2009 Skoda Octavia at MIMS
February 27, 2009 by Matt Brogan
The new Skoda Octavia, due for release in March, is on display from this morning at the Melbourne International Motor Show.
Transformed from front-to-rear, the new Octavia is reshaped featuring bolder headlamps, more robust grille and a one piece bumper up front with new tail lamp covers and rear bumper with recessed ‘cat eyes’.
Inside a new steering wheel, dashboard, HVAC controls and trim inserts combine with a new console and upholstery fabrics to present a fresher, more open feel while at the same time increasing comfort and ease of operation.
Rear leg room has also been slightly increased while large doors make it easy to get in and out of the car.
The tailgate of the Liftback makes storing bulky luggage in the boot a simple task. With a capacity of 560 litres in the Liftback and 580 litres in the Wagon, it sets a benchmark for volume in its class. Folding down the rear bench extends the boot volume to a remarkable 1420 litres, a capacity which expands to 1620 litres on the new Octavia Wagon.
Two petrol and one diesel engine are available in the new Octavia with a 1.6-litre, four cylinder petrol (75kW/148Nm); 2.0-litre, four cylinder diesel (103kW/320Nm) and 1.8-litre turbo charged four cylinder (118kW/250Nm) on offer.
The 1.8-litre turbo is also available with an optional seven-speed DSG transmission.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Print it: 
yet ford could not give the new territory a new set of headllights
Makes you wonder just how cheaply Skoda are going to have to price the 2007, 2008
models that remain unsold .Just how much longer can they stay in Australia and not sell cars?
Those engine specs mentioned in the article, are they for downunder, because who in Oz would buy a 1.6 petrol Octavia?
That 1.8 litre engine is the same engine used in the current Audi A4. I have never seen a Skoda on the road or seen any car dealer that sells Skoda. Until recently, I did not even know what is a “Skoda”. Do they sell these cars in Australia?
The 1.6 petrol sounds wheezy. That’s the same powerplant they put in the smaller and lighter Roomster which is already a slug. Can’t imagine what it’ll do for the larger Octavia. I’d say the 1.8T with the 7 spd DSG is probably the pick of the bunch in terms of decent performance without a significant penalty at the pumps. I think prices will increase due to the slump in AUD against the EURO though they should still remain relatively competitive against other Europeans within the category
Unlike SEAT of a few years ago, Skoda have the full backing of VW Australia who state skoda are here for the long haul. Granted, they defintely need the Fabia light car asap to get them more volume at the lower end of the market and the fact you couldn’t get the 1.8T in auto guise didn’t help either, but hopefully that will change now.
As an owner of a 1.9TDI Octavia Wagon, i can vouch for its quality, reliability and comfort. I’ve done two trips from Melbourne to Brisbane and averaged 5.4L per 100klms.
Looks wise…yes, a little bland, i won’t deny that, but i like it. After all, looks are a personal preference.
I have to say the Octavia is bland to look at and extremely rare on the roads. Having said that I jumped from a mark 5 GTI to an Octavia 1.8 wagon for family reasons.
I have to say that whilst the GTI was brilliant on every level and extremely good value for money the Octavia isn’t the huge disaster I was imagining. It’s nicely screwed together, comfortable and the engine and drive train are excellent, I don’t mind it getting a bit of physical abuse from the kids or morons who can’t park straight as I didn’t break the bank buying it, my only grumble is that I wish I had optioned the sports suspension.
My better half who is a badge snob wanted at A4 / 3 series wagon appreciates the space / comfort and even the fact that there aren’t many on the road
Skoda is an honest product and makes the overpriced and overspeced Citroen, Pug, Alfa, and Renault models look like a rip off (and probably won’t depreciate quiet as much over 3 years)
Hi Pom
Glad you’re liking the Octavia. I do agree with you on the looks front, but i wanted a diesel wagon and needed the space and mine has fitted the bill perfectly.
Anyway, the 1.8T engine is the same as in a much more expensive A4!
Have a soft spot for the old Octavia, its complete lack of pretension is admirable.
This is the first Octavia I have actually like looks-wise. The old shape was very ordinary.
It will always be little brother to Passat in VAG’s portfolio. But if they get the pricing right the TDI should sell well.
I don’t know why, but there is alot of negativety when it comes to Skodas being sold in Australia. Idiots come on and say tonnes of bad things, and yet they have no idea about any Skoda because they haven’t had an experience with them.
E.g. Simonsez says “Makes you wonder just how cheaply Skoda are going to have to price the 2007, 2008
models that remain unsold .Just how much longer can they stay in Australia and not sell cars?”
Firstly, Skoda sales are climbing every month (at last check they sold 117 in November) and what new car company to Australia immediately sells in the thousands? THOUGHT SO.
This issue is close to me as I love my Octavia RS, and think its one of the best cars out there. You simply CANNOT beat the Skoda value-for-money equation.
So, idiots of Australia, do not come onto this website (or any other) and say negative things about any Skoda as I doubt you’ve had any experience with them AT ALL.
Right on jake02 , great car the rs , loving mine the more i drive it , loosening up with each kilo .
Yes i get the same stupid remarks as i smile back at them .
One calais driver sniggered , and then remarked how many problems he had with his GM wunder car .
Jake – It’s not limited to the Australians, My wife had a 1.9TDI Superb as a company car, Whe we moved to Australia is sat in the car pound as no-one wanted it. On out return a year later sadly it had got snapped up, the then user said it was briliant or should I say “Superb”. It was. Not as good as the A6 I had at the time but cost half the price.
Under-rated by most yes.