2009 Skoda Octavia Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Skoda Octavia as a used buy. Under the plain packaging, Skoda's mid-sizer delivered affordable European motoring. New The Octavia was the flag bearer for Skoda when the Czech brand was relaunched here in 2007 after a lengthy absence. By then, the Skoda badge was part

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

Skoda is one of those brands that muddles along in the mid-size market, rarely having any impact.NEWIt could be that we have long memories and recall the cars sold here in earlier times, cars that were poorly put together, had little or no manufacturer support and, well, were pretty ordinary devices from an Iron Curtain country.While all of that was true then, it's not now when the company is owned by VW, the Czech factories they're produced in are owned and run by VW, and the cars are VWs under the skin. The re-born Czech brand returned to the market in 2007 after a long absence and promised VW motoring on a budget.The mid-sized Octavia was one of the first models to be launched and remains the brand's main weapon with a large range of models, including hatchback and wagon body styles, a number of petrol and diesel engine options, and various transmissions.It isn't particularly stylish, but in today's terms when all cars look alike, the Octavia could be said to stand out with its more traditional grille. Get past the looks and you find a practical, roomy and well-equipped car that does everything without fuss.The Octavia is based on the VW Golf, which ensures it has a European feel about it. There's a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, they're all VW units, and they all perform strongly while delivering decent fuel economy.Backing them up is a range of manual and auto transmissions, including the much-maligned dual-clutch DSG auto. Inside, the Octavia is neatly laid-out with room enough for four adults in comfort, or five at a squeeze. Thick pillars can create blind spots for the driver, and the cabin noise level tends to be a little higher than you might expect for a car in this class.NOWWith relatively slow sales you'll have to look long and hard to find the car you want, they're not plentiful like some other makes and models. It also means prices are more affordable if you're buying. If you're selling it means resale is affected.Few complaints about Skodas have reached Carsguide, which is interesting given the huge amount of mail we get complaining about VWs. It could simply be a case that too few Skodas are out there to generate comment, or perhaps Skoda takes a different view to VW when dealing with complaints. Or it could be that Skoda owners are a contented lot.Whatever it's important that any car is thoroughly checked, because there's no reason to think Skodas are immune from the problems that plague their VW cousins. Engines, the 1.8 TSI in particular, can give trouble. Many have had to be replaced quite early in life, so be wary and check service records carefully.The other problem area is the DSG, which can be brilliant when working correctly, but it can equally be a nightmare when it's not, and there are plenty of examples of both.Clutch packs, computers, wiring can all conspire to bring the DSG to a halt, so test drive DSG-equipped cars carefully. Things to be noted are shuddering, incorrect gear selection, hesitations, reluctance to select gears, going into neutral at inappropriate moments. In fact, be wary of anything that doesn't appear to be normal, they're expensive to fix.Check service records for evidence of regular maintenance, make sure cam belts have been changed when needed, and watch brake wear. Note that Skoda recommends the use of Premium unleaded fuel.SMITHY SAYSNeat, practical mid-sizer, but is burdened by some of VWs flaws.Skoda Octavia 2009-2011Price new: $29,290 to $38,290Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged, 90 kW/200 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 75 kW/148 Nm; 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged, 118 kW/250 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77 kW/250 Nm; 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77 kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 103 kW/320 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed auto, 6-speed DSG auto, 7-speed DSG auto, FWDEconomy: 7.8 L/100 km (1.6), 6.7 L/100 km (1.8T), 6.3 L/100 km (1.9TD), 5.7 L/100 km (2.0TD),Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door wagonVariants: 1.6, 1.8 TSI, 1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI (2009) 75, 77, 90, 103, 118 (2010)Safety: 4-star ANCAP

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 traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?

