2007 Skoda Octavia and Roomster First Steer
13 Oct, 2007
11 Comments 
2008 Skoda Octavia and Roomster First Steer
- by Paul Maric
After a lengthy break from the Australian market, Skoda has returned offering two models catering for varying audiences. The Octavia and Roomster models – both built in the Czech Republic – arrive offering proven reliability and affordability, with stylish looks and practicality thrown in for good measure.
The Octavia model is offered in both hatch and wagon with engine variants ranging from torquey diesels, right through to turbocharged petrol monsters. The interior of the Octavia feels surprisingly well built and offers commendable rear leg room. Open the boot and 560-litres of cargo capacity is available with the seats up, whilst 1420-litres can be accessed with the rear seats down.
Offered in three grades – Ambiente, Elegance and RS – standard features across the range include: Alloy wheels; remote central locking; automatic air conditioning; power windows; MP3-compatible CD player; engine immobiliser; leather steering wheel; trip computer; cruise control and electric mirrors.
Skoda is big on safety, that’s why Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard across all Octavia and Roomster models. All models also receive 6-airbags as standard equipment – two front airbags, two curtain airbags and two side airbags.
Skoda’s Roomster is a uniquely designed car which offers practicality and versatility in the one package. The rear row of seats is extremely easy to climb in and out of, catering for both children and the elderly. The second row of seats can also be entirely removed from the vehicle, increasing cargo capacity from 530-litres with seats in, to a class leading 1780-litres with rear seats removed.
The Roomster comes in one grade – called ‘Style’ – and features: Remote central locking; front and rear power windows; electric wing mirrors; heated wing mirrors; automatic air conditioning; eight speaker CD/MP3 system; cruise control; alloy wheels; trip computer and leather bound steering wheel.
Available with two engines – a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesel – the Roomster struggles a bit with the 1.6-litre petrol. The 1.9-litre diesel is definitely the pick of the bunch.
Priced from $29,990 for the Octavia Ambiente sedan, the range tops out at $37,490 for the turbocharged RS sports model. The wagon version of the Octavia is available for an additional $2,000 over the sedan.
Roomster pricing begins at $26,990 for the 1.6-litre petrol and ends at $28,990 for the 1.9-litre diesel (only available in five-speed manual). The petrol can be optioned with a 6-speed automatic for an additional $2,300.
The launch program also involved some time behind the wheel at a private race circuit in the RS and turbocharged 1.8-litre models. The RS offered blistering performance around the circuit; the 2.0-litre turbocharged motor is sourced from the Volkswagen Golf GTi and moves the RS along with little haste.
Through corners, the body sits extremely flat, while the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 18” tyres provide seemingly unlimited grip on all types of surfaces.
Skoda’s re-entry into Australia is good news for the public. On offer are a range of vehicles that offer plenty of space, practicality and safety. Featuring a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the Roomster caters for small families, or people who like to get away on weekends.
The Octavia on the other hand offers an alternative to large sedans. Those with a sporty nature will naturally swing toward the RS version of the Octavia which offers the ultimate bang for your buck. 10 dedicated dealerships will start the Skoda ball rolling, including one in Geelong.
Location: Home / First Steer, Skoda, Behind the Wheel, Diesel, Australian Car Industry News, Car News / ...
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October 13th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
That Octavia wagon looks pretty damn good…
Love the skid pan shots!
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October 13th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I’m not sure about the use of that grey plastic along the bumpers and sides of the Sedan, or the overall styling, but the interiors look very well made and neat. Would not mind giving that RS a test drive.
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October 13th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Are they the same engine as Golf ? i mean 1.9 TDi
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October 13th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Saw heaps of Skoda’s in Europe, Spain uses them as Taxi’s, was suprised by the amount of boot space (swallowed 2 huge suitcases and carry-on with room to spare) They seem to be solidly built like a VW. My only concer, having purchaced a SEAT when they first arrived, what sort of commitment to sticking around is Skoda doing? Trading in a SEAT 2 years after the purchace was a nightmare!
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October 14th, 2007 at 12:37 am
i am so happy that Skoda has planed a come back in Australia…….its used to be my favourite car in India…not is it only well styled it has taken over the sedan segment in India due to its dependable engine…….i am waiting to but Octavia(branded as Laura in india) when it hits Australian Roads………
Cheers
Akki
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October 22nd, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Dear JasJas,
understand that driving/having a SEAT could be a nightmare.
Similar experiencies with quality of the Spanish SEAT here in Central Europe.
But do not worry about quality of SKODA.
At the moment I have my 3rd Skoda and belive me, for Czechs the word quality and reliability has different meaning then for the producer from Spain. ( the same as the word punctuality is understood differently in Spain and in Central Europe:-)
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December 11th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
[…] 2007 Skoda Octavia and Roomster First Steer Location: Home / Skoda, Car News / … […]
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February 10th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I just sold my Audi A4 2.0 and bought the 2.0FSI Skoda Octavia (Non-Turbo). The Skoda is an absolutely fantastic car! It drives a lot better than my A4 ever did, with way more power and heaps better handling! I have already done 35,000km on my Skoda since I bought it in October last year and have truly enjoyed it. Its already had its service and I have paid under half of what I was paying for such a service on my Audi A4. My wife’s friend has got a VW Jetta which she bought a few months before we got our Skoda and when I compared our service bills it showed that my were about half the price of hers. In addition, I once drove her car (which was more expensive and physically smaller) and came to the conclusion that performance wise, OK, the Jetta is the same (her Jetta is also a 2.0) but the handling on it is nowhere near as good as on my Skoda Octavia. Anyways, there is my two cents worth. Cheers, Christian.
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July 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
The Sedan looks uninspired but inoffensive and complete, combine that with perhaps the elegance model, the 2.0L VW TDi, 6 speed DSG (Manual is perhaps less beneficial with what seems like it could be a very flexible engine), reports of reliability and good build quality, a full-size spare (good thinking for Australia Skoda) and you have almost the definitive affordable compact saloon for all environments.
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October 18th, 2008 at 4:12 am
which better in quality and performance vw jetta or skoda octavia ? it’s very confusing can anybody help me!
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October 18th, 2008 at 11:42 am
There’d be nothing in it, Golden. It’s all down to personal preference from here.
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