Skoda Octavia Reviews

Skoda Octavia is all-new from the ground up and continues the long-time design that gives maximum interior space with excellent occupant comfort.

Skoda has been back in the Australian market for seven years and after a slow start is carving out a niche with the stalwart Octavia sedan and wagon.

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. 

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 Octavia 103TDI and Volkswagen Jetta 103TDI go head-to-head in this comparative review.

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

Think Forester before it morphed into just another high riding SUV and you've got the Skoda Scout. That's not doing the Scout an injustice because as a small wagon with some off road ability it is a very practical and appealing vehicle.Skoda (VW's Czech subsidiary) has just added to this appeal with the addition of a 'manumatic' robotised manual gearbox that promises swift gear changes and frugal fuel consumption.There's just two models — the Scout and better equipped Scout Premium — and they're both powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. It's Volkswagen's 103kW/320Nm direct injection diesel and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or the aforementioned six-speed DSG transmission. It's the same engine that can be found in the Golf and other models in the Volkswagen range.Priced from $39,490 the attraction in the case of a Skoda is the opportunity to purchase Volkswagen technology but at a greatly reduced price. The downside, if you can call it that, is Skoda's low resale values but this will improve as time goes on.There's nothing wrong with the cars. Our test vehicle was the top of the line Premium model with the DSG box, priced from $45,790.The Scout is an offroad version of the Octavia wagon with a 40mm lift kit and some body cladding to provide protection from bumps and scrapes. The fourth-generation Haldex clutch, the heart of the all-wheel drive system, represents the latest in all-wheel drive technology. It works with other onboard electronic systems to transfer drive between the front and rear wheels.An electronic control unit evaluates information such as wheel speed, accelerator pedal position, engine speed, and data from the chassis stability programs. This information is used to vary the torque distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels, up to 98 per cent in either direction.But with only 180mm of ground clearance any off road adventures are limited strictly to snow and the odd dirt track.The all-wheel drive system does however add an extra safety dimension to the car, especially in the wet. We clocked up close to 600km in the Scout.With fuel economy rated at 6.1 litres/100km, we were getting closer to 6.5 litres/100km from the 60-litre tank.The Scout delivers a punchy drive experience, if at times a little noisy because of the intrusion of the diesel. Acceleration is surprisingly rapid and the steering is if anything a little too responsive at times, requiring constant attention to stay on track. The brakes on our test vehicle were also very aggressive, but you get used to them.Rear legrom is good as is the size of the luggage area behind the rear seat. Even the base model Scout is well equiped with six airbags, a full complement of safety technology and satellite navigation system with a 30Gb hard drive and eight speaker audio. There's also climate air, heated front seats and an off side mirror that dips when reversing.The Premium adds electric glass sunroof, privacy glass from B-pillar, and cool 17 inch polished alloys, suede-leather upholstery, and electric driver's seat with memory. It's what you don't get that is annoying. Bluetooth is noticeably absent from both models - it's $550 plus dealer fitting charges.SKODA SCOUTPrice: from $41,790Warranty: 3-year / unlimited kilometreResale: 75% (est.)Service interval: variable, condition-basedSafety: 4-star Euro NCAPEngine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbodiesel, 103kW/320NmBody: five-door wagonWeight: 1550-1570kgTransmission: 6-speed manual and DSG, four-wheel driveThirst: 6.1 L/100km, CO2 160g/km.

