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: 
Soooo much better looking. The skoda is now a serious option!
The 1.8 TSI with a APR tune represents cheap and flexible performance.
Any word on the timing, look (photos) and specifications of the RS models?
again, alot of things have been address (design in particular) however companies like skoda, VW, Audi are not addressing the Aussie market.
using 98octane for a small/medium car which is not even a high performance car eg. R32 is stupid.
how many petrol stations now stock 98octane not many, at least Mazda opened their eyes and changed their MAzda6 back to 91octane…some people may not agree with that decision but at least consumers have the option and makes it more attractive option when it comes time to choose your next car.
the only attractive option there for me is DIesel version.
Bruster:
Every single petrol station I’ve been to stocks 98RON PULP.
Also, Mazda’s car isn’t turbocharged, it’s naturally aspirated.
Agree that the 98RON minimum is frustrating. But with fuel economy returns of 6.7-litres/100km, it’s probably not going to be that much of a cost issue.
TasM:
RS is still a little while off. It will come to Australia though after it has been released abroad.
The petrol RS in the previous shape is now available with a DSG though.
Why a 1.6 petrol, could you imagine a Mazda6 or even a Mazda3 with a 1.6? Sticking with the 1.9 diesel would have been a smarter choice or atleast introducing the 1.4 turbo from the new Golf. Other then that, the facelifted model looks good.
Myke its a good question. I can only assume its so they can increase sales by covering a market that would otherwise only be able to afford a small car. If you look at all the standard accessories, this car offers specs similar to an “optioned up” smaller car for similar pricing.
I dunno, curvier headlights still don’t change the fact that its still a bland looking car that reminds me of an Avalon
it looks like a daewoo/holden viva epica, it is dated already
Regarding fuel, 91RON is generally not used in Europe so minimum fuel spec is 95RON, which most Euros will run on, and 98RON or 101RON are the mid to upper end petrols.
Of course the fact is that most cars in Europe are diesel so the petrol issue is a minor one anyway over there. Given the numbers being sold in Australia a manufacturer is not going to change the fuel spec for such a small number of cars.
Introducing a 1.6 litre, 75kw model is a complete waste of time, even at these prices. last time i checked the year was 2009. Perhaps they would like the base model car to compete with 20-odd year old Camira’s, Camry’s and Magna’s on performance terms. And still get their butt whipped. Disappointing effort. On the other hand the other models maybe worthy of some consideration.
i guess 98 ron is available in some areas, in my area hardly available or even stock it. there is a alot of ethanol based petrol in my area thats for sure.
i went to the VW forum’s and they experience the same, not many station stock 98ron.
regardless the car is good and people are willing to pay good on them.
Very dated design. This car looks like it belongs to the early 90s.
Even if you can not get to a station with 98 ron it wont kill the engine to run on 91 ron, or less.
The only 98RON in my area is 3 hours away.
At the end of the day, the cost of running 98 ron is offset by the immense fuel economy benefits the 1.8TSI brings. Coupled with a 7 speed DSG transmission, the flexibility it offers will literally blow the Mazda 6 and Accord Euro away. Try getting an Accord Euro (auto) and Mazda 6 (auto) to dispatch 0-100km/h in under eight seconds – these overweight “medium” sized vehicles would hit the 100km/h mark in about 9.5 seconds.
Bruster my rs runs happily on 95 ron , negligable power difference , economy is slightly better on 98 .
salesmans right about 91, i ran a golf gti from horsham to adelaide on 91 and no dramas , just not quite so many torks , no other issues
Bruster maybe you should consider the rs diesel, your obviously in the country , its a gutsy beast .
Damian that 1.8 tsi is a great motor , perfect with the dsg, makes the fat cars look dumb in the economy stakes too.
hey can anyone please tell me if running a 98RON specified engine on 91ROn will cause any long term damages to the engine? I heard some issues re “ping” and “knocking” i am not quite sure what they are and how they damage the engine if at all? any help would be much appreciated…
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I have now owned a Skoda 2L TDI DSG Elegance wagon for over a year. No problems, find the torque of the diesel a delight. Great touring and town vehicle. My previous drive, a ‘00′ GT Forester used twice the fuel, cost twice as much to insure, and to get the same performance would have to revved twice as hard.
It is interesting how the local press have judged the look of the vehicle. This has not been an issue in Europe where is was judged as quite a handsome vehicle. Oh, the local bias, wow be them.
Personally, I think the previous model was a more handsome vehicle, however the facelift has its charms.. only in certain angles I might add.
Darker colors really help its ploy if you ask me; silver makes it look cheap. Although that said, I think that of many silver cars =p Not a fan of that color, personally.
