2008 Skoda Octavia 4X4 review
March 14, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Once cruising though, the noise is nominal and allows for the enjoyment of the vehicle, the fuel economy (6.1 litres / 100km combined average) and a further appreciation of the space on offer. Glance in the mirror and you’ll see that the wagon offers masses of room not only for rear seat passengers, but also for all manner of things you’d possibly wish to carry.
The sunken cargo area with retractable blind and clever hidden side panels make for a large and usable load space with even further versatility offered from flat folding 60/40 rear seats should additional room be required. I had no trouble carrying four small trees and gardening equipment home from the nursery, and even had room left over. If the 660 kilogram payload and acres of space still isn’t enough, you can also tow up to 1700kg (braked).
On the safety front, Škoda has not left you lacking with the whole alphabet rearranged into nifty little three letter bunches of surety. ESP, ABS, EBD, EBC, TCS, EDL, HBA and DSR are all standard, as are dual front, side and curtain airbags. Front seats also get active headrests to prevent whiplash. When last tested the Octavia offered a four star NCAP rating, though Škoda believe small changes should see the next test reach the maximum five star rating.
With good on road manners, nice balance, and pleasant surroundings, the Octavia represents a good buy for the budget concious growing family. If you’re sizing up a wagon and like the sound of all that’s on offer, bundle the wife, kids and dog in to one and go for a test drive, there’s very little not to like.
CarAdvice overall rating: 
How does it drive: 
How does it look:
How does it go:
- Engine: 1.9 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
- Power: 77kW @ 4000rpm
- Torque: 250Nm @ 1900rpm
- Top speed: 181km/h
- Safety: ESP, ABS, Six Air Bags, Traction Control
- 0-100km/h: 12.9 seconds (claimed)
- NCAP rating: Four Stars
- Turning circle: 10.2 metres
- Fuel tank: 55 litres
- Fuel consumption : 6.1 litres / 100km (ADR combined average)
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Weight: 1460kg (Tare)
- Towing Capacity: 1700kg (Braked)
- Ground Clearance: 138mm (Standard) / 163mm (Off-Road Package)
- Wheels: 15″ x 6.0J Alloy
- Warranty: 3 year / Unlimited kilometre
*****************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What boring outdated looking cars yukkkkkkkkkkk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!