As any first-year marketing student will tell you, a new product must have a USP if it's going to succeed. Frustratingly for some brands it can take time for its unique selling points to be truly appreciated by the market.Skoda is a good case in point. The Czech brand's key selling points are solid engineering, borrowing heavily on its VW links, quality and delivering big on value for money.Skoda is a big seller in Europe, but here it remains a niche player; still a little known brand with unknown models. But Skoda has the firepower to impress. Its in the form of the RS — the sports version of its volume seller Octavia — and it has the merit to be a sales hit, but it remains a sleeper in the market, accounting for less than 20 per cent of Octavia's modest volume.But Skoda's battle to build excitement in its model mix took a giant step forward this week with the launch of the face-lifted RS. The Skoda dragon has woken and been stirred into action. The RS range has been diversified, offering buyers a wider choice of petrol or diesel engines and manual and manu-matic DSG transmissions.The latest RS neatly ticks two of the important marketing boxes: it packs performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency and it comes with a comprehensive list of standard equipment at a price which doesn't break the bank.Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner says he finally has a range of RS models to win incremental sales. "We were handicapped by the previous RS in that we could only offer a manual petrol version. Now we have petrol and diesel, manual and the DSG and in liftback or wagon. It will probably still only account for 20 per cent of Octavia sales but that model is showing healthy growth, so it's all incremental. "What the RS does is add another layer to our model mix. It will attract younger buyers and even female buyers, which is what we need to expand."DrivingThe new RS's styling belies its potency. Here's a versatile liftback or wagon which successfully does double duty as a performance car and family bus. A wolf in sheep's clothing? Not quite, because the clothing gives a hint there's something here with more than average driveability.The RS comes to the party with lowered and stiffer suspension, new front and rear lamps, including for the first time, daytime LED running lights, 18-inch alloys, sports seats, alloy pedals, obligatory rear wing, chromed twin exhaust pipes and red-painted brake calipers. They all neatly lift the otherwise homely appearance of the Octavia. But if you are looking for the petrol or diesel badges to tell the RS twins apart you won't find them.Skoda has delivered two models which between them have an impressive set of numbers — starting with the price from $37,990, up just $300 on the previous version. That gets you into a Euro import with plenty of solid German engineering and better than expected Czech build quality.There's a generous level of standard bling for the money including dual zone air conditioning with air quality sensing, remote central locking, six-stack MP3 audio system, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, rear park sensors and multi function trip computer. On the safety list you can tick the boxes for six airbags, advanced anti-lock brake system, traction and stability control and onboard tyre pressure monitoring. Luggage space in both the liftback at 560 litres and wagon 580 litres with rear seats up.Options include sunroof, front park sensors, satellite navigation with 30GB hard drive which replaces the CD stacker, Xenon headlamps and leather upholstery. The hardest choice for buyers is picking the petrol or diesel.There's an interesting balancing act here: the gap has narrowed between traditionally slower but more frugal diesels and the quicker but thirsty petrols.Skoda says the turbo-packing direct-injection petrol version can hit 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds which is 1.1 seconds quicker than the diesel, but for a diesel a sprint time of 8.4 seconds for a vehicle which tips the scale just under 1.5 tonnes and is 35kg heavier than the petrol version is no embarrassment.The petrol version delivers peak power of 147kW over a 900rpm band, with maximum torque of 280Nm available from 1800 to 5000 revs, that's a huge broad band, giving the RS strong and long legs.The petrol version delivers where it counts. For a performance car the RS shows few vices: it feels well balanced, there's a degree of expected understeer which gets more aggressive as speed rises; only the brakes could benefit from more stopping power. But I just love the diesel alternative as well.It has a different driving dynamic but it probably is the better car to live with, especially if you do a lot of country running, that's to its massive low to mid range torque and good fuel economy. The secret is to keep the revs up.The diesel, now the most powerful in Skoda's range, sips a claimed 5.9l/100km for a mix of city and highway running compared to the petrol's 7.7l/100km.The common rail turbo diesel delivers 125kW, but its secret is the fat 350Nm of torque on tap from 1750 to 2500rpm. There's some turbo lag, but for a diesel, the engine is remarkably quiet so there's little of the old fashioned rattle and chatter.My pick? The diesel is impressive, but my choice is the petrol wagon. It offers the best of both worlds — a family-sized and versatile load carrier with potent performance. That's hard to ignore.