If I were to have one, it’d still be a diesel wagon =)
“Damian that 1.8 tsi is a great motor , perfect with the dsg, makes the fat cars look dumb in the economy stakes too.”
Indeed, Spellbound, the 1.8TSI is a fabulous engine with a torque curve as flat as an airport runway. Having experienced this engine for myself in an Audi A4, I must say that I thought the 1.8TSI was a better drive than the A4 3.2L V6. It certainly made the 2.4L in the Accord Euro feel like a slug and the 2.3L Duratec in the Ford Mondeo, akin to an agricultural experience.
VAG’s constant pursuit of efficiency and power by using small displacement turbo charged platforms, never ceases to amaze me! When will our local manufacturers ever learn?
Now, if only Skoda can convince those insular Holden/Ford advocates that the Falcadore is NOT the next best thing since sliced bread…
I like the bargain it represents however still not too keen on the looks. IMO the Jetta in my eyes, although heaps old, still looks good.
Myke, the reason that there is 1.6 is probably because Skoda kept advertising that they were the cheaper option but when they actually came, they were more expensive than Volkswagen in some cases. They really should have been around the $23,990 mark at the most and even that’s no reason to get one instead of a Focus or Civic.
And the Mazda 6 is not to be compared with this. I know it has a massive boot but at the end of the day, the Octavia is meant to be a Golf rival. Same platform, it’s just a liftback instead of a hatchback. The Superb is the 6 rival.
I won’t buy a car with super-charged or turbo-charged engine as its engine generally does not last long. In addition, it is very expensive to maintain and repair…
Good luck buying a car in the future, then, OH.
All cars will soon be small capacity turbo because that’s the way forward with economy, power, and low emissions.
As for the engine not lasting long, that’s just plain rubbish.
Years ago when the Mini was taking the world by storm, its engine longevity was around 80,000k before a complete rebuild of both engine and gearbox was reqired – there isn’t a turbo engine today like that.
Maintenance – no, can’t see how 15,000k oil change intervals are expensive, compared to most non-turbos at 10,000ks. Good luck using a cheap $30.00 oil in any new car engine today.
It is evident that a car with super-charged or turbo-charged engine does not last long due to as follow
Piston rings have a tendency to break down faster. The cylinder walls have a tendency to develope a flaring wear pattern. Exhaust valves tend to wear faster. It is all due to the extra heat and pressure the engine must cope with.
Even if you use full synthetic oil and change it at reasonable intervals, you can not eliminate above wear and tear…Therefore, super charged or turbo charged car cannot last longer compare to naturally aspired car.
“It is evident that a car with super-charged or turbo-charged engine does not last long…”
All this is in relativity, OH. The fact that the 1.8TSI and 2.0TFSI are running low boost applications, somewhat negates the factors such as heat and general wear and tear.
Furthermore, with so much torque at such low engine speeds, the wear on the engine will be minimal, especially when you compare it to a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement.
Looks like a JS vectra at the back with epica headlights at the front. I hate the grille on this car.
Your right Bruce very dated.
I agree with many above that the 1.6 petrol was the wrong choice for the base petrol engine, the 1.4TSI (with 90kW) would be quite a better option. Also, I think that Skoda Aus should’ve kept the 1.9TDI in the base model as it represents a base diesel too.
I don’t agree with comments regarding that it “Looks dated”. So many cars on the road (Commodore and Corolla are very high-selling examples) look just like the one before them and are BORING. The Octavia may not be the best-looking or most up-to-date car on the road, but its a better car because its a fresh car from a fresh brand on the road. Something new to offer, and to see.
I personally own a MY08 Octavia RS Liftback and it runs fine on 95RON, but I would think that 91RON would be prohibitive. Also, Europe’s minimum fuel grade is 95RON so this is why cars from the continent must run on it.
My Skoda is better than a Golf/Jetta because of the same price etc but its got alot more room and a bigger boot. ALSO its actually EUROPEAN MADE, as the Golf is made in South Africa and the Jetta is made in Mexico!
Damian I couldn’t agree more with you on this: “Now, if only Skoda can convince those insular Holden/Ford advocates that the Falcadore is NOT the next best thing since sliced bread…”
Anyone who is saying anything negative about Skoda, go and have a look at one at your local dealer. Its impossible to be impressed.
