18th July, 2008

Now currently promoted in clever TV advertising, the first of a new wave of Czech-manufactured Skodas have landed on our shores and, they bring with them up-to-the-minute design and specification, courtesy of talented new owner Volkswagen. Indeed, they are  earning praise as the 'more affordable' Volkswagen, both here and overseas. And not just for the overall looks, engineering and value packed features, but for being beautifully put together as well. Consistently rated within the top five marques in European customer satisfaction surveys, they're now No.2 behind a prestige brand in the UK. Now that's satisfaction!

We recently had the opportunity to spend a week behind the wheel of a Skoda Octavia and can testify that Volkswagen's decision to bring the Skoda badge to Australia is a smart one. It certainly looks to be a winner, from a parent company which just goes from strength to strength. Our test vehicle was the entry-level Octavia 'Ambiente' fitted with the 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. In a novel pricing twist, this least expensive Octavia comes with a diesel engine, the same 1.9-litre SOHC turbocharged version fitted to various Volkswagens.

With a modest 77 kW of power at 4,000 rpm, it promises to be no super car, but as with all modern direct-injection turbo-diesels, bucket-loads of torque help give it a surprising turn of speed. In fact, the 1.9 TDI's 250 Nm @ 1,900 rpm compares favourably with the 200 Nm @ 3,500 rpm developed by the 2.0-litre FSI petrol variant offered elsewhere in the Octavia (and Volkswagen) range. These figures are sufficient to achieve a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 11.8 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 189 km/h. A modest, but perfectly adequate, performer by today's standards, but at a time of hefty fuel price rises, economy should be our top priority. And here the Octavia really shines. Skoda claim a miserly combined figure of 4.9L/100km for the 5-speed manual and 5.9L/100km for our automatic version. No wonder Skoda owners are happy owners!

Based on VW Golf components, the Octavia is a stylish car, very much reminiscent of the Volkswagen Bora - and that is not a bad thing by any means. The trademark Skoda grille lends it quite an elegant face, though some may find the side window treatment a touch bland. But overall it's a good looking European, set off nicely with 5-spoke 16.5" x 15" alloy wheels (including the spare). And a closer view reveals a pleasant surprise. Despite being referred to as a sedan by Skoda, it's actually a hatchback! And a deceptively spacious one. Under the rear glass there's a cavernous 56-litre boot. Fold down the 60:40 split rear seat (with ski-port) and you have no less than 1,420 litres. Sleeping room for two!

Let's take a look at some of the other VW engineering beneath the skin of the Octavia. Front suspension is by struts with lower triangular links and stabiliser bar, while the rear is an independent multi-link arrangement with stabiliser. It looks like standard Golf fare and behaves accordingly. We found handling was very balanced and surefooted on all types of surfaces and ride quality was also excellent. Braking is taken care of by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. All Octavias are fitted with a full complement of safety acronyms, including ESP with ABS+EBD+EBC+TCS+EDL+HBA and not forgetting DSR! Is there a dictionary in the house? Secondary safety is also a priority, with 6 airbags (front, side and curtain) standard in the Skoda Octavia.

And there's plenty more on offer in the roomy cabin, notwithstanding this is the 'entry' model. Seating is comfy and supportive, with height and lumbar adjustment for driver and passenger, in a choice of three trim colours. Desirables, such as cruise control, active front headrests, height and reach-adjustable leather steering wheel, 'climatronic' air-conditioning (with pollen filter), multi-function trip computer, internal headlight adjustment, front map lights, and heated side mirrors round out a surprisingly well-equipped vehicle. Remote central locking and power windows are taken for granted.

There is plenty of storage for drink bottles (including an integrated 1-litre bottle holder in both front doors) and other odds and ends, including a 'jumbo box' with adjustable armrest between the front seats, which also contains a 12-volt power socket and an audio dock for MP3 or iPod. The 'Ambiente' does miss out on rear centre armrest, sunglass holder, refrigerated glove box, cargo net and extra 12-volt boot socket. Also lacking, (perhaps because it's a 'sedan'?) is a rear wiper/washer. Why don't sedans ever need them?

Available options include 17" alloys with sports suspension ($2,690), bi-xenon headlights ($1,730), alarm system ($540), front and rear park assist ($990), electric glass sunroof ($1,730) and satellite navigation ($2,890). Metallic/pearl effect paint is an additional $690.