Skoda Octavia Reviews

It's official; the middle-size car segment has the best buying not only now, but very probably in our history. No, really.Mazda's unprecedented price cut of what remains the class-leading Mazda6 last week made what was already a keenly priced car a downright bargain.But some people just can't be told. For example, the life-saving virtues of electronic stability programs are known to all who can read, yet they buy the relentlessly average Toyota Corolla — in which ESP is not so much an option.Yet cars of this size are selling over the slightly bigger models that are on the whole safer, as or more fuel efficient, faster, better equipped and — as of this week — cheaper even than small-medium hatchbacks in their own brand's stable.Moreover, the three you see here not only undercut many European models, they're demonstrably better in most respects than those priced up to three times as much.It's new ...Honda Accord EuroPrice: $32,990-$44,990Compared to the sleek first gen Euro, the newly launched model looks a bit ungainly; a bit too American. Incrementally bigger than the first gen model, it starts around a grand cheaper.Can't remember the wacky acronym Honda coined for the steering, but it does feel more even. A more rigid, lower-set body contributes to a flattish cornering stance, so the Euro is now even better when pushing on. So too is the ride/handling compromise, even through the top model's low profile 18-inch rubber.This dynamism is no mean feat, given that the Euro is far heavier than the first gen car, indeed roughly equal to the Thai-built V6 (non-”Euro”) Accord. Not quite sure how Honda justifies the 130kg kerb weight gain across the range, or how they can claim with a straight face that economy has been improved.Lard stifles the top spec five-speed auto Luxury Navi. In practice you need to engage Sport mode to prevent its 1605kg plus passengers lagging on hills. A typically slickHonda six-speed manual would make a good deal more of the still peaky 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine's slightly increased output (148kW/234Nm) and give the Euro some hope of attaining the sub-9L/100km claim.Those extra millimetres are appreciated within, where its comfier now, though tall rear-seat passengers wouldn't fancy it over the long haul.Nor would the driver want upright citizens there — rear vision is already badly restricted.The Navi model gets a reversing camera and you wouldn't fancy backing in a Euro without one.But we'd buy ...Mazda6Price: $27,990-$42,990Now this is how to reinvent an already excellent model.Readers will by now be familiar with the virtues of a car that is better, stronger and faster than its much-admired predecessor.Only four months since its launch, Mazda has sliced the price, from $1750 in the base model Limited sedan up to $3920 off the top-spec Luxury Sport hatch — those who have already bought get free servicing by way of compensation. So not only is the Mazda the more stylish object and more engaging drive, it undercuts the Euro by as much as $5K.Given its breadth of dynamic and practical abilities and that the safety equipment and drivetrain are identical to the top-priced car, the base model is surely the best buy in any segment.Indeed, the 6 also undercuts the top versions of the smaller Mazda3, so you can have a bigger car that's actually more fuel efficient and safer, for less money than the best-selling privately purchased car in Australia.It's a no brainer, the only caveat being that the 6 needs 98 RON to do what it does.And don't forget...Skoda Octavia Elegance 1.8 TFSIPrice: From $30,990God, I love reminding Audiphiles that its Czech cousin in the Volkswagen Group stable packs the same superb engine for $20K less. Always gets a rise, that does.    So no apologies for including a car that for now comes only with a six-speed manual.The turbo-charged direct injection engine is a generation ahead of the atmo power plants offered in the 6 and the Euro. And the arrival next year of a seven-speed version of the twin-clutch DSG will imbue the Skoda with a drivetrain sophistication that the Japanese do not approach.The Octavia's 118kW/250Nm output appears modest, but it grabs all that torque from a diesel-like 1500rpm. An additional $1840 provides 17s and sports suspension, making for a quite discrete and thoroughly enjoyable driver's car.At 1425kg the Octavia is hardly heavier than the VW Golf, on which it's based, and so boasts class-leading petrol consumption of 7.7L/100km — more than a litre better than the Honda and 0.7 under the 6. 

