Not too long ago, business people and salesmen around Australia were zipping around in Holden Commodores or Ford Falcons, until Holden wound up and Ford ended the Falcon. And that left a noticeable gap in the market for a reliable, stylish sedan.
I was personally hopeful Kia had filled it with a favourite of mine, the Kia Stinger, but unfortunately that has also met its demise. So what are the people driving these days as they rack up thousands of kilometres in comfort, as they travel from client to client?
Enter the 2024 Škoda Octavia SportLine Sedan, a sleek reminder that you don't need to drive a small fortress to get from A to B.
For those mindful of their wallets, the Octavia range offers a range of options to suit different budgets:
Škoda Finance is offering a 6.99% p.a. comparison rate on finance until September 2024, but as always, make sure to compare car loans before heading to the dealership. On Finder, you can currently find comparison rates starting from 6.59% p.a.
If you would like to see what repayments would look like, click the prices above.
Now, some purists out there will inevitably grumble about the Octavia SportLine not being rear-wheel drive. They'll say that the BMW 330i and the Mercedes-Benz C300 are rear-wheel drive and that a sedan should be rear-wheel drive for a more dynamic edge.
But let's put things in perspective – you're also not paying BMW or Mercedes prices. The Octavia SportLine is a businessman's car – stylish without being showy, functional without being boring.
Under the bonnet, there's a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers a solid 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque.
It's not a powerhouse of an engine, but there is a surprising amount of punch when you put your foot down. It is connected to a DSG automatic gearbox and sends those kW to the front-wheels.
All in all, it makes for a smooth and comfortable daily driver, going about its business without much fuss or the need for attention.
On the road, the Octavia SportLine is calm and collected. The steering is accurate, the suspension balances sporty firmness with comfort, and with its lower center of gravity it handles corners and bends without that leaning feeling you can sometimes get in SUVs.
While the entry-level Style model has a less sporty suspension tune, this SportLine doesn't compromise on comfort. You won't find yourself bouncing around like a pinball; instead, the ride remains smooth and comfortable, and given it is the same price as the Style, kind of seems like a no-brainer to me.
For those those who are budget conscious or are going to be clocking up the miles, the Skoda Octavia SportLine will use 5.7-litres per 100kms.
Inside, just like the outside, Octavia SportLine feels premium without being flashy. Some will say it is boring, and it does give off a business, office vibe, but it's not a bad place to sit.
The seats, are trimmed with cloth and have sporty, integrated headrests. The seats offer a comfortable ride, with just the right amount of support—comfortable enough for long drives, but without sinking into excessive plushness. Adjusting them and finding your driving position is done manually, which keeps things simple.
There's a digital cockpit, which is sharp and informative, providing all the data you need without overwhelming you.
A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also dual-zone climate control so that both driver and passengers can enjoy their preferred temperature settings, reducing arguments about one being to hot or the other too cold.
Skoda have included some practical features throughout as well, including multiple USB-C ports and a wireless phone charging pad so everyone can keep their devices charged on the go.
For the rear passengers, there's an iPad holder and a generous amount of legroom, providing ample space for both children and adults to sit comfortably.
This makes the Octavia SportLine a solid choice for families.
Practicality is another area where the Octavia SportLine holds its own.
The boot is generously sized, offering 600 liters of space, which expands to 1,555 liters with the rear seats folded down. It's a liftback too, meaning that it will be easier to load than a traditional sedan.
Whether you're packing for a family trip or simply indulging in a bit of retail therapy, there's ample room for everything.
For comparison the Mazda 3 Sedan gets 444 litres and the Honda Civic Sedan has 430 litres.
Just like the interior, there are plenty of practical inclusions in the boot as well. Skoda have added plenty of cargo netting, there are straps to tie things down and nooks to hold things in place.
Skoda has ensured that the Octavia SportLine keeps you and your passengers protected on the road.
The exterior, while sleek and modern, might be a bit too understated for those who prefer their cars to make more of a statement. And while the engine is more than adequate, some might long for more power and excitement of a larger unit.
But these are minor grievances. The 2024 Skoda Octavia SportLine Sedan combines style, adequate performance, and practicality in a package that's easy on the wallet, with change from $43k on the SportLine model.
If you're in the market for a car that does everything with quiet confidence, then in reality you don't really need to look further than the Octavia SportLine.
Looking at a new car? Compare your financing and insurance options at Finder to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Born for the trail, adapted for the tarmac
This is a car for people who want their SUV to go vroom in a way that no Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4 could ever dream of.
If you're thinking of buying an X-Trail, save yourself some money and stick with the 5-seater - it's the smarter choice.
Starting at $78,500 plus on-road costs, the GV70 is positioned to provide a compelling mix of features, design and performance.
There was a time when buying a Hyundai meant one thing: you were being sensible, cautious and - let's be honest - boring. But not anymore.
Some might love it, others will hate it and the rest of us will need time to warm up to it.
In three decades, the RAV4 has gone from an adventurous oddball to an unstoppable sales juggernaut.
It's not as wild as the WRX of old, but it's got enough spirit to keep things interesting.
Head west, into the vast expanses of rural Australia, and the LandCruiser's true value shines.