Skoda Australia have unveiled the third generation Skoda Octavia in Melbourne. The Skoda Octavia has been the best selling Skoda in Australia and the third generation Octavia looks set to continue that tradition.
Families looking for a quality European family sized car, the Skoda Octavia delivers a spacious and sleek option that is priced keenly. The all new third generation Octavia is more economical, more powerful, better equipped, lighter, safer and more refined when compared to the outgoing model.
Skoda Octavia Overview
The all new Skoda Octavia is designed and built in Czech Republic Mlada Boleslav 30 minutes from Prague. The Skoda Octavia use the latest Volkswagen MQB platform as seen in current generation Audi A3 and VW Golf.
The Australian line-up for the Skoda Octavia delivers 3 engine choices (2 petrol and 1 diesel) and three trim levels (Ambition, Ambition Plus and Elegance) with the choice of a sedan or wagon, there is no longer a hatch back version.
For the first time in a Skoda buyers get safety feature like Multi-Collision Brake, driver knee airbag, side airbags (standard for Ambition Plus and Elegance models) plus optional adaptive cruise control.
The Skoda Ambition ships with 16' steel wheels, fog lamps, floor mats, rubber boot liner,Bluetooth, leather-trimmed four-spoke steering wheel, phone holder, four-speaker sound system, cloth trimmed seats and air conditioning.
Stepping up to the Ambition Plus you gain 17' 'Denom' alloy wheels, cruise control and rear parking sensors, Bolero touchscreen stereo with 8 speakers,9 airbags, Passenger Protect Assist, Fatigue Detection, centre armrest and height adjust and lumbar support front seats.
The range topping Skoda Octavia Elegance comes appointed with leather seats 18' 'Denom' alloy wheels, privacy glass, cornering function for fog lights, auto dimming rear view mirror, dual zone climate, auto lights, wipers,
The local Skoda Octavia line-up is:
Pricing (drive-away in brackets)
Sedan
Ambition 103TSI manual - $21,690 ($22,990 drive-away)
Ambition 103TSI DSG - $23,990 ($25,290)
Ambition Plus 103TSI manual - $24,490 ($26,790)
Ambition Plus 103TSI DSG - $26,790 ($29,090)
Elegance 103TSI DSG - $32,190 ($35,490)
Elegance 132TSI DSG - $34,690 ($37,990)
Elegance 110TDI DSG - $35,490 ($38,790)
Wagon
Ambition 103TSI manual - $23,040 ($24,340)
Ambition 103TSI DSG - $25,340 ($26,640)
Ambition Plus 103TSI manual - $25,840 ($28,140)
Ambition Plus 103TSI DSG - $28,140 ($30,440)
Elegance 103TSI DSG - $33,540 ($36,840)
Elegance 132TSI DSG - $36,040 ($39,340)
Elegance 110TDI DSG - $36,840 ($40,140)
Skoda Octavia Engine
The three engine options for the Skoda Octavia range see all engine improve performance and power and improvement in the fuel consumption across the range.
Entry is via the latest 1.4litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine that is capable of producing 103Kw @ 5000rpm and 250nm @ 1500-3500rpm. The 6-speed manual does the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds and the 7-speed DSG is 0.1 seconds slower at 8.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is 5.2l/100 km and CO2 emissions are 121 g/km on the DSG model.
The more powerful 1.8 litre TSI produces 132Kw @ 6000rpm and 250NM @ 1250-5000rpm. The 1.8-litre TSI is only available with a 7-speed DSG transmission and can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds. Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 5.9 litres per 100kms.
For those looking for a true European experience the Skoda Octavia also ships with an excellent 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine. Producing 110Kw @4000rpm and 320NM @ 1750-3000rpm, the diesel come with a 6-speed DSG transmission only. The super efficient diesel only sips 4.9 litres per 100kms and can get from 0 to 100km/h is 8.6 seconds.
Skoda Octavia Interior
European quality is abundant in the new Skoda Octavia, from the premium thump as the doors close through to the soft touch plastics that have been used throughout the cabin.
