia Combi vehicles form the majority of sales with up to 60 percent of total sales compared to hatchbacks/saloons.

SKODA Scout rear

Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing & Product, SKODA Ireland says the main reasons for the increase in sales is due to the fact that Estate vehicles have become much more attractive and stylish. "Cost wise, there is now little or no difference in C02 and road taxes. There is also a large increase in outdoor activities - water sports and cycling especially - which are accommodated by additional boot capacity and functional roof rails."

The SKODA Octavia Combi starts from €19,995 increasing to €38,045 for the range topping performance 2.0 TSI 220bhp RS with DSG transmission.