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Launched: Skoda Octavia

Wheels Magazine
September, 2007

Visualise a roomier, more practical, lower-priced Volkswagen Jetta, and you have an accurate snapshot of the Skoda Octavia. Built on the platform of the Golf Mk V (as is Jetta, of course), the Octavia launched in Europe back in 2004. While it's not as new or novel as the Roomster, (more here) the Octavia is certain to be the mainstay of the Czech brand when it returns to Australia in October.

The Octavia's technical line-up will be extensive, with five engines, three transmissions, plus - for one model only - an all-wheel-drive version. They will be pitched below equivalent VWs, since Octavia is intended to take on the Japanese brands active in the Corolla class. The Skoda's high equipment levels - ESP, for instance, is certain to be standard across the range - means a basic Octavia hatch with petrol engine and manual transmission will be priced somewhere below $30,000.

Confusingly, the basic sedan and hatch will launch with two petrol engines. Choose the six-speed auto, and you'll get a 110kW 2.0-litre FSI direct-injection four. Go for the six-speed manual, and it will come instead with the newer 118kW TSI 1.8-litre low-pressure turbocharged, direct-injection four. The smaller engine, which is more powerful and more economical, will take the place of the 2.0-litre in auto models sometime in '08.

Two turbocharged diesels - a 77kW 1.9-litre four and a 103kW 2.0-litre four - are also on the Skoda menu. The less powerful oil-burner will be offered in base Octavias, while the 2.0-litre is reserved for the mid- and high-level models. Both diesels, but no petrol engine, will be offered in the all-wheel-drive, manual-only Combi wagon variant. Competitive price; rear legroom and boot space Limited dealer network currently; it's not exactly new

Top of the range is the RS specification, with familiar (from the Golf GTI) 147kW TFSI 2.0-litre high-pressure turbo, direct-injection engine. There will also be a diesel RS, powered by the 125kW TDI 2.0-litre with high-pressure turbo. Regardless of engine, Octavia RS models, with stiffened suspension and 18-inch wheels, will come only with six-speed manual transmission.

Like Australia, the Czech Republic doesn't have roads notable for their smoothness. Even the firm RS models delivered a smoothly disciplined ride, while models fitted with the non-sporty suspension were brilliantly absorbent. The RS has more grip, naturally, but even on smaller tyres, the Octavias have a sweetly balanced disposition. Refinement of both chassis and drivetrains is good - even the diesels don't make much of a racket, and the petrol engines are quite cultured.

Skoda doesn't have outrageous ambitions for its return here. The aim is to sell a little more than 2000 cars in the first full year on sale, '08. Affordable, spacious, comfortable, refined and well equipped, the Octavia should have little difficulty hitting its target. Only its limited network of 14 dealers may hold it back.

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