Skoda Octavia 1.4 (A) Review
23 Dec 2009|36,319 views
Skodas have it tough in our local market.
Imagine being thrust into a market that's being overwhelmingly dominated by automobiles from Japanese manufacturers. In a sea of Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords and Subaru Legacys, the Skoda seems to have its work cut out. Being relegated to nothing more than ferrying duties as part of the public transport system.
Even as a cab, surely it would've gotten some praises for being the fastest accelerating one in Singapore with the dollops of torque from its diesel powerplant. If you missed that, could you have missed the rather well-sorted ride as well?
It seems unfair that despite being all Volkswagen underneath, it’s still being shunned by most in the local market. Passed over in favour of better known brands.
Thankfully though, the Skoda Octavia still does well in markets outside of Singapore. Last year the Octavia sold 10,000 units to fleets in the UK. Easily making it the top seller in the range. Now that speaks volumes for the car's high build quality, performance and value for money. Knowing that our English friends have always been the discerning sort.
Imagine being thrust into a market that's being overwhelmingly dominated by automobiles from Japanese manufacturers. In a sea of Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords and Subaru Legacys, the Skoda seems to have its work cut out. Being relegated to nothing more than ferrying duties as part of the public transport system.
Even as a cab, surely it would've gotten some praises for being the fastest accelerating one in Singapore with the dollops of torque from its diesel powerplant. If you missed that, could you have missed the rather well-sorted ride as well?
It seems unfair that despite being all Volkswagen underneath, it’s still being shunned by most in the local market. Passed over in favour of better known brands.
Thankfully though, the Skoda Octavia still does well in markets outside of Singapore. Last year the Octavia sold 10,000 units to fleets in the UK. Easily making it the top seller in the range. Now that speaks volumes for the car's high build quality, performance and value for money. Knowing that our English friends have always been the discerning sort.
 |
First off, I want to say that I personally love the brand new 2009 facelifted Octavia. The Czech designers have taken the sedate looking front fascia of the launch model and gave it a total redesign. Managing to combine equal parts of executive demeanour and aggressiveness.
The new Octavia takes a sizable amount of design cues from Skoda’s flagship Superb. Sharing the same chrome lined grille with its 19 vertical ribs. On the bonnet not only does it share those lines with the Superb, those lines are reminiscent of the 2009 facelifted BMW 3 series as well.
 |
Beyond that, the similarities between the Superb and Octavia end. The headlamps adorning the front fascia add to that sportiness with the edges pulled way back to create a sleeker outline. Lower down the edges of the front bumper are a pair of fog lights that come equipped with corner functionality.
These lights self activate when the driver takes a corner and illuminates to warn of kerbs and obstacles. A neat little kit that comes standard on the Skoda. Between those fog lights sit a gaping intake that splits the incoming air with a pair of slats.
Little has changed in the rear and if you took a passing glance, you'll probably be hard-pressed to find the facelifted portions. To be honest, I don't see the difference that sets it apart from the pre-facelift either.
On a whole the Skoda’s design does the job of projecting a sedate executive image while still retaining some sporty aggressiveness in the front.
Interior
The Octavia offers an excellent driving position through the reach and rake adjustable steering and fully electric leather-alcantara front seats (with driver side memory). Personally I found the ergonomics of the driving position excellent with the driver not having to stretch to reach the audio and climate controls.
For ease and convenience, the steering wheel is lavished with audio controls, using the same rotary volume control and skip knobs used on Audis. Here you also find the wheel mounted paddles for shifting through the 7-speed DSG gearbox. A value for money example of the Octavia is the presence of a cruise control function. One feature that I’ve praised more than a few times in my reviews.
These lights self activate when the driver takes a corner and illuminates to warn of kerbs and obstacles. A neat little kit that comes standard on the Skoda. Between those fog lights sit a gaping intake that splits the incoming air with a pair of slats.
Little has changed in the rear and if you took a passing glance, you'll probably be hard-pressed to find the facelifted portions. To be honest, I don't see the difference that sets it apart from the pre-facelift either.
