2007 Skoda Octavia Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the second and third generation Skoda Octavia sedan and wagon as a used buy.

Skoda was once cheap, bland little cars built behind the Iron Curtain.They failed to get any traction here and vanished from the market almost as fast as they arrived, and no one cared. Today's Skodas are a far cry from those old models. Skoda is one of the many brands now part of the broad portfolio of VW and the cars reflect the quality and sophistication of the go-ahead German carmaker.VW launched the Skoda brand here in 2007 with the release of the Roomster and the Octavia. The Octavia was based on the VW Jetta and was built with the same quality as its VW cousin. Skoda was positioned as a more affordable brand relative to the VW range, and it came in two practical body styles, a sedan and a wagon that offers families a real alternative to an SUV. There were three levels in the range, the Ambiente, the Elegance and the RS, with a range of petrol and diesel engines, and manual and auto transmissions, all from the VW parts bin.TECHNOLOGYThere were three petrol engines, a 2.0-litre four, a 1.8-litre turbocharged four and a 2.0-litre turbo four. The non-turbo engine put out 110 kW and 200 Nm and delivered a smooth driving experience. For a little more zip there was the 1.8-litre turbo unit that punched out 118 kW and 250 Nm, while the 2.0-litre upped the ante to 147kW and 280Nm in the sporty RS. If fuel economy was your want the diesels were the way to go. The 1.9-litre engine produced 77kW and 250Nm while the 2.0-litre boasted 103kW and 320Nm. The transmission choices included 5 and 6-speed manuals, a conventional six-speed auto, and a six-speed DSG.Most models were front-wheel drive, but the Elegance and Ambiente could also be had as an AWD wagon. Ambiente models came standard with air, MP3 compatible sound, leather steering wheel, trip computer, cruise and a full-sized spare. Tick the Elegance box and you picked up larger alloys, premium sound, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and climate control air. At the head of the pack the RS had even bigger alloys, firmer suspension, heated front seats and an alarm.IN THE SHOPPrecious little feedback has been received from Octavia owners, which suggests they're a happy lot. It's also a reflection of the fact the company is owned by VW and the cars are built in VW-owned and run factories with the same production standards. Ask for evidence confirming regular maintenance , and take a close look for possible crash repairs.IN A CRASHAll models were well equipped with active safety features, including ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and electronic stability control. They also had a comprehensive array of passive features, including front, side and head airbags. ANCAP rated the Ambiente at four stars when it was tested.AT THE PUMPThe turbo diesel engines delivered the best economy in the range with the 1.9-litre engine averaging 6.1L/100km and the 2.0-litre unit averaging 6.4L/100km. Averaging 8.5L/100km the 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine was the thirstiest of the bunch. Meanwhile the turbocharged petrol engines averaged 7.7 L/100 km (1.8- litre) and 7.3 L/100 km (2.0-litre) respectively.Price new: $30,990 to $39,490AT A GLANCEEngines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 110 kW/200 Nm, 1.8-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 118 kW/250 Nm, 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 147 kW/280 Nm, 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 77 kW/250 Nm, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 103 kW/320 NmTransmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, six-speed auto, six- speed DSG. FWD, AWDBodies: 4-door sedan, wagonVariants: Ambiente, Elegance, RSSafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTSolid, practical family transport in a value-for-money package.RATING4 stars.

