2009 Skoda Octavia – First Steer
March 21, 2009 by Paul Maric
2009 Skoda Octavia - First Steer
- by Paul Maric
Skoda, Skoda, SKODA! Remember that name; the brand is here to stay.
It was very brave of Volkswagen to launch the Skoda brand in Australia last year (2008), despite the fact that the main model it was launching, the Octavia, was two breaths away from tapping out.
The Octavia II as it’s more affectionately known overseas has been on the European market since 2004. Skoda essentially launched in Australia with a four-year-old car. With the backing of Volkswagen though, it has been keen to push on and I must say, the persistence is certainly paying off.
The first thing you will notice about the new Octavia is a much prettier face. The designers have gone to work on the nose, altering the headlight cluster, grille and many other aspects, which plagued the dated previous model.
Walking around the exterior of the car, you no longer feel like you are staring at a car amalgamated from used Volkswagen parts. The car no longer feels like the brother of a rock star, it has its own character now and is being developed as a proper Skoda.
For those still curious about the Skoda brand, consider this. In 2008, Skoda ranked number two on the J D Power and Associates Study. It placed only second to Lexus in terms of customer satisfaction with the vehicle. Although it hasn’t been in Australia for a considerable amount of time, it is well respected overseas with people who have experienced the brand.
Prior to the new Octavia, Skoda’s entry-level model was a diesel; this time around the company has gone for a petrol variant to open the range. This is the breakdown of the models on the Australian market:
- 1.6-litre Liftback (Hatch) and Wagon – five-speed manual/six-speed auto
- 1.8TSI Liftback (Hatch) and Wagon – six-speed manual/seven-speed DSG
- 2.0TDI Liftback (Hatch) and Wagon – six-speed manual/six-speed DSG
The seven-speed DSG is the same gearbox used in the VW Golf VI range. Rated at 250Nm, the gearbox is only used in the 1.8-litre TSI variant. The outgoing six-speed DSG on the other hand is rated at 350Nm and is used solely in Skoda’s 2.0-litre TDI range.
It’s certainly confusing, but the changes are designed to optimise performance and efficiency.
Although some interior changes are hard to spot, the most obvious are the steering wheel, interior layout of buttons and features and white backlit illumination, opposed to the traditional green.
In terms of technology upgrades, the new Octavia now features the Volkswagen Group RNS510 multimedia system. Standard on the 1.8TSI and 2.0TDI, the system uses a 6.5-inch colour LCD screen, accepts six CDs and has provisions for an SD card, MP3 music files and optional satellite navigation.
1.6 –
The first cab off the rank, so to speak, is the Octavia 1.6, and powering the base model is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine, which was used in the outgoing Golf.
Delivering 75kW and 148Nm, the engine uses a relatively miserly 7.8-litres of fuel per 100km. It comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox, but can be optioned with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Zero to 100km/h takes around 12.3 seconds for the manual and 14.1 seconds for the automatic.
The relatively archaic engine features just two-valves per cylinder and we ware guessing that it would struggle to pull the Octavia’s 1.4-tonne mass.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to drive the only Octavia 1.6 at the launch because it was reserved for another journalist.
Beginning at $26,990 for the five-speed manual Liftback, the six-speed automatic costs an additional $2300 and the Wagon is an additional $2000 on top of Liftback pricing. The Octavia 1.6 is very well equipped. Standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels; power windows all round; air-conditioning; leather wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; eight-speaker stereo; cruise control and cooled centre storage.
Safety features, which are standard across the entire range, include six airbags – dual front; front side and full length curtain airbags, along with stability control with ABS, EBD and ASR.
Also fitted to the Octavia range is an electro-mechanical steering setup. The system draws a maximum of just 4.1Nm, equating to savings of around 2.0-litres/1000km or 0.2-litres/100km.
Skoda decided to introduce this model into the range as it felt some people still weren’t convinced by diesel technology, plus the comparative price of diesel fuel to petrol.
1.8TSI –
This is the model I spent most time in, firstly in the Liftback and then in the Wagon. One thing for sure, you’re not going to notice much difference at all between the Liftback and the Wagon in terms of handling.
As soon as you climb aboard, you feel right at home. The interior carries a pleasant ambience with dark colours contrasted with silver highlights along the dashboard and centre console.