Across the range and engine mix the interior is a quite and enjoyable place to be. We found the front seats in the entry level Ambition to be the best out of the three, Ambition Plus and Elegance just didn't offer the same level of support.
The entry level Ambition and mid spec Ambition Plus come with cloth upholstery versus leather trim in the Elegance. The stereo in the Ambition is non touchscreen, both Ambition Plus and Elegance get a touchscreen. The other major difference inside that dual zone climate control is fitted as standard to the Elegance.
Skoda Octavia Exterior & Styling
The all new Skoda Octavia is longer, wider than the previous model. “Perfect proportions, highest precision, clear lines and sharp edges - the new S?KODA Octavia is the impressive embodiment of the new design language of the brand,” says Frank Welsch, S?KODA board member for technical development.
The new Skoda arrow head logo takes pride of place at the centre of the bonnet, from here a sharp line flows all the way to the rear, helping give the Skoda Octavia an aggressive tone.
The latest design language might not set the world on fire, but its timeless European design will never offend. Buyers won't find any gimmicks or decorative elements, instead see sharp lines, elegant shapes and good proportions help style the exterior of the Octavia.
Skoda Octavia Options
The 'Travel Pack' is exclusively to the entry level Ambition model, it upgrades wheels to the Denom 17” alloy wheels, adds Cruise Control, Rear parking sensors, eight loud speakers and a front armrest. The Travel Pack is priced from $1300.
Tech Pack
Available on the Ambition Plus and Elegance, the Tech Pack adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist,
City Emergency Brake, Driving Mode Selection, Bi-Xenon headlights with function AFS – Adaptive Frontlight System including LED (front & rear) with integrated headlight washers, Black frosted glass design for front fog lights with corner function, Light Assist (coming home, leaving home, tunnel light with rain sensors), day light), Automatic Parking Assist with acoustic front and rear parking sensors, Advanced keyless entry including smart start (KESSY with alarm), and premium German ‘Canton’ sound system (10 loudspeakers and equaliser). Priced at $3990 for the mid spec'd Ambition Plus and $3300 on the range topping Elegance.
Skoda Octavia On the Road
Balanced, responsive and quiet sum-up the experience you feel when behind the wheel of the Skoda Octavia. On a high speed test loop around the Mornington Peninsula both the wagon and sedan felt sure footed and stable. Using the Driving Mode Selection button that comes with the Tech pack allows to change the throttle response, steering weight and air conditioning output, drivers can select from Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual settings.
The Octavia has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating thanks to standard features like ESC, Brake Assist, Hill Hold, EBD, ABS, Low Tyre and Emergency brake warning system
Skoda Octavia Challenges
no cruse control on the entry level Ambition is a shame. Considering the Octavia is aimed at the family segment, it's disappointing that there is no reversing camera available.
Skoda Octavia Competitors
Skoda have set a cat amongst the pigeons with its pricing for the all new Skoda Octavia. If size is your main criteria then you will need to spend a considerable amount more t to get the same level of space and refinement.
Ford Mondeo starts at $31,490 for the entry level 2.3 litre petrol hatchback or $33,340 for the wagon. Holden has the Malibu from $28,490 but there is no wagon in the range.
Even the South Koreans have been beaten on price with the Hyundai i40 starting at $29,990 for the 2.0 litre petrol active, with the wagon at $31,990. The beautifully styled Kia Optima is available in sedan only starting from $30,690.
Mazda has the excellent petrol Mazda6 sedan starting from $33,460 or $34,760 for the wagon. The other family favourite the Subaru Liberty starts from $32,990 for the 2.5 litre 2.5i sedan.
Skoda Octavia Verdict
If you are after a new family car that is styled and built in Europe with out the normal European price tag then the Skoda Octavia is a great choice.
The entry level price of $21,690 is cheap but you will thank yourself in the years to come if you stump up the extra $1,300 for the travel pack.
If you wanting the more sporty RS variant then you will need to wait until 2nd half of 2014. Those looking for the Scout AWD model will need to wait until at least 2015.