Whatever no-one cares…
The fact of the matter is that Skodas are fantastic cars, and if you’re not liking a car just because the headlamps look a little funny suggests that you either a) do have mental problems or b) drive some sort of Toyota product. I’m guessing both actually. The way my Octavia RS goes, handles and stops is way better than amy Toyota ok sale since whenever the Supra was cut off production. The fact that you go on here and try to offend current Skoda owners, and possibly try and stop new Skoda owners suggests that you have a severe attitude problem and that you aren’t open to anything new (eg Skoda in Australia)!
And you knew that I made a mistake and used that in you poor argument against Skodas. go drive Camry or maybe a Corolla if it’s a company car.
This is just ridiculous, idiots (anyone trying to offend someone online can safely be called an idiot)
who judge a car by it’s headlamps, even though that may just be one part of the whole story, in this case a car.
Couldn’t agree more Shak, this person is the type of person who puts their portable sat-nav right in front of their face when they’re driving, who never uses their mirrors for anything ( including parking where parking sensors are much more worth than mirrors…not), who has Hello Kitty crap all over their car and who will buy Toyotas for life only because they’re reliable. Nothing else! skodas are much better than Toyotas because they incorporate the reliabilty in with other things like quality, handling, resonanle levels of fun at the wheel and good value. I’ve noticed that Toyota take advantage of their reputation by pricing their cars quite abut higher than their competitors, and it stinks!
Not a bad steer and a good family driver.
Dated styling, dated drive and overpriced for what it is. So bland!! Would take a top spec SP25 for this money – its better in every department.
Sorry dan we see your spoofing again , easily done , funny your using same crappy words you always use .
MR critical , are you ever going to find happiness .
Maybe your nivana is 20 year old corolla
I hate this car because its so dated and looks like its spoofing , and , Im Holstein Whore because I put spaces between comma’s and use the word spoof!
Get a grip Holstein, maybe you are a bit delusional – SHOCK – more than one person can have a similar opinion to Dan!
“Dated styling, dated drive and overpriced for what it is. So bland!! Would take a top spec SP25 for this money – its better in every department.”
This highlights the insularity Skoda has to face if it is to succeed in the Australian market.
I don’t know how Tim can justify that the SP25 is “better in every department” (than the Skoda).
Whilst a top-spec SP25 will no doubt, be very nice to drive, the Skoda will not fade into oblivion if it is compared to the SP25. On paper, the 1.8TSI Octavia is COMPETITIVE with the SP25. The SP25 makes 125kw and 226NM, whereas the 1.8TSI Octavia makes 118kw with 250NM of torque. However, the Skoda makes peak torque at 1500rpm. In comparison, you’d have to work the SP25 hard to achieve peak torque. One can argue that the Skoda offers more drivability.
Gee dan man of a thousand personalities , stick to your toxus sites your on more solid ground there .
Skoda have averaged less than 60 cars per month since relaunching in Australia. Despite this, they have decided to raise their prices around $500 and introduce a 1.6 litre petrol motor in the Octavia that “struggles to move the 1210 kg Roomster”. Although the 1.8 litre TFSI engine was originally said to need only 91 ron it now needs 98 ron fuel . Regardless, it’s something will add to the vehicle’s running costs and inconvenience the owner. Should anyone decide to run the vehicle on less than 98 ron as previously suggested, I can only hope that they don’t suffer any engine problems during the warranty period as they will lose coverage (based on experience) .
Just why it should be “really hard to consider anything else after driving the Octavia” when a Mazda 6 Limited sells for $3000 less( than 1.8 TFSI) , is something I cannot fathom.
Lol whore, you are weird. SteveH has been on these forums for a while and he is definately not Dan and Jack was me so there goes your argument.
You might as well change your name to Dan Whore, most of your posts mention Dan. You are not related with BM are you? The whole tit thing going on and everything?
I was waiting for Simonsez to bring a sense of negativety to this review. It seems that him (plus others) really are out offend current Skoda owners and try and stop as many people as possible of buying one. And it sucks, because they give a VERY false impression of these cars.
Simonsez have you noticed that other manufacturers have slightly raised their prices also? Only Subaru has kept them the same (some Impreza models prices actually dropped) and the base Octavia represents cracking value. Yes it comes with the 1.6L engine, but other Euro cars are also similarly underengined and its because they have a very different car market to us (base cars over there have 1.2L engines, whilst base engines here are 1.4/1.6L) and cars such as the Octavia and Alfa 159 (1.9 Diesel as the base engine and its pretty bloody heavy) are a few examples of this.
Everyone get over the fuel quality, the minimum fuel grade here should be 95RON (Malaysia is doing this in July whilst the price won’t go up) which improves economy and performance, while making the engine run better).