On a whole the Skoda’s design does the job of projecting a sedate executive image while still retaining some sporty aggressiveness in the front.
Interior
The Octavia offers an excellent driving position through the reach and rake adjustable steering and fully electric leather-alcantara front seats (with driver side memory). Personally I found the ergonomics of the driving position excellent with the driver not having to stretch to reach the audio and climate controls.
For ease and convenience, the steering wheel is lavished with audio controls, using the same rotary volume control and skip knobs used on Audis. Here you also find the wheel mounted paddles for shifting through the 7-speed DSG gearbox. A value for money example of the Octavia is the presence of a cruise control function. One feature that I’ve praised more than a few times in my reviews.
All is familiar with the centre console as it is widely used among the Volkswagen Group. The stereo comes with a touchscreen for fuss-free navigation through the menus. Loaded with a 6-CD changer capable of reading MP3 CDs. If and when that gets boring, an AUX-in jack can be found in the centre armrest for even more tunes on your iPod/iPhone or other media devices.
The car also comes equipped with a Bluetooth Telephony system. Another equipment plus point.
Below the media centre is where the interior comfort buttons can be found. Rotary control knobs represent the dual climate control system for the left and right side of the vehicle. Just below that are buttons for turning the ESP off, deactivating the front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitor. Overall the interior is lavished in high-quality plastics that you’ve come to expect from cars made by the VW Group.
Rear seat comfort is excellent with a spacious passenger cabin giving generous leg room. Rear passengers are also kept cool with their own air-conditioning vents. Mechanical blinds can be extended from the rear windscreen if ever the rays get unbearable.
To put it simply, the bootspace in the Octavia is ginormous at 560 litres. Not only is it deep, it stretches quite a distance into the passenger compartment as well. Creating enough space for at least three golf bags. If necessary, the rear seats can be folded 60/40 while a centre access door within the rear compartment allows you to retrieve items from the boot without having to step outside.
The long bootspace creates the necessity for a rather long tailgate that stretches into the heavens. This might create problems for the vertically challenged missus. It is still quite a reach for anyone below 1.65m even with the extended handle.
For safety, the Octavia is equipped with front passenger airbags with additional side airbags as well in case of any lateral impacts.
The car also comes equipped with a Bluetooth Telephony system. Another equipment plus point.
Below the media centre is where the interior comfort buttons can be found. Rotary control knobs represent the dual climate control system for the left and right side of the vehicle. Just below that are buttons for turning the ESP off, deactivating the front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitor. Overall the interior is lavished in high-quality plastics that you’ve come to expect from cars made by the VW Group.
Rear seat comfort is excellent with a spacious passenger cabin giving generous leg room. Rear passengers are also kept cool with their own air-conditioning vents. Mechanical blinds can be extended from the rear windscreen if ever the rays get unbearable.
To put it simply, the bootspace in the Octavia is ginormous at 560 litres. Not only is it deep, it stretches quite a distance into the passenger compartment as well. Creating enough space for at least three golf bags. If necessary, the rear seats can be folded 60/40 while a centre access door within the rear compartment allows you to retrieve items from the boot without having to step outside.
The long bootspace creates the necessity for a rather long tailgate that stretches into the heavens. This might create problems for the vertically challenged missus. It is still quite a reach for anyone below 1.65m even with the extended handle.
For safety, the Octavia is equipped with front passenger airbags with additional side airbags as well in case of any lateral impacts.
 |
Driving it
Looking at the weight and dimensions of the Octavia, you would expect the engine to get a little exasperated off the line. Instead the 1.4-litre TSI unit pulls away with its 122bhp effortlessly. Granted it might have some turbo lag since this isn't the twin-charged 1.4 from the Scriocco. It's still an engaging drive and makes its way through the 7-speed gearbox with ease. Assistance from the 200Nm of torque available gives a century sprint figure of 9.7 seconds.
Ride quality in the Octavia is excellent. On the highway the Octavia soaked up the bumps easily and generally offered a rather comfortable drive. Push the pedal to the floor on the twisties however and you will realise that this is still a lumpy continental sedan that will understeer if you overcook it with too much speed on entry.
