What is the actual kerb weight of the new Octavia, given that they say the following for a max tow weight

Towing weights, braked: 1.2 TSI: 1300kg; 1.4 TSI: 1500kg; 1.6 TDI: 1500kg; 2.0 TDI: 1600kg

Yet the unladen weight is much less than the tow weight

All numbers with Elegance equipment level and automatic gearbox:

1.2 TSI: 1155kg

1.4 TSI: 1180kg

1.6 TDI: 1245kg

2.0 TDI: 1275kg

source: autoweek.nl

All numbers with Elegance equipment level and automatic gearbox:

1.2 TSI: 1155kg

1.4 TSI: 1180kg

1.6 TDI: 1245kg

2.0 TDI: 1275kg

source: autoweek.nl

With those figures there wont be many buying them to tow a caravan if you go by the recommended 85% rule

You can add 75kg to these figures which Skoda do not quote in UK brochures

You can add 75kg to these figures which Skoda do not quote in UK brochures

True.

Still makes them very light.

Time for the caravan makers to get their thinking caps on.

Towing weight has little to do with kerb weight though. What it WILL tow and what you'd feel safe towing are two different things.

My Jeep will tow 3300kg - it weighs less than half that though.

Towing weight as specified is only what it can pull up an incline (I forget the figure) from a standing start? If it was a fixed 85% of kerb weight, then there would be no need to specify it.