The seating position is comfortable both in the front and rear. The steering and seating positions are infinitely adjustable, catering for people of all sizes.
The new steering wheel size has helped with handling the car in tight parking situations. The old wheel was quite curved and sometimes a bit awkward to hold onto.
New steering wheel controls also add to the other intuitive features of the car. Buttons have been replaced with wheels on occasions, while other buttons are far more logical.
Controls for changing the dual-zone cabin temperature now also appear on the LCD screen; indicating fan speed, vent directions and selected temperature. The new screen is also much easier to read now with larger font and vibrant colours.
The rest of the interior is relatively familiar territory though.
Powering the 1.8TSI is a 1.8-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that produces 118kW and 250Nm, and the engine sips through just 6.7-litres/100km when coupled with the seven-speed DSG. Yes, it’s an incredible fuel efficiency figure and it’s most certainly not a typo.
Weighing in at 1495kg, the 1.8TSI moves along quite briskly when pushed. There is noticeable torque steer on B-grade roads, but it’s not uncontrollable or intrusive. The 0-100km/h dash is taken care of in 7.8-seconds.
The suspension has been tailored for comfortable driving and does an impressive job. Over the corrugated B-roads the launch traversed there were numerous occasions where the European car shone. Potholes are absorbed with great ease, while mid-corner road damage doesn’t impact the car’s direction of travel.
If you decide to start stretching the car’s legs you reach a point where there is a comfortable split between fun, comfort and road holding. Although the Octavia won’t set the world on fire, it’s quite capable when punted through some corners.
Sweeping bends are the Octavia’s best friend, while tight and sudden turns tend to push the Octavia’s nose wide, especially if you jump onto the throttle before you’re done with the bend.
The brakes are quite capable, with the 1.6 receiving 280mm front brakes and 260mm rear brakes, while the 1.8TSI and 2.0TDI get 288mm front brakes and 260mm at the rear. A descent through the Adelaide hills really exercised the brakes and although they won’t hold up with hours of torture, they seemed to do a good job with 15 minutes of spirited driving.
In addition to the Octavia 1.6, the 1.8TSI gets dual-zone climate control; six-disc CD player with auxiliary socket; heated and folding side wing mirrors; automatic headlights; fog lights; automatic dimming rear vision mirror and rain sensing windscreen wipers.
Unfortunately though, the Octavia requires 98RON petrol, meaning that each refill can be quite pricey when you take into account this fuel’s premium over 91RON.
The 1.8TSI’s pricing begins from $31,490 for the six-speed manual Liftback, with the seven-speed DSG being a $2500 option, and again the Wagon is an additional $2000 on top of Liftback pricing.
2.0TDI –
The frugal member of the group is the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel that produces 103kW and 320Nm, which means this miserly oil-burner chews through just 5.7-litres/100km. It moves from 0-100km/h in a ‘not too bad’ 9.6-seconds, adding to its credentials.
Much like the Golf range, driving the diesel variant of the Octavia is a totally different experience to the 1.8TSI petrol variant.
The relatively quiet diesel comes on boost quite early, meaning there is very little noticeable turbo lag, which is often associated with turbocharged diesel motors.
Again, there is an element of torque steer when you jump onto the throttle, but like I said earlier, it’s quite manageable and doesn’t hinder the drive.
Although the diesel is the heaviest of the bunch at 1525kg, it is more than capable of attempting overtake maneuvers with confidence.
The rest of the package feels much the same as the 1.8TSI though, considering they’re equipped with the same level of features.
Conclusion –
To some degree not all that much has changed with the new Octavia and it’s pretty much the same formula as last time, a very affordable vehicle that appeals to those who aren’t overly brand conscious.
That’s certainly not a bad thing though. The Octavia has always represented great value for money, it seems that you can rarely fault the Octavia as it ticks all the boxes and does almost everything right.
The only gripe I had with the outgoing package was the somewhat bland design. This has been addressed with the redesign, so it’s really hard to consider anything else after driving the Octavia.
Drop in to your local dealer and have a poke and play inside the new model, it’s the type of car that needs to be seen to be believed!
EDIT: Skoda has contacted us to advise the 1.8TSI will run on 95RON PULP. 98RON PULP is recommended for maximum power and fuel efficiency. Likewise, the 1.6 entry level model will run on 91RON petrol.
