I live in Shanghai China, maybe someone here knows…
the previous Octavia 1.8 TSI comfort version with 6AT is around 150，000rmb
which is around 22,000 US dollar.

If I have got this information early, may be I would have waited for 1.8TSI which from the manufacturer’s datasheet and the above test drive report shows that it has a better engine performance.

Agree with the reviewer as to why they updated this model in that only really body style has changed a bit and not really much else. I have read though that Skoda is one of the most sought after cars in Germany in that they actually have better quality records compared to their own indigenous built VW’s. I still think the Jetta is a better looking car, but certainly more expensive for just looks really.

All up the Skoda range is really a poor mans Audi – most all of the specs are Audi of years past and certainly great value for money, not that they compete on a style level, that Audi has in spades. I do think the brand will slowly catch fire though, they offer a lot of European car for the money.

I paid the same with the Skoda as I originally did in 2000 with the Sube (37k), and it’s amazing to see how much extra you get for your money now-a-days!

I’m in the market for a new car, and after years of Commodore wagons for the family I’m after a car I can appreciate and enjoy.

Looked at the Mazda 6, Honda Accord Euro, Mondeo and Skoda. In the end, it’s a personal choice isn’t it? But my take was that Mazda 6 was too fussy inside (lots of switches) but great expanses of boring plastic, Mondeo is bland (looks like another family car), Accord is lovely to look at but underpowered (and unconvincing advice from the dealer on that pinging issue). Skoda just seemed to tick all the boxes – and no matter what anyone says I love the DSG having driven extensively with it in Europe.

98RON is a worry, but I guess I just factor it into the budget. Looks? Not racy, but having had the opportunity to have one for a day and then also take it home overnight it does look better in the flesh.

Size? Frankly I didn’t think the Accord made good use of the extra dimensions and travelling with four or even five is a thing of the past.

So, now I just have to finalise the quote and get the salary packaging company organised.

But thanks everyone for the contributions, really good to hear so many views.

I drove a Mondeo XR5 that felt really good, but then drove another that had about 5,000 k’s on it and it felt ‘loose’, so it didn’t feel well put together.

The Skoda was a nice car, but not as big as the other three. It is a fair bit narrower and while interior room is comparable, I needed the wider cars. Also, I had massive doubts about the resale value of a Skoda as it bourne out by the prices they are going for second hand.

For me it came down to the 6 and the Euro and I chose the Euro becuase it was far better equipped than the 6 for the same money. Anyone who has driven the Euro in a manual will know that it is not a slow car and it handles very well.

*sighs*

ask yourself why the Ford Focus is not sold here with a 1.6 petrol?

honda also have a 2.0 accord overseas and going by how lackluster the 2.4 is here you can see why they passed

as yet we do not have any arcane capacity laws in this country but you would think the importers would do a little market research and see what australians want?

no-one has an issue with direct injected small turbo diesels

what we don’t want is tiny petrol engines in large cars

I’ll take a look at all 3 a bit more closely over the next few months, no rush for me to buy a new car just yet.

Firstly the Skoda. I was very up in the air about the styling of the Octavia RS. On some angles in photos I thought it looked ok, other angles, just plain boring. Jumping inside my perception changed. Seats were very comfortable and sporty looking, along with the steering wheel. The dash made me feel like I was behind the wheel of my wife’s Golf, no complaints with that. Opening the boot was the biggest surprise as there is heaps of space available.

Driving the car was even better. The RS with DSG certainly gets away quite well with not enough turbo lag to make it an issue. Once it’s rolling though, it just pulls really well and I took it up some decent hills around Wollongong. Handling was more than adequate for my needs and the car was very comfortable and easy to drive. Road noise could have been better but I’d simply sound deaden the car to solve that. So overall I liked it a lot.

The Mazda 6 wagon was also impressive. Visually it has the Skoda’s measure, has plenty of storage and is well put together. It has a decent level of equipment but to get all the bells and whistles you would have to spend another 7k to get the sports hatch.

Driving the car I noticed more turbo lag in the Mazda than the Skoda. First gear was annoying as there is plenty of turbo lag when taking off, once you change into second that disappears as this car really gets up and hauls in any gear. For those that know Wollongong, I drove up Mt Ousley in 5th gear doing 100km and 6th at 110km without any fuss. 6 speed manual worked well but gearing is tall though, so 6th is freeway only. Turbo lag and throttle response are an issue below 1800rpm. A Tunit diesel tuning module would probably sort this out. Handling was also pretty good considering it’s a mid-size family car, and the Mazda was a bit quieter than the Skoda. I preferred the steerig feel in the Skoda, although the Mazda was light and direct, just lacked the feel of the Skoda.

Close call as to which one I would buy. The Skoda RS gets a bit of extra gear and comes in below the 6 diesel sports hatch, but the 6 wagon comes in below the Skoda RS, but not quite as well equipped. I’d be happy with either though.

The Octavia does look good in person (yes its one of those cars) but I feel you need big wheels to complete the look (eg my RS) which is why the normal models look abit disappointing. The Euro in person isnt very nice…too many lines, and the rear end is ugly (not boring, but ugly). The 6 is a good car, but rear space is limited and I feel Australia doesnt get enough choice in the line-up (yes I’d like a 6 MZR-CD wagon, but can I get sat-nav or leather? nup).

Octavia offers advantages in pricing, space, economy, power (well not power, but its lighter and therefore quicker) and equipment. The handling is equal to the 6 (eg very good).

Overall these are the leaders in mid-size cars. The Liberty cannot be counted – the replacement is due in 3 months. The Epica is BORING, the Camry is reliablity and nothing else, the Sebring…just no and the Jetta (how could you with the Octavia on offer?).

Wagon harder call – quite like the look and not many other options out there. Mazda looks good and is bigger but has only one engine/trim in the auto wagon – engine a bit soft yet still 2L more per 100 km, hate the silver plastic on the dash/steering wheel and no option for rear sensors or leather…also 10000km service interval is poor.

Octavia has a great drivetrain, great interior, and I think in wagon form it looks good…Any other competitors out there?