Looking at the weight and dimensions of the Octavia, you would expect the engine to get a little exasperated off the line. Instead the 1.4-litre TSI unit pulls away with its 122bhp effortlessly. Granted it might have some turbo lag since this isn't the twin-charged 1.4 from the Scriocco. It's still an engaging drive and makes its way through the 7-speed gearbox with ease. Assistance from the 200Nm of torque available gives a century sprint figure of 9.7 seconds.
Ride quality in the Octavia is excellent. On the highway the Octavia soaked up the bumps easily and generally offered a rather comfortable drive. Push the pedal to the floor on the twisties however and you will realise that this is still a lumpy continental sedan that will understeer if you overcook it with too much speed on entry.
Conclusion
It escapes me why we aren't seeing more Octavia 1.4s (or even the 2.0-litre VRS models) on the roads despite its high standards and relatively low price of $92,800. Included with a long equipment list, it's a value for money continental sedan that trumps most Japanese makes in this price range. Despite it being priced similarly to the VW Golf 1.4, you're getting a full-sized sedan while still enjoying the same build quality as its VW Group brethren.
Also, why pay $10,000 more (eg. Honda Accord) for a Japanese car that might not offer the same quality as one based on a continental chassis?
If local consumers would step a little out of their comfort zones and into the light, they might be surprised at what they can find beyond the horizon of Camrys, Accords and Legacys.
It escapes me why we aren't seeing more Octavia 1.4s (or even the 2.0-litre VRS models) on the roads despite its high standards and relatively low price of $92,800. Included with a long equipment list, it's a value for money continental sedan that trumps most Japanese makes in this price range. Despite it being priced similarly to the VW Golf 1.4, you're getting a full-sized sedan while still enjoying the same build quality as its VW Group brethren.
Also, why pay $10,000 more (eg. Honda Accord) for a Japanese car that might not offer the same quality as one based on a continental chassis?
If local consumers would step a little out of their comfort zones and into the light, they might be surprised at what they can find beyond the horizon of Camrys, Accords and Legacys.
Skodas have it tough in our local market.
Imagine being thrust into a market that's being overwhelmingly dominated by automobiles from Japanese manufacturers. In a sea of Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords and Subaru Legacys, the Skoda seems to have its work cut out. Being relegated to nothing more than ferrying duties as part of the public transport system.
Even as a cab, surely it would've gotten some praises for being the fastest accelerating one in Singapore with the dollops of torque from its diesel powerplant. If you missed that, could you have missed the rather well-sorted ride as well?
It seems unfair that despite being all Volkswagen underneath, it’s still being shunned by most in the local market. Passed over in favour of better known brands.
Thankfully though, the Skoda Octavia still does well in markets outside of Singapore. Last year the Octavia sold 10,000 units to fleets in the UK. Easily making it the top seller in the range. Now that speaks volumes for the car's high build quality, performance and value for money. Knowing that our English friends have always been the discerning sort.
Imagine being thrust into a market that's being overwhelmingly dominated by automobiles from Japanese manufacturers. In a sea of Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords and Subaru Legacys, the Skoda seems to have its work cut out. Being relegated to nothing more than ferrying duties as part of the public transport system.
Even as a cab, surely it would've gotten some praises for being the fastest accelerating one in Singapore with the dollops of torque from its diesel powerplant. If you missed that, could you have missed the rather well-sorted ride as well?
It seems unfair that despite being all Volkswagen underneath, it’s still being shunned by most in the local market. Passed over in favour of better known brands.
Thankfully though, the Skoda Octavia still does well in markets outside of Singapore. Last year the Octavia sold 10,000 units to fleets in the UK. Easily making it the top seller in the range. Now that speaks volumes for the car's high build quality, performance and value for money. Knowing that our English friends have always been the discerning sort.
|
First off, I want to say that I personally love the brand new 2009 facelifted Octavia. The Czech designers have taken the sedate looking front fascia of the launch model and gave it a total redesign. Managing to combine equal parts of executive demeanour and aggressiveness.
