Why would you want to buy a Skoda Octavia instead of its cousins VW Golf or Audi A3? writes Brian Byrne.Maybe because it’s better?
Oooh, that could be a sore one, since Skoda has always been pushed by the group as the budget brand in the stable.
Thing is, a lot of independent reliability studies over the years since the modern Octavia was introduced have placed it above both its related models.
And, after my most recent experience with one, the whole perceived quality of the Czech brand is at the excellent end of the scale.
Although the refurbishment of the current generation last year wasn’t a complete new vehicle, there were enough changes to make quite a difference.
Visual stuff was basic enough. New lights and grille are a bit sexier. Smarter-looking bumpers. Overall, enough added elegance to lift the conservative shape so that it will turn some heads.
The real improvements, though, are drivetrain. In particular the review car’s, which had the new VW Group 1.6 TDI, in a mild enough 105hp version, coupled with the 7-speed DSG autobox.
Sometimes in this business there’s a sweet point where everything comes together like Goldilocks found the right porridge and bed, after trying out the others and finding them not quite the thing.
This particular combination of components in the Octavia is that sweet spot. A marriage that works, if you like.
And I did also like the interior, which had the ivory trim and seats that really adds a pleasant airiness. It may not be the most popular in the sales mix here, with most buyers going for blacks and greys, but I really was impressed with the warm ambience.
And as the car came in Elegance trim, it included a wood effect detailing that actually didn’t look at all tacky.
Although quite svelte on the outside, the current Octavia is a roomy car, both front and back. And it has a boot which is really large and which includes a ‘lower deck’ where briefcases and such can be kept out of sight. Inside the car storage solutions abound, including a nice deep box under the centre armrest up front. A drawer under the passenger seat is useful too.
The driver’s place is a good place to be. Quite straightforward instruments in white on black analogue style. Maybe the dials slightly too much apart to provide for the other information readout, but everything very clear and non-distractive.VW itself should consider the climate controls for its own offerings, as once again they are a model of clarity.
The Bolero radio/CD combo is again one of the better such systems I have used in quite some time. It even includes an SD card slot so you can bring your own music along. Beyond that the review car included Bluetooth for the phone, and plug in points for MP3 and iPod if that’s your thing.
Under the hood, this 1.6 diesel from the VW group continues to impress me more and more. The benchmark is the similarly sized one from PSA/Ford, but I’m beginning to think this is at least very close to toe master. As to the previous 1.9 diesel that Octavia offered, this one a really big improvement in smoothness, pull, and sound terms. Also it is a most frugal unit, and the fuel gauge is very loth to move from the full side of its place. The car as supplied was in the B CO2 tax band, but the manual version is an A rated car.
In the review car it was exceptionally well matched to the DSG dual clutch gearbox. It’s the first time the 7-speed version has been available in the Octavia and that extra cog does make a discernible difference.
It wasn’t a car that suggested I go in a sporting fashion (though there is an RS version that offers just that), but it was always a matter that I enjoyed being behind the wheel.
And if I was buying it, the €25,300 for this very loaded version wouldn’t seem in any way excessive.
Would I buy it? Absolutely.