Print it: 
We’ve all made the mistake of paying too much for something and regretting it later , so there is no need for the Skoda owners on this forum to feel quite so defensive . The level of sales for Skoda in Australia to date is extremely poor and this fact alone is all I need to support my belief that they came into our market some $4000 per vehicle too high.
This is hard to follow when you can see that VW are perfectly capable of ultra competitive pricing; with the Passat R36 being some $30,000 cheaper in Australia than the Mercedes and BMW models which are its direct competitors in Europe.
I’d love to know the thought processes of those execs who made the decision on the Octavia’s initial pricing in Australia. It’s still not too late for them to change their minds.
From my experience the VW product is a little cheaper for good reason.
It is cheapened up rubbish.
I have a current Passat TDI and it is by far the worst VW I have owned.
And I have owned 4.
Around 2003 VW’s accountants began to hold sway on fitting the cars out
and they just became cheap. Promised a lot but delivered little in the way of quality.
From what I have seen of Skoda you are getting a fit and finish that harks back to VW
from 6 or so years ago. Whilst the price is similar you get better fit and finish and usually
more tech and fruit for your dollar. Also they are made in Europe.
As for those comparing these cars to Mazda et al there is no contest.
The NVH of a Mazda 3 is based on a 75 Trabant.
And for those dissing the Epica style front, it is ok in my book, anyway the Epica was styled by an Aussie.
Projet-l, you mentioned in a previous thread that you had owned a Golf and it was a bad experience.
If VWs are so bad, why on earth would you buy four of them??
I smell a BS story.
No BS mate,
go back to the story and check.
Didn’t say anything against the Golf. 05 TDI comfortline with all options.
I think I mentioned, but if I didn’t I will say it now, that I got out of the Golf due to
the lack of space due to new baby.
It was a good car. Go check the same spec Golf between 05 and 06
and you will see what I mean.
Volkswagen publicly announced back then that they were
gonna start cost cutting, as the MkV was too expensive to build.
I got another VW as it got a better trade as I was early in the contract.
Your sense of smell is off mate.
Simonsez you are correct about the $4000 over price .
When negotiating with the VW/SKODA dealer it was pretty obvious there was big discounts are on offer for the skoda , not so the golf ,even without a trade car .
Having previously owned a golf gti , i was keen to replace the liberty 30r wagon with another golf , but the head kept telling me i needed a wagon .
Then i took the plunge on the rs wagon , the difference in trade in valuation , up $4000 higher for the skoda , no movement on the golf gti .
So do you list the rs wagon at $40,000 or $36000 , i dont know , all tis did not deter me from buying as the drive in the rs is 95% of the gti and its top build inside and out .
if you really really think about it, all cars that come into the country are alot cheaper, its just that the taxes etc that are added to them make them so much more expensive.
Skodas don’t need to be made $4000 cheaper, as $33,690 for my Octavia RS sedan seems very nice, but unrealistic. $27,000 for an Octavia 1.8TSI sedan seems even more unrealistic.
People like Simonsez and ChineseDriver are personally attacking Skoda owners (like Will, Jake02 and I) because we apparently bought our Skodas because we made the mistake of paying too much for something. I couldn’t disagree more. If we thought they were too expensive, we wouldn’t have bought them.
The equivalent VW’s are much more expensive for the same levels of equipment. And as far as I can see, the Skoda badge represents the same level of prestige etc as VW in Europe (as people in Europe have started to realise that the VW quality hasn’t been as good as it once was in 2002-ish – Golf IV).
Stick to driving Toyotas, it really seems that anything European made (not applying to you ChineseDriver as you drive a VW) is too exciting, and that a massive fuss is made over them. Skoda in Australia is meant to be a brand that represents fantastic value for money, great build quality, resonable-to-good levels of performance/handling and fantastic practicality on every model. End of story.
Seems that it is quite ok to call people idiots on this site after all.So, Jake02,Will, Ritchie
you really are a pack of Skoda drivers.Does that make you all feel better.Rest assured ,now that I realise that personal abuse is fine I’ll be responding in kind (but more effectively you’ll find).Still watching a site where someone has 61 used Skodas to sell dating back to 2007. I’ll pick one up when the price is low enough.Boys, they’re just cars, not too flash but well enough made; it’s just that the vast majority of Aussie punters know nothing about them. Probably better not to make too many assumptions about someone you’ll (hopefully) never meet btw.
