Skoda Octavia 2014 Review

Wow. Besides being much nearer to the Golf in terms of quality, this car is about five grand cheaper than expected. It gets the same turbocharged engine as the GTI, sports suspension with adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and even the trick XDL differential lock. 

PRICE / FEATURES

Prices for the sedan start from $36,490, or $38,790 for the auto - while the diesel adds $1000 to the price tag (wagon is $1350 extra in any denomination). In comparison the GTI in standard form is priced from $41,990 or $44,490 for the auto.

The interior of the RS is dominated by a huge 8 inch navigation screen, with a proximity sensor that pops up the menu system before your fingers reach the screen.

The DVD-based system infotainment system features eight speakers, Apple video functionality, two SD card slots, Bluetooth phone functionality, voice control, JPEG viewer - with 64Gb of internal memory. 

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

The petrol engine produces 162kW/350Nm while the diesel delivers 135kW/380Nm. The petrol engine is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG dual clutch auto, while the diesel is available only with the auto. Gear change paddles are standard with the DSG change as are auto stop-start and brake energy recuperation.

Fuel consumption for the petrol engine is a claimed 6.6 litres/100km and for the diesel, 5.2 litres/100km – but beware it takes 98 strength petrol (we were getting 9.2 after 360km.

The handbrake in the RS (another point of difference) is a traditional mechanical device while the GTI gets an electronic one.

DESIGN / STYLING

Finally they've done something about that awful front grille and it actually looks okay. The new grille is underscored a honeycomb-style air dam, with fog lights and new bi-xenon lights with integrated LEDs. The car is also longer and wider than before, with a 102mm longer wheelbase.

Red brake callipers are standard and it rides on 18 inch alloys, with 225/40 tyres. Inside the RS sport seats are available in an attractive combination of leather and fabric, or optional Alcantara leather with red stitching. There is also a sporty three-spoke wheel a colour multi-function display. RS badges adorn the steering wheel, gearshift, door sills, seats and floor mats.

SAFETY

Gets a full five stars for crash safety. Comes with nine airbags as well as some newly developed, active safety systems including multi-collision brake with automatic braking action engaged after an accident, Passenger Protect Assist and Fatigue Detection. Front Assist with emergency braking is also available in the optional Tech Pack. 

DRIVING

Looks good. Smooth and powerful. May lack some of the refinement of the GTI but at the price who gives a toss? Strong performance is underpinned by excellent ride and handling plus a roomy, comfortable cabin with enough rear legroom to accommodate adults - not to mention a large luggage area. By the way it may look like a sedan but is actually a lift-back.

Because the Octavia is larger and heavier than the GTI it's a fraction slower out of the gates – 6.9 versus 6.5 secs for the dash from 0-100km/h. The two have a different track (distance between wheels) and wheelbase and a different suspension setup as well. Again who cares?