MOTORNETNEWS  ROAD  TEST  -  JANUARY  2008

SKODA  OCTAVIA  DTi  AMBIENTE  WAGON

It's quite a long time since Skoda was available in Australia and there is an enormous difference in the style and quality of the present models compared with those of yesteryear. The influence of the VW ownership is clearly apparent in the performance, ride and quality finish and the economical diesel engine makes this an ideal family wagon - especially at the bargain price. It is also extremely well equipped with safety and convenience features.

OUTSIDE:

The Skoda wagon is styled in the typical European sportswagon design with clean, uncluttered lines. The large grille sits above the wide air intake set into the bumper and is flanked by swept-back headlights. The front and rear bumpers and  body sides have protective rubber inserts that, on the test car were black and made a neat contrast with the pure white paintwork.

Smart five-spoke alloy wheels, body colour mirrors and standard roof rails all add the the classy appearance. The insulated bonnet doesn't have gas struts but is light enough to open with one hand while propping it with the holding rod. Access to maintenance points is very good and the engine layout is neat and tidy.

The four wide doors make it easy to get in and out and the rear tailgate has gas struts for ease of opening and is fitted with a washer/wiper system. The large taillamps wrap around the corners and are easily visible from the sides. 

INSIDE: 

The Octavia is very roomy inside with very comfortable and supportive seats both front and rear. There are padded centre armrests in both compartments. The dash layout is modern and simple with clearly marked, user friendly controls.

The 4-spoke steering wheel is fully adjustable for rake and reach and has remote controls for the audio system. The front seat belts are height adjustable as is the driver's seat. There are plenty of storage spaces such as armrest bins, door bins on all four doors, a dash top lidded compartment, a drop down bin on the right hand side of the steering wheel, twin cup holders and a smallish glove box. 

The interior trim is in good quality black cloth and complimented by the soft plastics on dash and doors. Above the window line the trim is light grey giving an airy ambience to the wagon interior. Each sun visor has a covered vanity mirror. There are silver highlights around the dash and cabin and chromed door handles to brighten up the decor.

LUGGAGE AREA:

The business end of the Skoda wagon offers loads of space plus fold down rear seats for extra long loads. There is far more room with the seats in position than you will find in most of the huge 4WD wagons on the market - this is a far more practical unit. 

Under the solid floor is a full sized, alloy wheel and spare tyre. there are six tie-down lugs, a cargo cover and two side compartments. The tail gate has internal recesses for ease of closing. The rear seats also have a ski port opening in the centre and the whole area is fully trimmed in durable material.

ON THE ROAD:

The specifications show that the 1.9-litre turbo diesel only has 77kW of power but has 250Nm of torque developed at a very low 1900rpm. This gives the Octavia loads of acceleration with fuel-sipping economy. High torque at low revs is an excellent combination especially for a load hauling family wagon. the wagon returned 6.6 litres per 100km on the freeway and a mere 8.5 in suburban driving.

The ride is very good, typical Euro/VW yet handling is carlike and there's plenty of grip at all times. The engine is a bit noisy at idle but very quiet once on the move. The auto transmission works efficiently and smoothly at all times.This is a pleasant vehicle to drive and, with its excellent economy and very good lugging performance it is an ideal family wagon - and its backed by VW dealers all around Australia.

 PRICE:            $34,290 (5-speed auto)  $31,990 for the 5-speed manual)

STANDARD:    Dual front, side and head airbags; ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution; air-conditioning; 15" alloy wheels; cruise control; Electronic Stability Program; engine immobiliser; multi-function steering wheel; power mirrors, steering and windows; 4-speaker audio system with CD player; front seat belt pre-tensioners; trip computer and Traction Control System.