The Czech-built Octavia RS has been enlivened with a new diesel engine.Engines Until now, the sports orientated RS lift back and wagon only came packing a turbocharged 2-litre 147kW four-cylinder petrol motor, combined with a six-speed manual transmission .That's all about the change.Buyers looking at reducing their fuel bill can now opt for a performance-orientated Octavia RS TDi with a frugal 2-litre common rail turbo diesel - coming from Skoda's parent, Volkswagen which has also fitted it, in various states of tune, to the Tiguan, Golf, Passat and Jetta.In the Golf it develops 103kW, but in the Octavia RS there's a much healthier 125kW to play with and as such is the most powerful diesel offered by Skoda to date. There's a choice of a six-speed manual or for the first time, an optional six-speed VW sourced dual clutch `manu-matic’ (DSG) - something we have already seen throughout the VW family.From February, the automatic DSG will also be offered in the petrol RS; the 2009 update for both petrol and diesel models also brings audio controls and paddle shifting on the steering wheel.Styling It's not all good news though: the bland styling of the RS Octavia is now four years old and it shows, but it's Down Under duty has been extended by Skoda until the third quarter of next year when it will be replaced with a heavily face lifted version showing a much stronger styling to match its sporty persona.Transmissions While future bread and butter Octavia models will next year feature a seven-speed DSG, the RS will retain the six-speeder because the seven wasn't designed for a high torque engine.Pricing The diesel version of RS went on sale this week, sharply priced at $39,490 for the manual lift back and $41,790 for the DSG manual/auto. That's a $2000 premium over the petrol version. The diesel wagon starts at $41,490, with the DSG priced at $43,790.Equipment Standard kit on the diesel RS includes lowered suspension with stiffer spring ratings, stability control, 18-inch alloys, boot spoiler, sports seats and pedals, three-spoke leather steering wheel and go-fast looking red-painted brake calipers.Safety Safety gear includes six airbags, active front head rests, anti lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution and traction control.DRIVING A few years ago, if you mentioned the words `diesel’ and `sports’ in the same sentence people thought you were, well, balmy.But as a succession of European brands has shown in more recent times you can successfully marry an oil burner with enough performance to raise your blood pressure. Call it the smile factor, and Skoda's RS TDi leaves you grinning.The stop watch aptly tells the story here; the 2-litre diesel, at 8.4 seconds, is just 1.1 seconds slower from zero to 100km/h than its 2-litre turbo petrol RS cousin; not shabby at all considering acceleration from a standing start has traditionally been a diesel's downfall. Remarkably, if you believe Skoda's specification list, the diesel mysteriously weighs up to 40kg less than the petrol version which may explain why the sprint times are so close.OK, the petrol engine does win out on terminal speed at 240km/h against the diesel's mere 225km/h but, as any copper will tell you, that's an irrelevant yardstick nowadays.Where the diesel excels - and should appeal to green-at-heart family buyers - is on fuel economy and exhaust emissions: the diesel is rated at 5.9l/100km; the petrol can only manage 8.1l/100km. The diesel, thanks to its particulate filter is cleaner too, producing 155g of CO2 at the tailpipe per kilometre; the petrol is rated at 193g/km.But stat sheets are one thing; driving the RS TDi is another and, not surprisingly, it doesn't disappoint, on both the road and racetrack.Adding common rail technology to the new engine (instead of the single point Pumpe Duse system in the old engine) has substantially reduced noise and vibration levels to a point, at times, you have to think whether you are driving a diesel or petrol. Looking for a badge on the boot won't help either - there's nothing to tell the diesel from the petrol apart from engine noise at idle.The diesel still shows a lot of turbo lag which is annoying if you want to press on, and there's a degree of predictable understeer to contend from this front wheeler with a lot of weight over its front axle. But the RS shows a wonderfully balanced chassis and refinement which adds to the driving enjoyment.The RS doesn't provide wild child performance; but it will satisfy most drivers. It's a solid, quality built car offering plenty of value for money.What the RS lacks is a styling package which has the ability to turn heads - painting the brake calipers bright red and adding a mild aero kit doesn't cut it - which neatly sums up Skoda's problems in getting attention in this country as it tries to reestablish the brand.

