2012 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.

SUVs march unrelentingly through the suburbs at a pace that has left rival vehicle types in the shade.Two questions: Do you need all that space? And aren't SUVs becoming a bit passe?The answer may be the humble wagon. Now freed of the additive "station'' -- implying expansive grazing lands and lazy windmills -- the wagon has matured to cleverly blend leisure with some family duties. Even better, thanks to their popularity in Europe, they are stylish and many share the enthusiastic engines of their sedan counterparts.Wagons are on an equal footing with their sedan sisters in equipment, safety and performance. The Skoda Octavia wagon here, for example, has the same high-output turbo-petrol engine as its sports-oriented RS sedan model -- itself a reskinned Volkswagen Golf GTI. Wagons also share the handling, agility and performance acumen of their sedan equivalents.But the wagon has a more flexible load area and the ability to haul a range of awkward-sized cargo thanks to split and fold-down rear seats. In comparison to an SUV, the wagon also retains the less cumbersome style of the sedan, in effect offering the best of both worlds.Find a good sedan and if there's a wagon equivalent, then generally it will share any of the sedan's advantages and disadvantages. These three examples are very different in origins and execution. All are current models -- though the Holden and Skoda are poised for replacement -- and will have relatively low mileage.The Skoda is the sports model and is more expensive than its rivals, though has more equipment and has a turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission -- all quite expensive stuff.Resale values are strong for the Hyundai (50 per cent retained after three years) and Skoda (49 per cent) but weak for the Holden (41 per cent), indicating that seeking a near-new used model can be more advantageous for the Holden buyer. TOP TIPSWagons are made for work -- but check to see if it hasn't been abused. You may save big fuel money by choosing a smaller engine. A cargo net or barrier is a wise investment2012 Skoda Octavia RS 147TSI Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrolTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch autoThirst: 7.9L/100CARSGUIDE SAYS"These wagons boast an incredible amount of storage space -- there's even an extra cubby hole beneath the boot floor. Skoda makes durable cars and though the Octavia is rather plain in appearance, it has a lot of features and is well built. The RS version adds sporty equipment and gets the upmarket 147kW engine and DSG transmission. There are paddle shifters for manual-mode gearchanges, 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav, sports seats and daylight running LEDs. The car has all the safety equipment including six airbags and electronic stability and traction2011 Hyundai i40 PREMIUMEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"Hyundai has confirmed the i40 range will continue after it drops the similar i45 models, ensuring the i40 has a strong future. This is a 2.0-litre petrol-engined model -- there is also a 1.7-litre turbo diesel which is better suited to shorter duties such as in the city and suburbs. The Premium model gets a big list of standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav and Bluetooth, cruise control, sunroof and leather seats. There are split-fold rear seats though the available cargo space isn't as generous as the Skoda. Hyundai has a capped-price service schedule and a five-year warranty, which is reassuring for used-car buyers.2012 Holden Commodore SV6Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.8L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"The Australian is a strong workhorse with plenty of style and ability. It's also a reliable and easy-to-fix wagon. The SV6 version is a more upmarket model that retains the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and a sports body kit. Standard equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a reverse camera, airconditioning and cruise control. It also has a capped-price service schedule and buyers have a portion of the three-year warranty still intact. 

Buyers are voting with their right foot for automatic cars but there's a slow reaction from some makers of diesel-engined vehicles. Skoda last year fitted its Scout all-wheel drive wagon with an dual-clutch automated manual - called DSG by Skoda and its parent, Volkswagen. By comparison Subaru, who retain a lion's share of the SUV wagon market, only offer its diesel-engined Forester and Outback with a manual gearbox.It gives Skoda - and the other makes who combine diesel with auto - a big advantage in a very competitive market segment.VALUESkoda in Australia sells at a slight premium compared with similar models in Europe. But we get more features. Even against its rivals, the entry-level Scout is very well equipped - for example, heated front seats, sat-nav and rear park sensors - that prick buyer interest.The Premium edition adds leather, sunroof and electric driver's seat for an extra $4000. Skodas - built in the Czech Republic - have a good name for quality and durability and the expanding national dealer network adds peace of mind.TECHNOLOGYThe 103TDI turbo-diesel has been in every Volkswagen Group model save for Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti - and even then, don't count it out. It's strong, reliable, fuel and emission efficient and despite its reputation as a solid unit, can produce some sparkling moments in its performance. It has recently been tweaked to cut emissions and fuel consumption.The dual clutch automated manual (DSG) transfers power through its six cogs to the front wheels and has an "on demand" Haldex coupling that will engage rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction. Up to 98 per cent of engine power can be distributed to the rear wheels and the system can also be locked in 4WD for low-speed use.DESIGNI've seen prettier cars but it's rare to see one this size have so much cabin room. The boot is simply huge, especially adding in the underfloor storage area which already has a full-size spare wheel. The cabin is austere but functional, despite being a little bit narrower than some rivals.The centre monitor for the satellite-navigation system is easy to use and read. Seats look narrow but are very comfortable and supportive, even on a long country drive. There's lots of personal storage spaces such as the innovative holders built into the cushion surrounds of the front seats. Perfect for a mobile phone or coffee cup.SAFETYCrash testing gives the Scout a four-star rating and that's something that a new model will address. Standard features are six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-slip regulator and brake assist. The spare wheel is full size.DRIVINGThe Scout is an Octavia wagon with an off-road pack that includes underbody protection and heavy-duty suspension. It sits slightly higher than the  Octavia wagon yet handling is sure-footed. The steering is relaxed, suiting its touring and light-duty off-road capability, and though it sits confidently on the road, it doesn't inspire sporty driving.It has an "on demand" AWD system so there's a slight lag before the rear wheels become powered. Ride comfort is very good, especially as the body feels taut and rides over rutted roads with purpose. Engine and road noise are low - though the diesel grumbles at idle - which enhances its touring ability. It's also a lovely engine with a meaty mid-range that suits the rapid-shifting DSG box.VERDICTCzech people are pragmatic - apparently more so than Germans - and that defines this car. It's functional, solid and does its job without fuss. Sure, it's not the prettiest around but it is almost assured of being around pretty much longer than the rest. SKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT DSGPrice: $42,290Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 55%Service Interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 6.1 l/100km; 160g/km CO2Safety Equipment: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 4 starEngine: 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-dieselTransmission: Six-speed DSG autoBody: 5-door wagon, 5 seatsDimensions: 4584 (L); 1784mm (W); 1533mm (H); 2577mm (WB)Weight: 1570kgTyre size: 225/50R17. Spare tyre Full size