We'd only just gotten some wheel-time in the old Skoda Octavia when the new one appeared. Some driving in the outgoing Octavia and its Scout sibling and we had come away impressed - particularly the latter, which was a good all-rounder.The first taste of the new-look car is an Octavia TSI DSG petrol wagon. The looks from the front are more mainstream, something its predecessor had a crack at but didn't quite achieve.The loadbox over the rear axle isn't exactly inspired by a Jennifer Lopez or Beyonce derriere - hearse-like design is perhaps a little more apt. But from inside the car you don't have to look at it and if you didn't look aft you probably wouldn't have any sense of being in a load-lugger.It's a light and easy car to drive, with the little direct-injection powerplant giving plenty once it's overcome a combination of the DSG and turbo hesitations — something that is still a problem for the VW group and others opting for double-clutchers — but there's been plenty of improvement.Clever induction and turbocharging provide 118kW of power from 4500 to 6200rpm, but there's also a good spread of torque on offer between 1500 and 4500 — 250Nm, which delivers decent in-gear acceleration as well. The only bugbear is that it prefers to drink 98RON premium unleaded, but it sips it a fairly frugal rate — we got 8.7l/100km, not too far away from the 6.7l/100km that the car is rated at for the Australian Design Rules.There are some clever storage features in the centre console and the boot — while it's not the car's best angle — offers good storage capacity as well. Pitch a pram, belt a bag and sling a suitcase in the back and there's still enough room — a trip home for the airport after an extended absence required three large suitcases, one smaller one, plus other assorted bags and a stroller were slotted into the wagon.Cabin space is enough to accommodate four adults in comfort, or mum, dad and three offspring will fit without any issues — although the territorial arguments in the rear will probably still be heard.The TSi is a front-wheel driver but has stability control and six airbags — dual front, side and curtains for front and rear passengers.Style gurus will probably look for form over function in this market, but those with even a hint of practical leaning (and any sort of budgetary limits) should have the new Octavia on the shopping list. Near the top. 

The sporty RS, for Rally Sport, will continue to be available as a sedan and wagon — Combi in Skoda-speak — with the same 2.0-litre TSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI engines.VW Group Australia spokesman, Karl Gehling, says Skoda wants to lift interest in the RS locally, which until now has had modest success. Both the VW-sourced petrol and TDI units are proof Skoda is on the right track.ExteriorWhat a difference a new grille and headlights make. Like the Octavia models, the RS benefits with some beneficial styling tweaks ahead of the A-pillar. The bonnet is more pronounced, thanks to some sharp crease lines and the headlights and grille look more purposeful. The honeycomb lower air intake also looks good.As a result, the whole front end looks more dynamic and less conservative than the old model. The rear end gets new tail-lights and a more defined bumper.Inside the cabin gets better materials for a higher quality finish, new centre console and heating controls, as well as a new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. The heavily bolstered sports seats have new trim.PricingAlthough we're still a few months away from the arrival of the RS, Skoda Australia expects the newcomer to come in around the same prices as the current car. That means a starter around $38,000 for the 2.0-litre TSI manual, topping out around $44,000 for the 2.0-litre TDI wagon.EquipmentRS buyers can expect a 13mm lower sports suspension with stiffer spring rates, stability control, 17-inch Zenith alloys, boot spoiler on the sedan, sports seats and pedals, climate control airconditioning, three-spoke leather steering wheel and for the first time LED daytime driving lights.Safety gear includes six airbags, active front head rests, tyre pressure monitoring, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution and traction control. A six-speed DSG gearbox will be optional.DrivetrainThe engines and transmissions carry over. Volkswagen fans will love the silky 2.0-litre TSI four cylinder and 2.0-litre TDI, both of which are mated to six-speed manuals or the six-speed DSG gearbox driving the front wheels. Both engines comply with Euro V emissions requirements.The TSI pumps out 147kW from 5100 to 6000 revs and 280Nm from 1700 revs while the TDI manages 125kW at 4200 revs and 350Nm from 1750 revs. The TSI gets 7.5 litres/100km combined while the TDI delivers 5.7 litres/100km. The TSI wins the acceleration stakes with a zero to 100km/h time of 7.2 seconds for the six-speed manual, while the TDI is not too far behind with 8.3 seconds.DrivingVisually, the hotter Octavia benefits from the styling updates of the Octavia range but the 17-inch Zenith alloys really do set the car off. However, look closely and you won't be able to tell the TDI from the TSI. There are no badges to distinquish the pair and it’s only when you fire up the TDI that you realise it's a diesel.On the road, the TDI exhibits some turbo lag low down, which is annoying if you want to press on or are winding through mountain passes. The trick is to keep the turbo “on-song” by selecting a lower gear and then change up early to use the available torque of the TDI.Handling wise, the RS is bias to a predictable and progressive understeer. It's never a problem and most average drivers will back off before the understeer becomes a problem. Apart from the understeer, the RS has a wonderfully balanced chassis and will reward a driver who is smooth and in-tune with the car's handling and its limits.The ride is firm but not uncomfortably so and at high-speeds on the Autobahns it was rock solid and the cabin quiet. Buyers will not be disappointed with either engine. But the TDI proves that it is more than competent to wear the RS badge of honour.For more detailed drive impressions, see your Carsguide print section or check back here in a few days.