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 four-wheel drive wagon has returned to the Skoda range in Australia with a six-speed DSG as well as a manual gearbox - the lack of an auto nobbling Scout sales when the brand returned three years ago.Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner guesstimated that as much as 90 per cent of the showroom traffic for the first model were looking for automatics, which bodes well for the new model's chances of contributing to the brand's sales ambitions.VALUEMimicking its main competition - Subaru's Outback - the Scout will be offered in two models, with a base Scout and a Scout Premium.The range kicks off with the six-speed manual at $39,490, rising to $41,790 for a DSG-equipped wagon. Standard fare includes satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, a 30gig hard-drive equipped eight-speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake, cloth trim, cruise control, trip computer, 17in alloys, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming centre rearvision mirror, rear parking sensors, heated front seats.The Premium pack ups those prices by $4000 but adds a polished finished to the alloy wheels, a sunroof, alcantara leather trim and power-adjustment to the driver's seat.DESIGNThere's nothing outlandish about the design philosophy of the Scout - it's a jacked up (by 40mm) Octavia wagon that is conservative like its predecessor, but a little easier on the eye than the squared off look of the old Scout. The conventional exterior theme is carried over within, but the payoff is reasonable cabin space front and rear, as well as luggage room to the tune of 580 litres, or 1620 litres with the seat-backs down.TECHNOLOGYThe all-wheel drive system used in the new Scout is the fourth-generation of the Haldex clutch, which uses sensors for wheel speed, accelerator pedal position, engine speed and data from the stability control systems to determine how much drive goes the rear axle - Skoda says as much as 98 per cent can be sent to the front or rear wheels as required.SAFETYThe Scout is prepared for an emergency, with stability control - incorporating anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and a hill-holder - and six airbags. There's also the option of adaptive xenon headlights and cornering functionality for the front fog lights.DRIVEThe brief drive of the new DSG model will need to be supplemented with a longer-term stint with the car, but first impressions of the Scout are good. The diesel drivetrain is quiet and the DSG shift is typically slick and swift. While the torque figure might not be groundbreaking, there's solid in-gear acceleration and little in the way of diesel rattle intruding into the cabin. Only at the very top of the rev range - near the power peak - was there any real noise of note.Freeway cruising quickly brought the trip computer figure down toward the highway claim of 5.3 litres per 100km, although the freeway also brought a little tyre noise with it. The equipment list is decent but a glaring omission is the absence of Bluetooth phone link (even on the options list), something of an issue in the VW range as well. It's even more odd given the inclusion of satnav, which on some VW features list is teamed with the phone link.VERDICTThe price is keen and the DSG/diesel drivetrain will win it many fans, but is up against established opponents - worthy of consideration.SKODA OCTAVIA"A good all-rounder that is worth a look"Price: from $41,790Warranty: 3-year / unlimited kilometreResale: 75% (est.)Service interval: variable, condition-basedSafety: 4-star Euro NCAPEngine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbodiesel, 103kW/320NmBody: five-door wagonWeight: 1550-1570kgTransmission: 6-speed manual and DSG, four-wheel driveThirst: 6.1 L/100km, CO2 160g/km

Getting Skoda circa-1970 mixed up with Skoda 2010 is like mixing up your restaurant table and sitting down with Margaret Thatcher instead of Monica Bellucci. The brand is owned and run by Volkswagen, is the most profitable arm of Volkswagen and regularly gets quality car and value car awards. What kicks it in the nether regions is a belief that it's a discounted Volkswagen and should be cheap. Rubbish!VALUEThe bad news is that someone probably said that Skodas should be cheap because they're made in the Czech Republic. More rubbish. The tech-savvy nation - also known for pilsner and its citizens' ability to drink it in volumes - knows how to build things. If it wasn't for those crazy Russian occupiers in 1968-1990 and their slap-happy assembling technique, Skoda would have always had a quality name.The Octavia wagon here costs $29,290 as a seven-speed DSG automatic. That's not cheap but Skoda has refrained from stripping out the car, including alloys, cruise, eight-speaker iPod-compatible audio, trip computer and for those cold mornings, heated mirrors.As a hauler, the wagon is Tardis-like, being relatively compact on the outside and roomy on the inside.TECHNOLOGYIt doesn't break the automotive mould - having four wheels, an engine and steering wheel - but it has some tricks.The engine is a weeny 1.4 litres but delivers the goods thanks to a turbocharger and, as a $2300 option, the direct-shift gearbox (DSG) transmission that makes the car more fuel efficient than the manual version. The drivetrain comes from Volkswagen's Polo and claims a miserly 6.5 litres/100km (I didn't try and got 7.2 l/100km) with low emissions.The rest of the car is, well, a car.DESIGNYes, the Russians did leave a legacy. Conservative is a word that springs to mind about the wagon's looks. It's functional, unobtrusive but doesn't get your attention in the way that, say, a Kia Sportage drags the eye.Inside it's simple, utterly workable and beautifully assembled. There are hiccups - some switchgear has illegible markings - but the impression is solid, durable and resoundingly one of quality.As mentioned, it's big on the inside with a boot that will accommodate vast volumes of luggage. This massive boot still has a bit left over for a full-size spare - can every other carmaker hear this?SAFETYNo scrimping when it comes to family safety, too. The 90TSI gets six airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel discs and ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and anti-slip regulation. It's all gobbledygook, of course, but it means the Octavia is up there in the safety department with the big boys.Its predecessor has an ANCAP four-star crash rating that appears to have been done before curtain airbags became standard. The test has yet to be repeated.DRIVINGYou wouldn't know this has a 1.4-litre unless you start pushing very hard. The wagon, at 1425kg dry, isn't particularly light but it gets along very smoothly and surprisingly briskly. It will perform well despite four adults aboard - a feat achieved primarily by the low-end performance of the turbocharger and the ratio spread of the gearbox's seven cogs.Most notably, it feels very solid. The feedback through the steering wheel is positive and lacks the vagueness of many similar electro-hydraulic systems. Bumpy roads transmit virtually no noise and fail to produce any hint of body flex. This all results in a wagon that has surprisingly high levels of road adhesion and defies its rather bland appearance by being a bit of a fun car.VERDICTMakes sense for people who want durability, versatility and frugal ownership costs and less of the pizzazz and baubles of some modern cars. It's probably the next best thing to a Peugeot 404 or 504 or Renault 16 of the 1970s.