SKODA OCTAVIA HATCHBACK 2004-2009 Review
Good Points
- Top quality materials used
- Some very good engines
- Superb reliability
- Drive’s smoothly and handles well
Bad Points
- The interior is a bit dull
- Side airbags don’t come as standard
Engines
There are almost a dozen engines available in the Octavia with both petrol and diesel engines on offer. The petrol engines start with the 1.2-litre that produces 105bhp. This is followed by a 1.4-litre that is only available in the hatchback, then a 1.6-litre with 102bhp, a 1.6-litre FSI with 115bhp, a 160bhp 1.8-litre TSI and the top of the range 2.0-litre FSI producing 150bhp.
The diesel engines start with a 1.9-litre TDI producing 105bhp followed by a 2.0-litre TDI with 140bhp. There is also the option of a Greenline engine that uses a 1.6-litre TDI and produces 105bhp which was labeled the Greenline I, but which was replaced in 2011 by a more efficient and quicker updated version of the same engine labeled the Greenline II.
Performance & Economy
The 1.4-litre petrol that is only available in the hatchback feels underpowered anywhere other than around towns. If you stick to town or city driving then it will perform well, otherwise leave it well alone. The 1.2-litre that was introduced in 2010 is a much better engine that has the best economy in the petrol lineup with 49mpg and goes from 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds. The 1.6 FSI is a much better engine than the standard 1.6-litre as it was a second faster at 11 seconds from 0-60mph and is 4mpg more efficient at 42mpg. The 1.8-litre TSI is the pick of the petrol lineup as it is extremely smooth and refined offering good performance. It is actually faster than the larger 2.0-litre petrol going from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and is more economical too at 40mpg.
The 1.9 TDI diesel engine is fairly economical at 57mpg and isn’t that much of a slouch at 11.4 seconds from a standing start to 60mph. The 2.0 TDI is better with 58mpg and is over two seconds faster at 9.2 seconds. The original 1.6 Greenline I with its 105bhp is very economical achieving 64mpg and is just as fast as the 1.9-litre at 11.4 seconds from 0-60mph. The newer Greenline II is even better going from 0-60mph in 11 seconds flat and manages an incredible 74mpg.
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Introduction
The new Skoda Octavia is a much better car than its predecessor with the new model being good looking, well built and leaving the old dark days of Skoda’s well in the past. The ride and handling is just as good as the Golf’s, which is unsurprising as that’s what it’s based upon, and the interior is spacious if maybe a bit dull and drab.
Exterior & Interior
The Octavia is actually a very good looking car in both the hatchback and estate versions thanks to its modern styling and soft curving lines. The interior is also far more spacious and roomier than the Golf it is based upon. The seats are all comfortable offering good support which proves good on longer journeys.
The interior may be made of dull looking plastics, but it is extremely robust and solid feeling. The dash is simply laid out and easy to use and the steering wheel comes with plenty of adjustments to find the perfect driving position. The back seats can easily seat three comfortably in both models and the boot is also very big providing 560litre, the estate obviously provides a larger space. In both models the split folding seats can be folded flat to increase the loading space to accommodate any large or oddly shaped luggage you are looking to transport.
As for trim levels, avoid the Classic as it is too basic and doesn’t provide you with much kit. The Ambiente is better, but the Elegance is the recommended trim to go for as it comes with climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control, iPod integration, electric windows in the front and back and parking sensors. If you fancy even more then there is the Laurin & Klement trim which is the top of the range trim.
Drive
The Octavia handles extremely well but that is unsurprising when you consider that it uses the VW Golf’s platform. It soaks up bumps in the road while still proving to be agile with very little body roll in the corners. The steering feels well weighted with the brakes being sharp and the gear changes slick. The cabin is very quiet with very little wind and road noise will be heard. The best way to describe the Octavia is that it is very unlike a Skoda (or at least what most people’s perceptions of Skoda’s used to be!).
Faults & Repairs
Although the trim does feel well constructed some drivers have reported some pieces working loose. You also need to bear in mind that the cambelt needs replacing every 60,000 or four years in all the engines so make sure that this has been done before purchasing one. There have also been a few complaints of the door seals leaking and the rear washer tank in the boot, so check the carpets in these areas for damp or damp stains. Other than that there have been very few complaints and the servicing costs are no more expensive than for the VW Golf or Ford Focus.
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