Test: Škoda Octavia 1.6 TDI (77 kW) Elegance
Test Drive

Test: Škoda Octavia 1.6 TDI (77 kW) Elegance

Skoda built its current reputation on the Octavia. The first generation came as a huge surprise to the universe. Positioning itself between two still existing classes, simply between the Golf and the Passat, Škoda was the first to try to find another recipe for winning customers. It was more like a car for the same money, if you reduce the entire design to one proposal. But for Škoda, he has always been present at all stages of its development over the past twenty years.

When ordinary or maybe a little more superficial connoisseurs say: but this car costs more than you pay for it, they already assume it's a Skoda.

Octavia's space offer has now grown by half to include the established upper middle class. The enlarged interior is a logical consequence of the fact that Škoda also used the modern Volkswagen Group platform for the third-generation design, for which the abbreviation MQB was used, which allows for much more arbitrary adjustment of the car's dimensions according to the needs of the designers. automobile.

If we translate this into a simpler language: This time around, the Octavia's designers didn't have to stick to the Golf's wheelbase as they did with the first two versions. Much of the space that Škoda's designers have gained by extending the wheelbase has been used to create more space for those in the back. The Octavia is now 40 centimeters longer than the Golf and appears to be completely "independent" in terms of car dimensions. Despite the increase in length, she lost about 100 kilograms.

In terms of design, the Octavia III continues the story of the previous two, and here the people responsible for Škoda are inspired by the Volkswagen Golf design recipe: they make just enough changes to the car to show that it is a new generation.

Customers so far have judged the Octavia's benefits on what they get under the durable sheet metal. Choosing the engine for our test model was no problem, the 1,6 horsepower 105-liter TDI will definitely be the one that buyers choose the most. It is the perfect combination for this vehicle, and even in use it is the most satisfying. Sure, its performance is more modest than that of the two-liter TDI, but for most of the test I didn't even want something more powerful under the hood.

When you get behind the wheel of the Octavia, you get the feeling that this car is about economy, and not so much about racing achievements. But the engine jumps satisfactorily with a little more throttle added to it, and reaching higher rpms is out of his hands. During normal driving, achieving such a low average consumption is not a problem, unless you want to achieve what the Octavia's standard consumption promises - 3,8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

We did not succeed, and the spring-winter conditions on our roads did not create conditions for this. Since every Octavia is now equipped with a start-stop system, this is well known in city driving, so our best achievement in mixed conditions (highway, city driving, open roads) was 5,0 liters per hundred kilometers. It was easier to reach the maximum average (7,8 liters), but even here it was necessary to "apply efforts" with sharp acceleration and holding high revs. This redesigned 1,6-liter TDI at Volkswagen seems to have largely distracted from excessive fuel consumption. It's worth mentioning, however, that this is odd because the Volkswagen Group is still trying to hold back the time when it comes to equipment with a six-speed gearbox. This cannot be obtained in conjunction with a base turbo diesel, but I'm sure it would be a good choice here too, even if you want to get an extra charge for it.

Our Octavia was fitted with a light interior and the combination with several veneer inserts created a very pleasant and cheerful atmosphere. The cockpit is impressive in workmanship, and those who try to compare the Octavia to the Golf will be a little less satisfied. Volkswagen bosses have long warned that Škoda is getting too close to them with their proposal, and with the new Octavia, they apparently found only a "solution". The materials used are not as convincing as in the Golf, but that doesn't mean it's immediately noticeable. It's the same with the seat design.

While at first glance they may seem very similar to those of the Golf, after a few hours of sitting in the Octavia, not everyone agrees. It's also worth mentioning that the seat on the back bench is very short and it seems like there is a lot of knee room in the back, but they also benefitted a bit with this measure. However, the ergonomics of the driver's seat are commendable and little has changed from the previous generation. Thanks to the new electronic modular system, which is also part of the new integrated MQB platform, Octavia has acquired some state-of-the-art solutions for entertainment and information content.

It had a smaller touchscreen built into it, and the combination of radio, navigation, on-board computer and telephone interface worked well for almost everything. All that was missing was the navigation software. The radio can play music from a CD player (which was hidden in the glove compartment in front of the passenger), and on the center console you will also find two connectors for more modern media (USB, AUX). The ease of connecting the interface to a mobile phone is commendable.

In the Octavia, the usability of the interior and trunk is definitely worth mentioning. In addition to the usual flipping of the rear seat backs, there is also a hole in the middle that can be used to carry two passengers in the back and load skis or similar long cargo through it. Families with children will also be happy, as Isofix mounts are really comfortable, but if they are not used, they will not be bothered by the coverings. Also worth mentioning are a few useful "small" solutions in the suitcase (there are more hooks for handbags or bags).

I was also pleasantly surprised by the usual handbrake lever between the front seats. However, the preservation of the "classics" is typical for many other things Octavia. At least for the time being, the buyer cannot choose from a range of electronic safety and comfort add-ons that are the latest scream of the premium offering found in some other members of the general MQB-based family (Audi A3, VW Golf). You can of course also choose from Škoda, but our test Octavia remains with the usual (and must-have) electronic equipment.

In general, I can say that ESP, for example, will not interfere many times even in fast corners on the Octavia. With a slightly longer wheelbase, the Octavia excels when it comes to maintaining direction and stability, and the design of the new semi-rigid axle that all members of the MQB family have in the less powerful versions is excellent. This has also been demonstrated in our tested sample.