The new Octavia takes a sizable amount of design cues from Skoda’s flagship Superb. Sharing the same chrome lined grille with its 19 vertical ribs. On the bonnet not only does it share those lines with the Superb, those lines are reminiscent of the 2009 facelifted BMW 3 series as well.
|
Beyond that, the similarities between the Superb and Octavia end. The headlamps adorning the front fascia add to that sportiness with the edges pulled way back to create a sleeker outline. Lower down the edges of the front bumper are a pair of fog lights that come equipped with corner functionality.
These lights self activate when the driver takes a corner and illuminates to warn of kerbs and obstacles. A neat little kit that comes standard on the Skoda. Between those fog lights sit a gaping intake that splits the incoming air with a pair of slats.
Little has changed in the rear and if you took a passing glance, you'll probably be hard-pressed to find the facelifted portions. To be honest, I don't see the difference that sets it apart from the pre-facelift either.
On a whole the Skoda’s design does the job of projecting a sedate executive image while still retaining some sporty aggressiveness in the front.
Interior
The Octavia offers an excellent driving position through the reach and rake adjustable steering and fully electric leather-alcantara front seats (with driver side memory). Personally I found the ergonomics of the driving position excellent with the driver not having to stretch to reach the audio and climate controls.
For ease and convenience, the steering wheel is lavished with audio controls, using the same rotary volume control and skip knobs used on Audis. Here you also find the wheel mounted paddles for shifting through the 7-speed DSG gearbox. A value for money example of the Octavia is the presence of a cruise control function. One feature that I’ve praised more than a few times in my reviews.
These lights self activate when the driver takes a corner and illuminates to warn of kerbs and obstacles. A neat little kit that comes standard on the Skoda. Between those fog lights sit a gaping intake that splits the incoming air with a pair of slats.
Little has changed in the rear and if you took a passing glance, you'll probably be hard-pressed to find the facelifted portions. To be honest, I don't see the difference that sets it apart from the pre-facelift either.
On a whole the Skoda’s design does the job of projecting a sedate executive image while still retaining some sporty aggressiveness in the front.
Interior
The Octavia offers an excellent driving position through the reach and rake adjustable steering and fully electric leather-alcantara front seats (with driver side memory). Personally I found the ergonomics of the driving position excellent with the driver not having to stretch to reach the audio and climate controls.
For ease and convenience, the steering wheel is lavished with audio controls, using the same rotary volume control and skip knobs used on Audis. Here you also find the wheel mounted paddles for shifting through the 7-speed DSG gearbox. A value for money example of the Octavia is the presence of a cruise control function. One feature that I’ve praised more than a few times in my reviews.
All is familiar with the centre console as it is widely used among the Volkswagen Group. The stereo comes with a touchscreen for fuss-free navigation through the menus. Loaded with a 6-CD changer capable of reading MP3 CDs. If and when that gets boring, an AUX-in jack can be found in the centre armrest for even more tunes on your iPod/iPhone or other media devices.
The car also comes equipped with a Bluetooth Telephony system. Another equipment plus point.
Below the media centre is where the interior comfort buttons can be found. Rotary control knobs represent the dual climate control system for the left and right side of the vehicle. Just below that are buttons for turning the ESP off, deactivating the front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitor. Overall the interior is lavished in high-quality plastics that you’ve come to expect from cars made by the VW Group.
Rear seat comfort is excellent with a spacious passenger cabin giving generous leg room. Rear passengers are also kept cool with their own air-conditioning vents. Mechanical blinds can be extended from the rear windscreen if ever the rays get unbearable.
To put it simply, the bootspace in the Octavia is ginormous at 560 litres. Not only is it deep, it stretches quite a distance into the passenger compartment as well. Creating enough space for at least three golf bags. If necessary, the rear seats can be folded 60/40 while a centre access door within the rear compartment allows you to retrieve items from the boot without having to step outside.
The long bootspace creates the necessity for a rather long tailgate that stretches into the heavens. This might create problems for the vertically challenged missus. It is still quite a reach for anyone below 1.65m even with the extended handle.
For safety, the Octavia is equipped with front passenger airbags with additional side airbags as well in case of any lateral impacts.