“Just why it should be “really hard to consider anything else after driving the Octavia” when a Mazda 6 Limited sells for $3000 less( than 1.8 TFSI) , is something I cannot fathom. If you knew, you’d say that the Mazda6 Limited is significantly less equipped, goes much slower (7.8seconds vs 9.5seconds) and comes with European build quality (something the 6 cannot achieve). Mazda6 also has a huge weakness, that all bodystyles aren’t offered with every spec (eg the Wagon is only available in Classic or the Diesel which share the same spec).
In previous posts Simonsez comments on the “conservative” styling of the Octavia (non-RS models). This has now been addressed, so I cannot seem to understand your complaints. If you ignore the 1.6 (which most people will because the RS is the most popular Skoda currently) the other models represent good performance, handling, fantastic value, very good pricing and better build quality than the equivalent Volkswagen models (after all, being made in Europe!).
Resale is better than other new brands to Australia (Fiat and Dodge – anything would be…) so GET OVER IT! And, if more people buy them, the resale goes up.
For God’s sake (don’t care;not religious) go and drive one! I’m sick of this negativety being aimed wholly at Skoda, when the other new brands to Australia offer massively more crap cars and can’t offer the value that Skoda continues to offer.
When the Superb and Yeti 4WD are introduced, Skodas will sell many, many more and the brand awareness is increasing, and yet its idiots like Simonsez who continue to stop Skoda from selling more than 120 cars a month. Very un-Australian.
Jake. Mate, I don’t think anyone is really bashing the Skoda here. People are just saying it looks bland (subjective, but it is IMO) and for the price, it is under engined. We don’t live in Europe so we compare what the competition offers here in Australia.
I have driven one (before the face lift) and I found it sturdy and it hugs the road with great confidence (like all VW’s) but its bland, there is nothing really outstanding about it and its just a poorer version of a Jetta. Really, I’m not bashing it – its a good car. But for the price, there are better cars out there like the 6, Accord Euro etc.
All my opinion anyway. I wish Skoda the best, but with a visual style like this and a high price (for a new brand in AUS, it costs too much) it wont find many homes.
JAKEO2 , mate any publicity is good publicity .
All these spam boys are obviously getting nervous about skoda , wow 55 hits on a skoda story , tells you something .
skoda has arrived , people are noticing it as a brand and are getting worried , the thinkers out there will start to test drive it .
The goofers hate any thing thats different , remember the early 90s , if you were driving a VW you were considered insane , bit different now .
People in my car park are now approaching me for comment about mine , which shows the awareness .
Mate i just keep smiling as iam driving down the road .
Funny thing is that I actually quite like Skoda’s ; they’re just too expensive at present.
Note that you can buy a nice yellow RS with just over 10,000 k’s for $28,850 . Maybe not such good resale but getting nearer the mark price-wise.
Looks like a great car, other than the 1.6 that is.
I think VW is to blame for this cars/Skoda in general lack of success. They are priced too high so they don’t undercut the Jetta by to much. If I was running VW I would probably do the same, as why would you buy a Jetta when you can buy the same car as a Skoda for many thousands cheaper.
Actually the value equation has changed somewhat with the 2009 models, even when compared to the Jetta. Jetta with the 1.4 turbo/supercharged 118KW engine starts at $35,490 with DSG gearbox. Octavia sedan with the 118KW turbo engine – the same as in the Audi A4 – is $33,490 with DSG, and offers paddleshift for only $190.
The options – sunroof and leather are at least 10% cheaper, except that Octavia includes foglights at no cost and very classy wood trim at only $50. I know wood trim is a love it or loathe it thing – I like it and with the light coloured trim makes the Octavia look very classy, in my view.
This works out rather cheaper than Accord Euro which only offers leather and sunroof in the Luxury which at 211 gm/km CO2 can’t get within a bull’s roar of Skoda’s 157 gm/km and 6.7 l/100km.
Quite a nice car. I like the new exterior look, regardless if people seem to think it looks dated…
Would still like to see SEAT here again, but can’t win ‘em all.
The way the headlights curve up and around the front quarter-panel sort of reminds me of the Holden Epica. Not cool!
To everyone interested in the 98RON situation.
We have just heard word from Skoda. They have told us the 1.8TSI will run on 95RON PULP, but 98RON is recommended for maximum power and fuel efficiency.
The 1.6 entry level model will also run on 91RON.
Either way, the fuel savings of the efficient engines offset the extra cost of PULP.
Excellent! Thanks for the followup Paul, good work. Sounds a bit like Holden V8’s, with 270kw on 98 octane only. Being able to run on lower grade fuel where 98 isn’t available is an ideal setup.
Can’t wait to see the Scout!