Skoda Octavia Review
Introduction
The Skoda Octavia is a good looking car in a conservative kind of way, smooth lined and unexceptional. It does excel, though, as a car which packs a lot of space and exceptional value-for-money within its relatively modest price tag. First launched in 1996, the Octavia is now in its second generation, with the current model introduced in 2004 and face-lifted in 2009. It is based on a Volkswagen Group under-structure also found in a variety of other models, from a last-generation VW Golf to a Seat Altea.
Among the accolades awarded to the Octavia, it has been named as "a masterpiece of dependability" and "the UK's most satisfying car to own" in motoring magazine surveys.
The Octavia is produced in factories in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as in Shanghai for Asian markets, Russia and India. There are two body styles, a Hatchback and an Estate, and a choice of petrol engines from 1.2 to 2.0 litres, and diesel engines from 1.6 to 2.0 litres.
The Octavia GreenLine II is the newest generation eco model of the range, with a raft of green technologies to optimise its fuel consumption and minimise its CO2 output. It has a creditably low emission figure of 99 g/km, and a boast-worthy average fuel consumption figure of more than 74 mpg.
Prices for the Octavia range start from £13,280 for a 1.4 litre petrol Hatchback. This Octavia Greenline II has an on-the-road price of £17,875.
This particular model is the eco version of the Octavia range. As such it is not the most sparkling performer, but for an eco model it has a generous top speed and relatively rapid 0-62 acceleration time. It has the highest mpg in the range, achieved from a 1.6 litre common-rail turbodiesel engine that has been optimised for economy, and green technology features that include automatic engine stop-start and brake regeneration. A gear shift indicator acts as a gentle dashboard nudge to use gears in a way best suited to achieving good economy. The five-speed gearbox has a high-ratio fifth gear to aid low-consumption cruising.
A power output of 104 bhp and a peak torque of 184 lb ft are very reasonable, and are enough to make the car feel briskly efficient while still enabling it to achieve remarkably good fuel consumption. Engine flexibility is good, with peak torque sustained over a wide band from 1,500 to 2,500 revs.
Standard 15-inch wheels and a well-damped suspension set-up give the Octavia GreenLine good ride comfort over most surfaces. This car rides 15 mm lower than other versions of the Octavia for optimum aerodynamic efficiency, and to help contribute to its impressive fuel economy. The car's handling characteristics are well-balanced and neutral. It corners cleanly and without undue body roll.