It's not really a surprise because Skoda is, despite its place in the giant Volkswagen Group, an unproven newcomer in Australia.The Czech carmaker has actually been around for more than 50 years, and had its last big sale surge downunder in the early fifties, but is battling to find its followers in 2009.Which explains a total rethink on its hero car - the family-focussed Octavia - and a new price point for the new year.A $3000 price cut and a stronger emphasis on quality are the driving forces for the updated Skoda Octavia.Skoda has also changed the engine direction on its starter car, trading a turbodiesel for a high-tech petrol-powered Octavia as it cuts the entry level from $29,990 to $26,990. But it is only a 1.6- litre four.The new price leader still comes extremely well equipped, with everything from aircon and alloys to power steering and CD sound, but it's a value push which must also run up against some heavy hitters including the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Mitsubishi Magna.Skoda says its trump card, at least with people who are prepared to put it on the shopping list, is a package that is virtually the same as a Volkswagen Golf but with much better value.There is a new hero car, too, at least until the Octavia RS gets a similar makeover to the shopping cars in the second half of the year.It is a 1.8-litre TSI with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. It is also available with a seven-speed DSG manu-matic gearbox, with a price from $31,490.The flagship still has a 2-litre turbodiesel engine, with pricing from $33,990.As usual, the Octavia comes as both a liftback and wagon, and the body changes for the new model are modest. Lamps and a little more, but nothing like a full model change."The focus is on refinement. The old car wasn't that bad, no it was good, but this is better," the head of Skoda in Australia, Matthew Wiesner, says."It's in line with how we're evolving. We're premium, with value. And this lifts us to the next level."Skoda is actually running against the sales trend after two months of 2009, improving its year-over-year results by about 7.5 per cent when the overall market is down by 15 points. The Octavia is making the running, although the funky Roomster is also in the mix and there are evolving plans for the luxury Superb and the compact Fabia further into the future."It's simple, it's honest, it drives well. The Octavia is still a medium-sized car, but with this price we're driving down into the top end of the small-car market. We're pushing down, not driving up," Wiesner says.He admits Skoda has done better with its higher-priced niche cars, particularly the Octavia RS, but needs to convert more customers to create the critical mass essential to success. Even so, he is not about to get into predictions."We don't mention targets. You look at volume, yes, but also how the brand is evolving," he says."Would we have liked to sell more cars last year? Yes. Definitely. But we had to try a few things, we had to test the market.""Now we are moving to the next level."DRIVING:A blindfolded test drive in the latest Octavia would peg it as a Volkswagen. Or maybe an Audi.So it's a good car and the new price makes it a good deal.The cabin quality is first class and a match for Japanese cars at a similar price, the chassis is solid and stable, and the mechanical packages work well. Even the $26,990 car comes with six airbags, ESP stability control and a new-style sound system that morphs into a satnav display in the higher models.Skoda claims the car is a half-size about the $20,000 compacts, but it is really a Golf with a bit more boot space. It's a quibble, but it needs to be said.The DSG gearbox is also a bit jerky, as I have found in the latest Volkswagen Golf, particularly when parking or trying to ease away on a slight uphill grade.And the 2-litre diesel gets along well with heaps of torque, but is well behind the class leaders on refinement. In short, it rattles.The performance of the 1.6 is nothing special but the 1.8 petrol motor goes well and is well matched to a car with a lot of cornering grip for a family hauler, the seats have good support, and there is a lot of standard equipment.In reality, the updated Skoda workhorse - both sedan and roomy wagon - is a reworked Volkswagen that happens to be built in the Czech republic. It's a good car that should do better in Australia, and will do better once people are prepared to take a (slight) risk on the brand and badge.The sharper new price could be just the right bait to land them.Price: from $26,990 to $38,290Body: five-door liftback, five-door station wagonEngine: 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol 75kW/148Nm; 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol 118kW/250Nm; 2-litre turbodiesel 103kw/320NMTransmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed PDKEconomy: 7.8L/100km (1.6); 6.7L/100km (1.8); 5.7L/100km (2.0)Star rating: 7/10

