Test: Škoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI DSG (2020) // More than just a jump
Content
I still remember the first generation Octavia, which my father proudly brought to his home garage, and then for several months more proudly explained how passers-by and acquaintances asked him what the hell it was for one large and spacious a car. Metallic silver was a hit at the time, 16-inch wheels were semi-race, The 1,8-liter engine sounded decisive, although today the liter engines have the same power.
First of all, it was the model with which Škoda finally adjusted its direction to the future and said goodbye to the half-past history of socialist realism (which was not always bad, but with a dubious sign).
What happened between them is known, but today the Octavia is the fourth generation car that has finally won the rights at home in the VW Group, including among premium brands, since it is obvious that the limit is less and that all technological innovations, as well as Platform MQB, make Czechs available from day one of next generation development.
Despite similar or even the same fundamentals, they again managed to create a car that is different enough from its domestic competitors (Golf, Leon, A3) to be recognizable and unique. At the same time, the new Octavia does not differ (at least not significantly) even in terms of price. Yes, every progress comes at a cost.
If you thought the new Octavia would be revolutionary in a different way, you were certainly wrong, and that makes sense. This car has never been a vehicle capable of convincing and impressing those looking for design excesses, if not avant-garde. The clientele caring for this model knew what she wanted and what she didn't want. He definitely doesn't want to stand out at any cost. And this restrained elegance, largely shaped by a clean user interface, has been preserved by the designers.
It is true, however, that with new proportions, a lower bonnet, narrow and stretched headlights and a wider grille, the Octavia now looks more elegant, less dependent on (pure) interior spaciousness. But perhaps this is just personal experience. However, it is definitely a car that stands out in this color combination, but it is mainly about the color scheme. And maybe 17-inch wheels, which are not small, but work more discreetly, but allow for comfortable tires (more on that later).... Despite everything, the Octavia has retained its recognizable features, especially in the form of a caravan or van. But for now ...
I always (like many colleagues) shook my head when rumors about interior design, choice of materials and colors reached. In this part, Škoda firmly adhered to traditionalism, which, of course, was dictated by the pricing policy. Nothing serious happened with the arrangement of instruments and the dashboard, door trim and much more. But for those who buy Octavia because of its attractive shapes, fresh colors (inside) and innovative materials, this is probably not the case. And since Škoda loved to emphasize this new approach, I really wondered how much of what was announced was true.
The engine is incredibly energetic for a 2.000-liter diesel and even up to the XNUMX mark it is also decently responsive.
I admit, the first impression is more than positive - the door trim is made of several materials, at least the upper part is pleasantly soft to the touch, the dashboard, especially the upper part, is lined with an interesting textile material, silver-gray slats. , some chrome and aluminium… clever color scheme, sort of layered layout…
This is really good, but above all, a noticeable leap in the right direction. Especially if I add to that an interesting two-spoke steering wheel, which is just thickened, with multifunction switches (with interesting rotary switches) and a center display for the infotainment system. In addition to the pleasant environment, there is (still) an ubiquitous sense of spaciousness, height, around the elbows, legroom ... Yes, I have never found it difficult to get comfortable here.
If you were looking for even minor imperfections, of course, you would immediately find an adjustment for the tilt (and length) of the seat or the part of the seat that is not tilted. But because I'm a little spoiled, maybe even an inch of lateral support. Rear passengers are usually not overlooked as the bench is comfortable, the seats are well contoured in the seating area and above all there is ample legroom. Very sorry.
And so the trunk should be like this. Large, spacious, with an elegant high-opening door that I didn't even think was worth bending over or looking at my forehead. A serious 600 liters is, of course, a value that any family father can enjoy., anyone who likes to carry a lot of sports equipment, and every commercial traveler.
There is practically no point in losing a word about practicality, because Škoda sets the standard here (in the classroom), otherwise you can conveniently and easily remove the backrests from the back, spread retaining elastic nets or partitions, hang up a shopping bag. (folding hook) ... Yes, if you need (enough) space in an elegant package, then (
In this generation, the Škoda Octavio has been so modernized that the range of engines and drives is more numerous than ever. But despite the mild plug-in hybridization, I'm sure the diesel will reign supreme for a while. Not only is the XNUMX-liter unit now particularly clean, well tuned, quiet and quiet (by diesel standards), but also because it is almost incredibly efficient and economical.
After the first long journey, I looked at him with great disbelief. the on-board computer showed a consumption of 4,4 liters... And this while driving, which I would not call a model of economy. So I focused on consumption throughout the entire testing period and didn't get more than five liters. And this is with a car with a length of almost 4,7 meters, which with all the equipment is approaching a weight of 1,5 tons. For those who travel a lot and a lot, such a car is still the only solution.
The comfort in the chassis is written with a capital letter, so the DCC system does not make any special changes.
Otherwise, I've never been a fan of DSG transmissions, but now I'll have to rethink. The engine and transmission (now without a physical connection, via wires) are so elegantly connected and tuned that the DSG rarely reveals its weak points (creaking, lagging ...). Even with a quick start, the switches are soft, and the sudden changes in dynamics are not embarrassing (at least not so obvious) and quickly finds the right gear, shifting gears and starting off is smoother. Significant progress has also been made in the field of mechatronics.