A slightly more rugged version of an already highly capable family wagon. Skoda's Octavia Scout is a mildly ballsier version of the Octavia load-lugger, the mainstay car for central European families that is still rare enough here as to be almost exotic.Punting one for several hundred kilometres from Prague into the Austrian Alps was to appreciate that given Skoda's place in the Volkswagen Group, the Scout could also be a fantastically cheaper take on Audi's $100K-plus Allroad.The Scout is raised 20mm over the standard issue Octavia, given grey plastic protective panels to denote extra-urban intent and equipped with on demand all-wheel-drive.If it lacks the Outback's genuine, if limited bush-bashing ability, the Scout has something Australian issue Subarus conspicuously lack — a diesel donk. To wit, the doughty 2.0-litre four pot oiler with 103kW/320Nm shoves along VW group cars from the Golf to Audi's A4. Also unlike the Outback, the Scout has ample room for backseat passengers taller than 170cm. Luggage space with these people in place is 560 litres and more than 1500 with the seats folded flat.But this version of the four-year-old Octavia comes our way with a six-speed-manual as the sole transmission. Those not appalled by the notion of changing gears for themselves, however, will delight in the easy action of gearstick and clutch.Though this version 2.0 TDI is being surpassed in VW Group autos by a more powerful unit, there's little reason to complain about the fat torque curve that becomes yours from about 1750rpm. The mid-range urge is such that changing down is not always necessary for overtaking as we segue along the freeways and on to B-roads.Czech road surfaces approach our own for coarseness, so little wonder the Skodas we've seen out our way deal with NSW's crude tracks with almost native aplomb.The Scout's more generous suspension travel only enhances an already impressive ride.Open road cruising gets the best from any diesel and even at 160km/h in top gear, the rev counter is barely north of 3000rpm. Save for wind-whistle off the big wing mirrors, occupants aren't audibly aware of its rapid progress.Noise, vibration and harshness are absent, testament to Skoda build quality and a hint of the reliability that independent surveys rate as second only to Lexus. The Octavia range rides on Mark V Golf underpinnings and if the Skoda's interior is a little less polished, it is a happy meeting of comfort and function.After 550km on freeways and B-roads, not quite two thirds of the juice in the 55-litre tank is gone -a ringing endorsement of Skoda's decision to make Australian spec Scouts diesel only. This confirms the suitability of diesel for our wide open spaces and damns oil companies for ruthless mark-ups at the bowsers.Skoda's Scout will be at the Sydney motor show and then go on sale. SKODA OCTAVIA SCOUTPrice: $40,000 (estimated)Engine: 2L/4-cylinder turbo diesel 103kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-driveEconomy: 6.5L/100km 

There might well be a great deal of laughter when I suggest Skoda has thrown down a challenge to the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. They should fear a little the return of Skoda to Australian shores.Certainly, Skoda earned a second-rate reputation when it was last here in the 1980s, but times have changed with this brand as it begins to make a new mark Down Under. Skoda offers what those prestige brands cannot - high standard at a competitive price.Luxury at a reduced rate, that's a key to Skoda's success.And the oil-burning Octavia wagon ought be smack bang at the top of the-cars-to-consider list for those with a budget in mind but a big appetite for features. First, the two-litre turbodiesel, four-cylinder engine - which produces 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque - uses just 6.4 litres of diesel every 100km.It does sound a little agricultural, but there's plenty to like about the seat-slinging kick of this engine and its want to just keep on pulling. The automatic DSG gearbox - my favourite transmission, supplied from Volkswagen - is proof that the parent company has not brushed aside the Czech-based carmaker.While I cringe at the cheap looking Pontiac-like grilles and front ends of the Skoda, this wagon, overall, does not look too bad.The Octavia TDi touring, at $37,790, is a solid and honest wagon, with ample Euro flare and enough class that it is worthy of being a ‘budget' buy for those wanting to keep up with the Joneses.While it is no BMW, Mercedes or Audi, and for some it won't compare with the French and Italian offerings in the segment, Skoda Octavia will have appeal based on price.  

Skoda returned to Australia last October with a range of well-equipped models. They are not essentially bad cars, borrowing bits from Volkswagen's huge buying power, but the execution has perhaps not been as perfect as it could have and the pricing in certain offerings leaves us a bit cold.We drove several models, both the basic Ambiente trim and Elegance.Basic trim levels are good with reasonable features, while Elegance adds a comprehensive list of extras including auto lights, auto wipers, reversing sensors, cruise control, faux carbon fibre trim and trip computer. Our test cars included the basic models up to the RS.You can also add various options such as those added to the Elegance sedan that blow the price out. It was tuned with sports suspension, had a wheel package added, satnav and a sunroof which took the normal $33,290 price up to more than $45,000.For all the froth and bubble, the bottom line is that on first appraisal the Octavia, in its many forms, feels like a $25,000 car.Allowing for all the kit, the Elegance sedan really is over-the-odds on price.This German-owned Czech brand remains hobbled by a fair degree of invisibility to most potential buyers.Now we may be wrong but in this mid-sized segment which the Japanese own through the Toyota Camry/Aurion and the Mazda6, Skoda would hardly register on the radar.Allowing for all that the Octavia does have redeeming features. The liftback model is very versatile. Fold the rear seats flat and there's enough room for furniture. The boot alone is 560 litres and pumps out to a whopping 1420 litres with the seat down.The warranty is a respectable three years/unlimited kilometres with roadside assist and service every 15,000km.All transmissions are smooth but the six-speed automatic direct shift gearbox (DSG), direct from VW and Audi is the pick of them.The two-litre petrol engine is a bit of a screamer, and both turbo-diesels have annoying initial lag, then a substantial boost from just off idle that tugs at the steering wheel. The 1.9-litre diesel runs out of breath a little early, while the 2-litre pulls further up the rev range.While the ride is quite compliant even with the optional firmer suspension, there are seemingly ever-present traces of engine, suspension and road noise filtering into the cabin.The front-wheel drivers have crisp handling, although there is a little more understeer on the diesels with their heavier steel engines up front. The interior is quite smart, and everywhere you look there are switches and buttons and dials from the Audi and VW spare parts bin. Nothing wrong with that either.Fuel economy on our tests was close to the claimed figures for each model, even though we gave some a few spirited charges.Apart from awareness, the biggest issue Skoda has with the Octavia, which incidentally is coming to the end of its model life with an all-new car coming next year, is price. It does not seem to be right.And while there is a little bit of an improvement at both ends of the range — the 1.9-litre diesel and Octavia RS wagon — there still seems to be something missing from the menu.Yes, it has a bit more grunt and is a little bit flashy here and there but it remains a little soft compared with a hot Audi or VW.While they were all a pleasurable drive, there was a distinct lack of wow factor.Even the RS seemed a little tame to be sporting such a badge. Nothing really hits you in the face in terms of flash badging in the cabin, either.In fairness the RS wagon is a tidy package for a tick under $40,000 and a whole lot cheaper than buying a turbo Audi A4 wagon.If you have your hearts set on one you can do a lot worse.But then there is the issue of resale down the track.What price you will get in two years is anyone's guess, although the diesel models are bound to attract better residuals.