That about sums up the fortunes of Volkswagen's other brand in Australia.And, after driving the latest Octavia, you've got to wonder what it is the Czech arm of company has go to do to get across the line?The cars look terrific, perform very well and outpoint the opposition in almost every department — but the company is still struggling to register a blip on the Aussie radar.Maybe the simple truth is that there's nothing it can do to get noticed? Maybe it's just got to keep plugging away, making sure to dot the i's and cross the t's — maybe it's just a question of time.The new Octavia, available in liftback and wagon forms, is a quantifiably better car than the one it replaces, particularly the way the cars are finished inside.At the same time it has lost none of the sporty dynamics that come with a company that has a long history in motorsport.Drivetrains and pricePrices for the new Octavia start at $26,990 for the 1.6-litre liftback, a car that looks like a sedan but is actually a hatch with a rear that opens to reveal an enormous boot.The engine itself is a lift from the previous Golf and is paired with a five-speed manual in standard form, replacing the previous 1.9-litre diesel entry level model.A six-speed auto is optional.That's $3000 cheaper than before and the price might just be low enough to hook some small car buyers, looking to step up to a Euro.You can argue that its hand me down Volkswagen technology, but it's still very good technology nevertheless.The real jewel in the Octavia crown is the new 1.8-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol model with its brand spanking new 7-speed DSG transmission. The 1.8 is also available with a six-speed manual.The engine has been seen in some Audis before, but the robotised twin clutch manual is the very latest technology, filtering through the Audi and Volkswagen lineups as we speak.It's capable of delivering an impressive 6.7 litres/100km in fuel economy.The third engine that rounds out the line up is the 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel, another lift from Volkswagen but not the latest one, delivering 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque and 5.7 litres/100km. It's also available with a six-speed manual.We got to drive both the petrol models at the launch of the new Octavia this week in Adelaide.The car has been freshened up with new lights front and back, larger exterior mirrors and a bolder radiator grille.But it's the higher standard of finish inside where the changes are most noticeable.With 75kW of power and 148Nm of torque, the 1.6 is never going to set the world on fire — but it's not disappointing either.DrivingOur test car was the 1.6 manual. If you're in the market for a Euro, only interested in getting from A to B and it's in your price range, then look no further.The clutch and gear change are light and easy to use, and once you get the hang of it — it's easy to drive around the engine's lack of torque by piling on the revs.The 1.8-litre turbocharged engine produces 118kW of power and 250Nm of torque and, paired with the DSG transmission, can whisk from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.At 6.7 litres/100km, it produces even better economy than the smaller 1.6.Performance from the turbocharged engine is reasonably strong, with maximum torque available from 1500rpm, but we found the ride a little floaty when pushed hard.It misses out on paddle gear shift buttons which have probably been reserved for the sportier RS model later in the year.The previous Octavia had a four-star safety rating, but this one with the addition of curtain airbags is expected to score a full five stars when it is tested.Standard equipment includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.There's also cruise control, a trip computer with distance to empty and audio controls on the multi-function steering wheel.An AUX input for audio devices is standard across the range, but if you want full iPod compatibility it's going to cost you another $240 for the mobile device interface.