Looks like a mid 90’s Lancia Lybria wagon, especially from the side, back and rear quarters.
Whats good for the Europeans doesn’t mean it will be accepted locally.
RESALE VALUES will always be in the minds of disconcerning Aussie buyers and with a backdrop of a shaky new car market people will stay away from new players to the market with NO BRAND EQUITY.
Nothing wrong with the cars themselves just a matter of launching at the wrong time.
Look what happened to SEAT they pulled out of Oz after just a few years.
How long can SKODA survive in OZ, only time will tell?
Take one for a test drive !
The 1.8 TSI with DSG is brilliant.
I currently have a Aurion zr6 & I found the Octavia to be a much nicer more involving drive – the engine & gearbox work brilliantly together.
We will be ordering one next week.
Jas
This is more an advertisement than a review.
The wife & I had been looking at buying a new Mazda 6 Turbo diesel wagon, and was told by an “open minded” friend to have a look at the Skoda as a comparison. After Test driving the older 1.8TDI (auto), the new 1.8TFSI (auto), the 2.0 TDI ( 108kw Auto), the RS 2.0 TDI ( 125kw manual ) & the RS 2.0 TFSI (147kw manual), as well as the Mazda 6 2.5 petrol Auto (Wagon) & 2.2Turbo diesel (Wagon & Sports Luxury Hatch).
I’d never really checked out Skoda before or knew much about them, but now a couple of weeks down the track I’ve been very surprised.
So much so I’m actually favouring Skoda over the Mazda. I mean I’d be happy with either car being parked in my shed, but I feel the RS engines put a bigger smile on my face compared to the mazda, even though the 2.2 turbo diesel mazda has more kw & torque, the 2.0TDI RS skoda motor seems to deliver more punch.
The front of the RS models also look a little better then the standard Octavia too.
All comes down to personal choice I guess, but if I end up buying a Skoda, trust me I’ll still be a happy person I’m sure!
RE THE 98 RON ISSUE
Had you all ever thought that there is a reason WHY all those petrol engines should use 98RON? I dont think it is because they have shares in the oil companies. Maybe, just maybe they run better on 98 RON.
Case in point – I had an AUDI and it cost me about $5 more to fill up with 98 RON, but I saved $12 per tank over STD unleaded because I got 100km further – a saving of about 10 litres. So there you go. It’s more economical to run on 98 RON so I wish everyone would stop complaining about the VAG/AUDI/SKODA/SEAT and all the other euros running on 98 RON.
Simonsez Says: “This is hard to follow when you can see that VW are perfectly capable of ultra competitive pricing; with the Passat R36 being some $30,000 cheaper in Australia than the Mercedes and BMW models which are its direct competitors in Europe.”
What are you on about, VW isn’t in the same league as BMW or Mercedes Benz in Europe. They Have Audi for that, and even with audi it’s debatable whether or not it is in the same league!!
OK so it’s had a facelift. Now’s the time to hunt down a Skoda Octavia prefacelift bargain.
Bingo!
I’ve purchased a 2008 1.8TSI with 150ks only. A fantastic 6 speed manual with most of the fruit you need. Price? $24,000.
Going for an APR ecu remap soon…..
Just ordered my upgrade 09 Octavia Wagon 1.8 with 7 sp DSG for my wife. Lots of other test drives but mind quickly made up after driving the Skoda. Lots of tech and value for $$$. Real fun drive with great performance teamed with the 7 sp DSG. Drive one and I’m sure you will agree. Wife loved it from 1st drive.
Sorry to hear about your eyesight problems. It would not be fair for all of your friends to laugh at you for buying something that already looks 10 years out of date.
The Skoda looks fine, a lot like a mini Audi. Steve, stop being a troll.
Will, we already know that you are smitten by the brand, as well as having a financial interest in actively promoting them – that’s fine, but just don’t pretend that they their styling isnt at least 10 years out of date.
Skoda styling IS out of date, it’s not the brands strong point, probably never will be. It doesn’t dampen any driving experience, but you do have to look at it and explain the older styling to your friends.
Steve, like a lot of classic design, it is understated. The design is desirable in plenty of enlightened locations, for example Prague. Like the Bauerhouse movement, it will be considered good design for decades to come. As per usual, it takes time for the less educated Australians to catch up.