The stylish wagon and sedan comes standard with stability control, a high specification, a choice of five engines including two frugal diesels, a hero sporty model, two all-wheel-drive wagon variants and prices that start at $29,990 for the 1.9-litre diesel sedan.'Sedan' is not exactly the right term here. It looks like a sedan with a normal boot, but the rear window also lifts with the tailgate. It is actually a 'liftback,' which is not as popular a body style as it used to be . . . or should be. Liftback is a very practical body shape and in this model the tailgate unveils an absolutely 'gi-normous' cargo area. Some 560 litres with the seats up and 1420 litres when fully folded down.Engine options are 1.9 and 2-litre turbo diesels, a 1.8 turbo petrol, a 2-litre normally aspirated petrol, plus the lusty 2-litre turbo petrol unit from the VW Golf GTI in the top-of-the range RS variant.Choice is the key to the Octavia with all those engines, two body styles, three transmissions and two drives. Some 16 models in all. Plus there are eight colours available, including two exclusive to the RS.Skoda Australia head Matthew Wiesner admits they have one too many engines, the two-litre petrol.“We had to have the 2.0 FSI now because we don't have an auto in the 1.8 TFSI yet,” he said.“Ideally, four engines on two body styles is more practical.”The Octavia is the first car in Australia to feature the new Volkswagen Group 1.8L TFSI engine, which at 118kW and 250Nm is 8kW more powerful and 50Nm more torquey than the normally aspirated 2-litre.“From a group point of view the 1.8 TFSI enhances our strength and shows how important we view the Australian market,” Wiesner said.The Octavia not only features engines from the VW-Audi range but also runs on suspension similar to the excellent-handling Golf with its electro-mechanical power steering.Consequently, the Octavia points and shoots with the German accuracy of the much-respected Golf.It also features a range of transmissions from VW, including the fabulously slick six-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. The all-wheel-drive wagon also uses the VW 4Motion system with Haldex electronic clutch. But the panels and trim are unique to the Octavia.Outside, it looks very eastern or northern European with its V-shaped bonnet, high sills, raked front and rear windows and wheel at each corner.It doesn't look anything like a Golf or Jetta, but strongly resembles its Audi A4 cousin or the Volvo S40.Paint and panel quality is up to European standards while the chrome-surrounded grille spells class. It helps that the logo looks like a medieval royal seal.Inside, there is a Teutonic efficiency about the controls with very few stylish trims.It feels macho and almost austere, but the quality of the fitting and the trim materials are excellent. Audi and VW drivers will feel a sense of deja vu when they look at the dashboard, centre stack and instruments.The cabin abounds with storage compartments for sunglasses, toll money, iPod (including a headphone auxiliary input), wallets, water bottles (including a chilled glovebox) and more.There is even a small pocket on the front seats, but I'm not sure what it could be used for.There are two trim levels: Ambiente and Elegance.Standard features include climate control, central remote locking, single CD with MP3 compatibility, power windows, 15-inch alloys and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.On the safety side there are six airbags, stability control, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and front active head restraints.Ambiente comes in 1.9-litre diesel only with a choice of five-speed manual and six-speed auto.It costs $29,990 for the manual sedan and $31,990 for the wagon, adding $2300 for the auto and $1200 for all-wheel-drive on the wagon.The Elegance range features the 2-litre diesel and 1.8 and 2-litre petrol engines in six-speed manual and auto transmissions.It adds two-zone climate air, 16-inch alloys, six-CD changer, front fog lights, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers.Prices are $30,990 for the 1.8 TFSI manual sedan, $33,290 for the 2.0 FSI auto sedan and $33,490 for the 2.0 TDI sedan.Add $2000 for the wagon, $2300 for the auto on the diesel and $1200 for the all-wheel-drive wagon.The hero model RS is fired up by the Golf GTI's 2-litre turbo and comes with six-speed manual.It arrives in blue or yellow and adds tyre pressure monitoring, parking sensors, RS badging, twin chrome exhaust, sports seats (heated in the front), 18-inch alloys, 15mm lower suspension, red brake calipers, larger brakes, alloy sports pedals, RS steering wheel, front fog lights and silver roof rails on the wagon.It costs $37,490 for the sedan and $39,490 for the wagon.Out on the road, the Octavia drives just like its VW cousins with precise steering and handling without compromising ride.The major differences are a fair amount of road noise and a spongy brake pedal. Skoda Octavia$29,990-$39,490Engines: 1.9 turbo diesel (77kW/250Nm)2.0 turbo diesel (103kW/320Nm)1.8 turbo petrol (118kW/250Nm)2.0 petrol (110kW/200Nm)2.0 turbo petrol (147kW/280Nm)Bodies: 5-door, 5-seater, sedan (liftback) and wagonTransmissions: 5 and 6-speed manuals and 6-speed DSG autoDrive: front wheel and 4Motion all wheelSuspension: McPherson strut with stabiliser (front), multi-element axle with stabiliser (rear)Brakes: ventilated front and solid rear discs, ABS< ESPSteering: direct rack and pinion steering with electro mechanic power steeringDimensions (MM): 4572 (L), 1769 (W), 1462 (H), 2578 (wheelbase)Fuel tank: 55L (sedan), 60L (wagon) 