The Elegance trim level is the highest, and the equipment we were able to use in the car for testing seemed rich. Since a few extras have been added to the base Octavia Elegance 1.6 TDI (for € 20.290) (Amundsen navigation system such as rear LED lights, parking sensors, rear side airbags, (even) a spare tire, etc.), the price has already increased slightly ... rose.

A lot of cars for a good 22 thousand! Whether or not they are all well invested will be up to everyone to judge for themselves when and whether they choose their equipment for the Octavia. But judging from what the Octavia has packed on Škoda now, it's clear that it will keep the car's reputation in the future, as I defined in the introduction: more cars for your money. Even though they try to position themselves with some other brands using this adage.

How much does it cost in euros

Test car accessories

Metallic paint    430

Selecting driving profiles    87

Taillights in LED technology    112

Amundsen navigation system    504

Illuminated legroom    10

Front and rear parking sensors    266

Sun & Pack    122

Simply Clever Package    44

Emergency wheel    43

Driver fatigue detection system    34

Rear side airbags    259

Text: Tomaž Porekar

Škoda Octavia 1.6 TDI (77 kW) Elegance

Basic data

Sales: Porsche Slovenia
Base model price: 20.290 €
Test model cost: 22.220 €
Power:77kW (105


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 11,3 with
Maximum speed: 194 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 6,5l / 100km
Guarantee: 2 years general and mobile warranty (3 and 4 years extended warranty), 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years rust warranty.
Systematic review 20.000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 793 €
Fuel: 8.976 €
Tires (1) 912 €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 10.394 €
Compulsory insurance: 2.190 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +4.860


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 28.125 0,28 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front transversely mounted - bore and stroke 79,5 × 80,5 mm - displacement 1.598 cm³ - compression ratio 16,0:1 - maximum power 77 kW (105 hp) s.) at 4.000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 10,7 m / s - specific power 48,2 kW / l (65,5 hp / l) - maximum torque 250 Nm at 1.500– 2.750 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (toothed belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,78; II. 1,94 hours; III. 1,19 hours; IV. 0,82; V. 0,63; - Differential 3,647 - Wheels 6,5 J × 16 - Tires 205/55 R 16, rolling circumference 1,91 m.
Capacity: 194 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10,8 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,6/3,3/3,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 99 g/km.
Transportation and suspension: limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,7 turns between extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.305 kg - permissible total weight 1.855 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.800 kg, without brake: 650 kg - permissible roof load: 75 kg.
External dimensions: length 4.659 mm – width 1.814 mm, with mirrors 2.018 1.461 mm – height 2.686 mm – wheelbase 1.549 mm – track front 1.520 mm – rear 10,4 mm – ground clearance XNUMX m.
Inner dimensions: longitudinal front 890-1.130 mm, rear 640-900 mm - front width 1.470 mm, rear 1.470 mm - head height front 940-1.020 mm, rear 960 mm - front seat length 520 mm, rear seat 450 mm - luggage compartment 590 - 1.580 370 l – handlebar diameter 50 mm – fuel tank XNUMX l.
Box: 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 l): 5 places: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 l), 1 suitcase (85,5 l),


2 suitcases (68,5 l), 1 backpack (20 l).
Standard equipment: Driver and front passenger airbags - Side airbags - Curtain airbags - Driver's knee airbag - ISOFIX mountings - ABS - ESP - Power steering - Air conditioning - Power windows front - Electrically adjustable and heated rear-view mirrors - Radio with CD player and MP3 player - remote central locking - steering wheel with height and depth adjustment - height adjustable driver's seat - separate rear seat - on-board computer.

Our measurements

T = 11 ° C / p = 1.098 mbar / rel. vl. = 45% / Tires: Michelin Energy Saver 205/55 / ​​R 16 H / Odometer status: 719 km
Acceleration 0-100km:11,3s
402m from the city: 17,9 years (


127 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 10,6s


(IV.)
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 15,0s


(V.)
Maximum speed: 194km / h


(V.)
Minimum consumption: 5,0l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 7,8l / 100km
test consumption: 6,5 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 70,9m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 40,6m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear59dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear58dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear57dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear63dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear60dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear59dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear61dB
Idling noise: 39dB

Overall rating (345/420)

  • The Octavia is a very solid car that doesn't fit into one of the classes because in many ways it already offers what the upper middle class (outer space) cars have, but on a technical basis it belongs to the lower middle class. . It definitely lives up to expectations!

  • Exterior (13/15)

    Classic Škoda sedan design with optional tailgate.

  • Interior (108/140)

    A trunk for the demanding. The interior is pleasant to look at; upon closer examination, the materials turn out to be quite average.

  • Engine, transmission (53


    / 40)

    The engine also pleases. We definitely miss the sixth gear, since then the fuel economy will improve even more.

  • Driving performance (60


    / 95)

    The road position is excellent, the driving feel is good, it holds the direction stably and behaves reliably when braking.

  • Performance (24/35)

    The damage is average in everything, both with the right acceleration and with the right flexibility.

  • Security (37/45)

    The group offers a wider selection of safety equipment, but not everything is available here from Škoda.

  • Economy (50/50)

    The average Octavia is still in the expected range, but far from the base price.

We praise and reproach

offer space than the upper middle class

impression of the quality of the body structure

engine performance and economy

easy control of the infotainment system

communication with mobile phone / smartphone

Isofix mounts

persuasiveness of materials

rear seat length

seating comfort in front

Add a comment