2008 Skoda Octavia 4X4 review
March 14, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Škoda Octavia Ambiente 4X4 TDI Review
Škoda Octavia Czechs all the boxes
Model tested:
- 2008 Škoda Octavia Ambiente 4X4 1.9 litre turbo diesel six-speed manual – $35,490 RRP
- Metallic Paint: $630 (Fitted); Xenon Headlamps: $1730; Sunroof: $1730; Parking Sensors (F&R): $990; Alarm: $540; Satellite Navigation: $2890; Off Road Package: TBA
AWD Grip, Fuel Economy, Fit and Finish
Mild Performance, Engine Noise, Brand Obscurity
CarAdvice rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
It’s not often a new comer is treated with as much enthusiasm as Škoda, and so far the Czech brand’s arrival has been met with deserved praise for offering a thoroughly decent vehicle at a competitive price. I was therefore very keen to try it for myself and see if this new kid on the bloc (pun intended) was as good as I’d been led to believe.
For my introduction to the marque, I was handed the keys to what is arguably the ideal family wagon. The Octavia Ambiente 4X4 TDI is a handsome full sized wagon and Czechs all the boxes (sorry couldn’t help myself) so far as meeting the needs of a perspicacious family buyer.
It’s safe, well built, generously proportioned, economic and perhaps best of all slightly different to all the cars your friends own. Something not to be frowned upon when the essence of the car’s background is inherently Volkswagen. So with that said just what is it about our little Czech mate (I’ll stop now) that has earned its standing.
Outside, you could be forgiven for thinking the Octavia looks slightly familiar with many of Volkswagen’s styling cues from a couple of years back still evident in the overall appearance of the car. Perhaps a little lacking in character, it’s nonetheless attractive enough not to raise any eyebrows.
From the inside as well it’s clear to anyone who’s been privy to ride in an Audi or VW that an air of affinity exists in the layout, especially in that of the switchgear and instrumentation, which shares much of its componenture with the family namesake.
*****************primo***********************
Looks like an AVALON front on!
Good explanation of the power and torque characteristics.
What boring outdated looking cars yukkkkkkkkkkk
*****PRIMO!*****
You know orphan brands? [read Proton]well this is a Euro one! :-)
Cheers
F-0
I have just bought one of these – WHAT A GREAT CAR! I went from a Porsche Boxter (I know what your thinking) I find it fun to drive and its so practical – especially after having a roadster. I would recomend this car to anyone as it grips well, its comfortable and I think it looks great.
In these days of “200 killer wasps” it’s hard to imagine that a car this size with just 77kws would be a good drive especially after jumping out of a Porsche. I suppose it’s all about the delivery.
Definitely a lot of car for 35k i.e quality build/materials,TDI,AWD,Wagon,size etc.
Couldn’t resist F-O. ha ha.
I will be interested when the Scout comes out here…a good competitior to the Subaru outback. The Scout is the wagon with raised driving height and AWD.
Excellent unbiased review.
I’d sign the czech.
love it
250Nm isn’t exactly anything to write home about, especially for a diesel driving a 1500kg vehicle… In fact, I’d say its quite poor. And is AWD really necessary for a car with such little power and torque?
The 1.9 engine is an incredibly economical bit of kit, not the fastest but given its not under the strain of lotsa power like the 2.0litre 105Kw version it should be dead reliable. I personally would stick with a higher output. This is a great car for pulling trailers and boats. Pity about the dated looks and this Octavia is a couple og years away from being replaced with a new model.
Morning babe………..how is ya?
All fine BM. Been away in London village on business looking at smelly old petrol stations and sitting in their awfull traffic jams. It amazes me why London is so popular, its a dump…
ya think……….I love London……New York,thats a dump babe!
Central London, Westminster yeh maybe. Next time you go try Lewisham, Brixton, Peckham…I’d fancy me chances more down the Gazza Strip.
Welcome to 10 years ago! God, how I hate Skoda styling. Everything else seems good, but their design department needs some serious inspiration.
D10N – have a look at the new Roomster, strange but not boring, then have a look at the nex Superb, really nice. This car is an old 5plus year design. Durr
i currently have an RS octavia wagon and i have to say before you guys knock these cars maybe you should drive them, inside they have all of volkswagens latest bits, the latest engine tech and brakeing systems!
I was fortunant enough to take most of the skoda range for a test and have to say the 1.9 was quite impressive, passed car with ease and gave good fuel economy.
Yeah they look a little dated but not 10 years dated! i have to say i have been very impressed with them, i have had volkswagens, mercs and audis for a long time and i have to say take a skoda for a test drive, you will be blown away like me!
They look good value to me. I can’t help noticing that the engine is the same unit as found in my Golf, as appears to be the heat and a/c controls, gearbox, indicator stalks and, obviously, many other bits besides as they are essentially the same car.
I bet I could drive this blind-folded. I hand-on-heart vouch for the road-worthiness of the 1.9 litre Diesel. To the doubters, it’s a surprise packet in every department; economy, flexibility, overtaking, even leaving other drivers for dead around town, so long as I’m in the right gear( :) ).
With the higher weight of this car, you might well make a case for the 2.0 litre diesel, but for 35 grand…can’t complain.
yeah golfschwein, i came from a vw to an audi bac to a vw and now to theis skoda and it is exactly like a golf! but i have to say this thing has shocked the pants off me!
I have just bought one of these ,but with 2litre diesel motor and what a superb,well constructed machine it is,,,,,,why they didnt provide a 2 litre model to test amazes me,it is a far superior drive.The quality and solidity of the car is amazing for the cost, $40k drive away.
Also so many comments on what ahandsome look it has ,so un japanes.
Well built ,heaps of torque,loads of space and brilliant Czeck engineering,construction quality it is a classic and the wanker who puts it into the same class as a Proton has no idea of what constitutes a quality product,stick to your Ford Falcons mate.
Love Is
With so many quality euro’s on the market the Skoda will have limited appeal. Looks like a reborn rover. Performance is very 80s – not up to today’s standards. After warranty maintenance will be a lot higher as spare parts will be hard to come by. $40k gets a local LPG wagon with better performance & comfort. At least the bonnet doesn’t open to the side!!!
which better in quality and performance vw jetta or skoda octavia ? it’s very confusing can anybody help me!