The two cars driving Skoda back into Australia could not be more different.One is the Czech company's new pride and joy, and the other is just a rework of a Volkswagen.They are called Octavia and Roomster and each have starting prices in the high-$20,000 range.They will lead a new-model onslaught that will eventually include the baby Fabia, luxury Superb and a compact four-wheel drive called the Yeti.Skoda Australia plans to build a solid base for the brand, and is more concerned about getting the basics right than shooting for big numbers. It will be the starter brand in the Volkswagen Group.The Skoda position is below Volkswagen and has a slightly more youthful and sporty slant to the model line-up. That means the cars need sharp pricing and something different to pitch them against Japanese rivals, while steering clear of any conflict with the VW badge.It took nearly two years for Volkswagen Group Australia to reach a distribution deal with Skoda, after failed talks with Seat. The Spanish company is another price-driven brand in the Volkswagen camp, but it was too difficult to get a commitment to Australia.“We are the fastest-growing company in the Volkswagen group. Since 2005 we have been working on a growth strategy,” Skoda sales and marketing board member Fred Kappler says.Skoda is more than 100 years old, after starting as a bicycle maker under its founders Vaclav Klement and Vaclav Laurin. It built some of Europe's costliest and more luxurious cars before World War II.The company slumped under communist rule, but after what the locals call the “Velvet Revolution,” then a buy-in and eventual takeover by Volkswagen it has been going forward rapidly.Its factories at Mlada Boleslav have been renovated. There is a new technical centre, production is more than 300,000 vehicles, overseas factories include India, China and Kazakhstan, and there are more than 1500 people on the research-and-development side of the business.“Skoda is a traditional brand with a big future. The company started again with only one model line and one engine, 15 years ago. Skoda has a long history and a lot of clever engineers,” research and development boss Eckhard Schultz says.The Czechs are keen for success in Australia, not just to boost export sales. They want to learn about selling into another country in the Asian region. It has done well in Britain and hopes to repeat the deal.It has deliberately held back its newest and best car, the baby Fabia (which will sell 100,000 cars in 2008), to get going with the Octavia and Roomster.The Octavia is a mid-sized sedan and wagon that picks up the mechanical package from Volkswagen's Jetta, though it is closer in cabin space to the Passat and even has with a sporty RS package, which has been a huge hit in Europe.The approach for the Octavia is typically Volkswagen. It has only two body styles but a range of engines and three levels of equipment. The four-door sedan is actually a liftback, and a conventional five-door wagon called the combi.The motors are 1.9 and 2.0-litre turbodiesels, and 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol units. The outputs are 77kw/250Nm and 103kW/320Nm for the diesels and the petrol motors make 100kW/200Nm and 118kw/250Nm.Gearbox choices, depending on models, are five-speed manuals, a six-speed automatic and VW's excellent six-speed DSG manu-matic.The Octavia RS has the same 2.0-litre turbo used in the Golf GTI with a six-speed manual until the DSG lands next year. That will set the tone with lowered sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a mild body kit.Final prices and specifications will be revealed in October.The Roomster deal is simpler. There is only one model, though a giant moonroof and satellite navigation will be optional and buyers will have a choice of 1.9-litre turbodiesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The diesel has only a five-speed manual gearbox. On the roadFirst impressions of the new-age Skodas are good. The Octavia is solid and gets a bit of an edge with the RS package. The Roomster is a genuinely innovative baby wagon that could be a sleeper for the brand.Once the Roomster hits the road in Australia, and people see something genuinely different, sales could zoom.But everything depends on price and value, particularly against the Japanese cars that Skoda Australia has set as the brand's targets.It was hard to know what to expect from the cars. The brand is virtually unknown in Australia.The last Skodas sold here were primitive in every way, so even the strength of Volkswagen as a big brother might not have been enough to work a motoring revolution.But two days of varied driving in the Czech republic, a gorgeous country with roads not totally foreign to Australians showed the basics are good. Skoda has put enough of a Czech twist into the cars to create a point of difference.The Octavia is based on the VW Jetta sedan but has a roomier cabin and the giant liftback tail of the sedan. This provides good luggage space and excellent flexibility.It gets along best with the turbodiesel engine, though the sporty RS is a sharp drive with taut suspension and the Golf GTI turbo petrol motor.There were some minor quality niggles, with fitting errors and some cabin squeaks and rattles, but a range of cars drove nicely.The Roomster is an innovative baby, from its giant windscreen to the step-down side glass making it a better vision for youngsters. The back-row seats can be lifted out.The 1.6 Roomster is a drowsy drive but the turbodiesel gets along well and should tap the growing interest in diesel.It will be good to get the cars on home territory in October, but early signs look promising.This is despite the prospect of another start-up brand trying to find space in showrooms that are as congested as any in the world. Inside viewSkoda OctaviaOn sale: October 11Price: Estimate high $20,000s to low $40,000sBody: Five-door liftback, five-door wagonEngines: 1.9-litre turbodiesel, 2.0-litre diesel, 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol turboTransmissions: Five and six-speed manuals, six-speed DSG autoModels: Ambiente, Elegance, RS Skoda RoomsterOn sale: October 11Price: Estimate high $20,000sBody: Five-door wagonEngines: 1.9-litre diesel, 1.6-litre petrolTransmission: Five-speed manual, six-speed auto