The car also comes equipped with a Bluetooth Telephony system. Another equipment plus point.
Below the media centre is where the interior comfort buttons can be found. Rotary control knobs represent the dual climate control system for the left and right side of the vehicle. Just below that are buttons for turning the ESP off, deactivating the front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitor. Overall the interior is lavished in high-quality plastics that you’ve come to expect from cars made by the VW Group.
Rear seat comfort is excellent with a spacious passenger cabin giving generous leg room. Rear passengers are also kept cool with their own air-conditioning vents. Mechanical blinds can be extended from the rear windscreen if ever the rays get unbearable.
To put it simply, the bootspace in the Octavia is ginormous at 560 litres. Not only is it deep, it stretches quite a distance into the passenger compartment as well. Creating enough space for at least three golf bags. If necessary, the rear seats can be folded 60/40 while a centre access door within the rear compartment allows you to retrieve items from the boot without having to step outside.
The long bootspace creates the necessity for a rather long tailgate that stretches into the heavens. This might create problems for the vertically challenged missus. It is still quite a reach for anyone below 1.65m even with the extended handle.
For safety, the Octavia is equipped with front passenger airbags with additional side airbags as well in case of any lateral impacts.
|
Driving it
Looking at the weight and dimensions of the Octavia, you would expect the engine to get a little exasperated off the line. Instead the 1.4-litre TSI unit pulls away with its 122bhp effortlessly. Granted it might have some turbo lag since this isn't the twin-charged 1.4 from the Scriocco. It's still an engaging drive and makes its way through the 7-speed gearbox with ease. Assistance from the 200Nm of torque available gives a century sprint figure of 9.7 seconds.
Ride quality in the Octavia is excellent. On the highway the Octavia soaked up the bumps easily and generally offered a rather comfortable drive. Push the pedal to the floor on the twisties however and you will realise that this is still a lumpy continental sedan that will understeer if you overcook it with too much speed on entry.
Looking at the weight and dimensions of the Octavia, you would expect the engine to get a little exasperated off the line. Instead the 1.4-litre TSI unit pulls away with its 122bhp effortlessly. Granted it might have some turbo lag since this isn't the twin-charged 1.4 from the Scriocco. It's still an engaging drive and makes its way through the 7-speed gearbox with ease. Assistance from the 200Nm of torque available gives a century sprint figure of 9.7 seconds.
Ride quality in the Octavia is excellent. On the highway the Octavia soaked up the bumps easily and generally offered a rather comfortable drive. Push the pedal to the floor on the twisties however and you will realise that this is still a lumpy continental sedan that will understeer if you overcook it with too much speed on entry.
Conclusion
It escapes me why we aren't seeing more Octavia 1.4s (or even the 2.0-litre VRS models) on the roads despite its high standards and relatively low price of $92,800. Included with a long equipment list, it's a value for money continental sedan that trumps most Japanese makes in this price range. Despite it being priced similarly to the VW Golf 1.4, you're getting a full-sized sedan while still enjoying the same build quality as its VW Group brethren.
Also, why pay $10,000 more (eg. Honda Accord) for a Japanese car that might not offer the same quality as one based on a continental chassis?
If local consumers would step a little out of their comfort zones and into the light, they might be surprised at what they can find beyond the horizon of Camrys, Accords and Legacys.
It escapes me why we aren't seeing more Octavia 1.4s (or even the 2.0-litre VRS models) on the roads despite its high standards and relatively low price of $92,800. Included with a long equipment list, it's a value for money continental sedan that trumps most Japanese makes in this price range. Despite it being priced similarly to the VW Golf 1.4, you're getting a full-sized sedan while still enjoying the same build quality as its VW Group brethren.
Also, why pay $10,000 more (eg. Honda Accord) for a Japanese car that might not offer the same quality as one based on a continental chassis?
If local consumers would step a little out of their comfort zones and into the light, they might be surprised at what they can find beyond the horizon of Camrys, Accords and Legacys.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Skoda Octavia 1.4 Ambiente (A)
CAT A|Petrol|15.4km/L
Horsepower
89kW (120 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
9.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Skoda Octavia
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