And it all works much better and more responsive even with the more dynamic driving that the engine-transmission clutch now allows. Not only is the engine more spirited than the power rating suggests, but even close to the 2.000 mark on the rev counter, it is just as fun to react to and seems to be easy to play with the Octavia's weight, especially when accelerating from mid-range. And all this with a very low-key soundstage that clearly states its origins only at over 3.000 rpm (and maybe in the morning).
I managed to twist the tracks a bit, but seriously, the settings don't change. The motor reacts a little sharper, the transmission shifts later, mechanically more pronounced, sensitive (interesting - even down), the sound of a diesel engine is more present in the cabin. Of course, the tracks also affect the chassis (both are available in packaging) or shock performance, but the difference between normal and sporty performance is really subtle.
The underside of the larger tires may be different, but otherwise there is room for change. In fact, the chassis in this generation is more comfortable, but certainly more flexible and thoughtful than in any of the previous ones, where they wanted to convey more dynamics in the first place.
Personally, I'm pretty sure the spring and shock settings are indeed the same. “I would say it’s a good compromise, as it works well on broken pavement in urban centers (the bike still hits lateral bumps here and there), while still providing enough body control and stability even at higher speeds.
And no - no matter how the chassis is set up, it doesn't duck corners, but it's true that the lean can be a bit more than you'd expect (despite the DCC damper control), but that doesn't affect the reliability of the position in any way (unless it's exaggeration). At the same time, the steering feels communicative, engaging even at higher cornering speeds to give a sense of reliability even when driving uphill.
Skoda has spoken with great enthusiasm about the new Octavia, which is usually a sign that when approaching a new product, you need to be at least a little more careful, if not restrained. But this time I must admit that they The Czechs did their job more than well and delivered on most of the promised marketing gimmicks.
The Octavia is just a really rounded, uniform and coordinated car. This time mostly with some (much needed) added value in interior design and styling, but also with a transmission that only works to the eye of an old acquaintance, and this time it works really surprisingly well (which hasn't always been the case) . Everything else is the Octavia you always wanted. I confess that she convinced me.
Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI DSG (2020)
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 30.095 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 27.145 € |
| Test model price discount: | 30.095 € |
| Power: | 110kW (150 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,8 with |
| Maximum speed: | 222 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 4,3-5,4l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2 years general warranty with no mileage limitation, up to 4 years extended warranty with 160.000 3 km limit, unlimited mobile warranty, 12 years paint warranty, XNUMX years rust warranty. |
| Oil change every | (adjustable interval) km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.211 XNUMX € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 4.100 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.228 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 21.750 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.360 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 4.965 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 35.614 0,36 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - turbodiesel - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 81 × 95,5 mm - displacement 1.968 cm3 - compression 16,0: 1 - maximum power 110 kW (150 hp) at 3.000 -4.200 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power of 9,6 m / s - specific power of 55,9 kW / l (76,0 l. injection - exhaust turbocharger - charge air cooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives the front wheels - 7-speed DSG gearbox - gear ratio I. 3,579; II. 2,750 hours; III. 1,677 hours; IV. 0,889; V. 0,722; VI. 0,677; VII. 0,561 - differential 4,167 / 3.152 - wheels 7 J × 17 - tires 205/55 R 17, rolling circle 1,98 m. |
| Capacity: | top speed 222 km/h - acceleration 0-100 km/h 8,8 s - average fuel consumption (WLTP) 4,3-5,4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 112-141 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | station wagon - 5 doors - 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, air springs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes, ABS, rear wheel electric parking brake ( switch between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,6 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.487 kg - permissible total weight 1.990 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.600 kg, without brake: 740 kg - permissible roof load: 75 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.689 mm - width 1.829 mm, with mirrors 2.003 mm - height 1.468 mm - wheelbase 2.686 mm - front track 1.543 - rear 1.535 - ground clearance 10,4 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | longitudinal front 900-1.120 mm, rear 570-810 mm - front width 1.500 mm, rear 1.465 mm - head height front 930-1.010 mm, rear 980 mm - front seat length 475 mm, rear seat 450 mm - steering wheel ring diameter 375 mm - fuel tank 45 l. |
| Box: | 640-1.700 l |
Our measurements
| T = 22 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / Tires: Michelin Primacy 4 205/55 R 17 / Odometer status: 1.874 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,8s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 14,9 years ( 140 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 222km / h |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 4,1 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 72,3m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 45,0m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 90 km / h | 58dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h | 64dB |
Overall rating (530/600)
The Octavia is now, even more so than before, a well-designed and homogenous vehicle capable of excellence in any task. In the latest generation, it is worth noting the progress in the comfort of the chassis and the performance of the DSG transmission.
Cab and trunk (104/110)
It's a shame you're used to it. Spacious and accessible in all directions and sizes. Champion class!
Comfort (95
/ 115)The combination of a calibrated and matched chassis (adjustable dampers add little in the test model), room, good seating and ergonomics is the basis of very decent comfort.
Transmission (68
/ 80)The EVO diesel four-cylinder engine really surprises with its responsiveness and energy. Along with the expense.
Driving performance (85
/ 100)The Octavia has finally got a more moderate and uniform chassis, in which driving comfort is placed just above the dynamics. Right.
Security (107/115)
There can be many security systems on board, all of which are the latest developments in the group.
Economy and environment (71
/ 80)The consumption of a TDI with DSG is exemplary, almost surprisingly low.
We praise and reproach
spaciousness and interior design
decisive, energetic TDI and responsive DSG
maximum consumption
feeling inside
driver's seat tilt
The operating range of the DCC system is too small
some slopes on fast driving