So the fact that it's among the best value cars of any type to be had in a market that's fairly glutted by choice is known to but a few. The top model Octavia mid-size car is not so much a slightly cheaper alternative to Volkswagen's Jetta, with which it shares drivetrains and underpinnings, but a bargain Audi A4.Yet closing in on six months since the venerable VW-owned Czech marque was reintroduced through limited outlets, the merits of the two model line-up are whispered between the knowing and the wise.If motor hacks aren't necessarily among the latter, we generally know a good thing when we see it. While in the case of the Roomster — an unorthodox sort of hatchback/people-mover crossover — it's a case of looking hard, the diesel version was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2007.As for the Octavia, it's more a question of looking for the wood among the trees, so varied is the line-up. Try 16 of them, with a choice of five engines (two diesel), three transmissions, three trim and spec levels and two shapes (wagon and sedan/hatch) priced from $29,990 to $39,490 plus options.And, when manual-matic DSG transmissions become available for the petrol cars later this year, that list will top 20. Essentially there's an Octavia to suit most purposes, from the doughty and dutiful entry-level 1.9-litre turbodiesel to the sportiest wagon for anything like the money.The latter is the one designated RS. Our other favourite Octavia runs the newish 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine.In wagon or hatchback format (the so-called sedan's rear lid hinges at the roof), it deserves consideration with everything from the same engined Audi A3 to the new Mazda6.But it's hard to the go past the RS that uses the engine and manual transmission from the Golf GTI, especially when it exerts the lure of the electric blue wagon we borrowed earlier this month.While Skoda plans a threefold expansion of its dealer network in 2008, a more immediate solution to the prevailing anonymity would be to drive them around a bit. We hadn't so much as reached the exit of Skoda's Botany bunker before the first passers-by asked just what it was.Later, parked hard by our Holt St offices, the hourly duck downstairs to foil the City of Sydney's rapacious parking plods led to more questions from a procession of colleagues.To and froing along Parramatta Rd and the Far From Great Western Highway was almost to constitute a public menace, so obviously were the eyes of other motorists straying in the Skoda's direction.The unkind might suggest that this was down to mystification rather than fixation, but the RS wagon — slightly lowered, with its silver roof rails, discrete sportif touches and enigmatic badging — is discreetly attractive.Inside, the cost-saving measures as compared to the Jetta are evident to the extent that there are no metal accents around the controls or damping in the grab handles. So what?Skoda holds Top Gear magazine's manufacturer of the year award and in European reliability surveys the Czechs are usually bettered only by the likes of Lexus. Volkswagen would like to rate so well.The RS ambience is bolstered by seats in two-tone cloth/leather. The front pews are excellent — both comfortable and supportive — and the driver's seat is highly adjustable, as is the steering wheel.Whereas a Golf's instruments are lit in blue, the Octavia's illuminate in the same green as its arrow badge.A sportwagon though it is, it's also a highly practical device, with 560litres space in the back, and 1400 with the rear seats folded flat.The best part of the RS, though, is in what it shares with the GTI. Apart from the active/passive safety package that guarantees a five-star crash safety rating, there's the superb 2.0-litre direct injection turbo four and that sweet shifting manual transmission.Though at 1400kg unladen it's 60kg heavier than the VW and a good deal bigger, the RS loses surprisingly little to the extraordinarily accomplished GTI. The same driver would be hard put driving the Octavia through the same twisting roads quite so sharply as the Golf, but the Skoda is the more predictable and forgiving device, even if the feel through the steering wheel is not so true.There's slightly more compliance to the Skoda's ride, but also a surety about the tautened suspension that's enjoyable even before the grip of the standard 18-inch rubber is tested.At freeway speeds there's some booming in the elongated glasshouse and the road rumble is not so effectively suppressed as it is by VW.The upside is the tasty note of that turbo-charged engine is more audible.If the RS is in essence a gussied up front-wheel-drive family lugger, there's nothing half-baked about its execution. Less tangibly, there's also the perception of driving something that only those who know will recognise as a clever choice.Much the same sense, in fact, as was conveyed by the GTI before it become almost ubiquitous. But don't tell anyone. It's a secret. The bottom lineThe best value, most fun wagon for anything like the dough.

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