Skoda Octavia Car Review

FamilyCar Rating Styling Performance Value EcoFriendly Safety Overall Rating Model Reviewed Octavia Liftback 2.0 TDI Auto $35,790* Base price Options Fitted Parking Distance Rear $990 What we liked Storage and boot space, power What we didn’t Bland exterior styling

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Review

The Skoda brand, now steered by the Volkswagen Group, is one of the newest entrants into the Australian market. The Skoda Octavia is similar in size to the VW Passat and looks pretty similar, particularly from the rear. However it is not as refined and contemporary as the Passat, both inside and out. You will however have money left in your pocket if you buy the Octavia over the Passat.

The Octavia is available in 2 model styles, the Liftback and Wagon. We test drove the Liftback. It looks like a sedan, but has the convenience of a large hatch. The Liftback is available with different engine variants including petrol/diesel and manual/automatic. We test drove the 103kW 2.0 litre turbo diesel 6 speed auto.

Driver’s View

The first thing I noticed was the incredible responsive diesel engine and smooth gear box. You only needed to put your foot down lightly and the odometer would head towards 80kms in the blink of en eye. This was refreshing as some diesels can be a little sluggish off the mark. The car feels solid and safe and holds the road well. The downside to the drive is that I found the engine a little noisy.

Visibility is good from all angles, particularly the rear, thanks to the large rear window. The car test driven was fitted with rear parking sensors, which for an extra $990 is well worth it.

Cruise control and rain sensing wipers are standard and audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel. You can change your radio station easily with the touch screen entertainment system-with a 6 stack CD player.

Safety

The Octavia has achieved a 4 star ANCAP safety rating (out of 5). There is a long list of safety features as standard including driver and front passenger front and side airbags and curtain airbags; EDB; ESP; and ABS with Brake Assist.

Another feature I love is the diagram of the car in the dash that lights up if any of the doors or boot is still open. No more having to ask everyone to check their door to see who has left theirs open.

Storage

The designers of this car obviously subscribe to my belief that you can never have too many storage spaces. The boot is huge for starters. Inside the car there are pockets in each door (with bottle holders in the front pockets), a storage compartment hidden under the front passenger seat, a sunglasses holder in the roof, a centre console box, 2 front cup holders and a large glove box. There are also pockets on the back of the front seats and a rear armrest with a storage compartment.

There are some clever storage features including 2 hooks in the boot to hang your shopping bags, a netted area in the boot to place small items so they don’t roll around and a nifty little storage compartment on the side of the front seats.

Family Friendly

The Octavia Liftback has a lot going for it for families. Firstly it’s got a large boot. Correction, enormous boot. There is also plenty of leg and headroom in the rear seat. Add to this a healthy list of safety features and plenty of storage options and it adds up to great package to lug the kids, sporting gear and shopping around in!

A couple of features (which I think should be on all family cars) are a centrally controlled window and door lock button. The door lock stops the kids from automatically opening the door in potentially unsafe situations.

EcoFriendly

Being a diesel, you’re going to spend less time at the petrol station. Which is good for your wallet and the environment. The 2.0 litre diesel consumes 6.4 litres per 100kms combined cycle and emits 169 grams CO2 per km, which is on the mid to low side.

Overall View

The Skoda Octavia Liftback is a good package for a family or those who need a big boot. The quality of Skoda vehicles has had a remarkable transformation since the VW Group has taken ownership. With high levels of safety, good space & storage and value for money, it’s well worth a test drive.

 If you are considering this car you may also like to test drive the Mazda6, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Ford Mondeo.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	Driver and front passenger front and side airbags, curtain airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
ESP:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	6
CD player:	8 speaker CD player with MP3 compatibility
Air conditioning:	Yes, dual zone climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed auto
Engine:	2.0 litre
Fuel type:	Turbo Diesel
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	6.4 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	169gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	7/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP safety rating:
Warranty:	3 year unlimited kms with 24 hour roadside assistance
Price:	$36,780*

*Manufacturer's RRP. Excludes dealer delivery and statutory government costs.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your Skoda dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: February 2010

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye