What we liked:>> More refined look and feel
>> Better engines and dynamics
>> Improved cabin and cargo space
Not so much:
>> Still some DSG lag evident
>> Abstemious interior decor
>> Rear-cabin acoustic resonance
OVERVIEW
>> Longer, wider and more refined
From its 19-slat grille to its sharp LED tail-lights, Skoda’s third-generation Octavia range is not only a more refined looking vehicle, but one that is also now as mature in its on-road feel as any competitor in its class.
Its longer wheelbase improves cabin and cargo space considerably, while new-generation engines and transmissions, and a revised suspension tune, endow the Octavia with a cultured comportment let down only by acoustic resonance from the open rear structure.
The Octavia is offered in five-door hatch and wagon bodystyles, which exaggerate rear-end road noise (note that Skoda refers to the hatch as a ‘sedan’ in the third-generation model).
Improved technology levels and more judicious equipment packaging bolster the Octavia’s value proposition considerably; though with cabin decor lacking creativity, the ambience can feel abstemious.
Excusing this trivial and somewhat subjective blemish, Octavia’s report card is otherwise A-grade. It’s a competent vehicle with a solid feel about it and build quality that’s ahead of the curve.
If the previous model came close to attracting your interest, we tip the new one will prove very hard to ignore.
PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
>> Far less complicated
Replacing the previous 32-model hatch and wagon range, Škoda’s new Octavia is available in sedan (actually a five-door hatch) and wagon format. It is offered with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine (see MECHANICAL), and is presented in three trim grades: Ambition, Ambition Plus and Elegance.
The Octavia range kicks off from $21,690 (plus ORCs) for the manual Ambition sedan -- that’s $3300 less than the previous entry-spec Octavia 90TSI -- and tops out at $36,740 (plus ORCs) for the top-shelf Elegance wagon.
Ambition models are fitted with a trip computer, front and rear foglights, daytime running lights, 16-inch Tecton steel wheels (with matching spare), Swing four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth telephony, audio streaming, air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors and cloth upholstery.
An option package dubbed Travel Pack is also available on Ambition models for $1300. It includes rear parking sensors, cruise control, four additional speakers (for a total of eight), a front-centre armrest and 17-inch Denom alloy wheels (with space-saver spare).
Stepping up to the mid-grade Ambition Plus -- and in addition to / instead of those features found on the Ambition grade -- we find Passenger Protect Assist and Driver Activity Assist safety systems, 17-inch Denom alloy wheels (with space-saver spare), a Bolero touch-screen eight-speaker audio system, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Finally, on the top-rung, is the Octavia Elegance. In addition to / instead of those features found on the Ambition Plus, this model includes as standard static cornering front foglights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a coloured multi-function display.
Top-grade models also get 18-inch Golus alloy wheels (with space-saver spare), a Columbus eight-speaker touch-screen audio system with sat-nav, 64GB hard-drive and voice control, plus dual-zone climate-control, folding side mirrors, front parking sensors and leather upholstery.
Depending on the grade, optional equipment includes an electric tilt and slide sunroof, combination cloth and leather upholstery and 18-inch Alaris alloy wheels (with space-saver spare).
Both Ambition Plus and Elegance models are further offered in combination with an optional Tech Pack for $3900 on Ambition Plus models and $3300 on Elegance models.
This adds adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and City Emergency Brake, bi-xenon headlights with active cornering function, washers and LED daytime running lights, plus static cornering function front foglights, LED tail-lights, rain-sensing wipers (Ambition Plus only, already standard on Elegance), Driving Mode Selection, Automatic Parking Assist with front and rear acoustic parking sensors, keyless entry, push-button ignition with alarm and apremium German Canton 10-speaker sound system.
Skoda has further bolstered the value of its new Octavia range with the introduction of capped-price servicing, which sees selected models receive scheduled servicing from just $269.
All models are further offered with drive-away pricing, as listed below, with wagon variants attracting a $1350 premium across the line-up.
No Octavia variants are offered with a reversing camera, which motoring.com.au believes will become available with the facelifted model in due course.
2013 Škoda Octavia pricing (plus on-road costs):
Octavia Ambition 103TSI sedan -- $21,690 ($23,990 DSG)
Octavia Ambition Plus 103TSI sedan -- $24,490 ($26,790 DSG)
Octavia Elegance 103TSI sedan -- $32,190 (DSG only)
Octavia Elegance 132TSI sedan -- $34,590 (DSG only)
Octavia Elegance 110TDI sedan -- $35,390 (DSG only)
Wagon variants add $1350
2013 Škoda Octavia drive-away pricing:
Octavia Ambition 103TSI sedan -- $22,990 ($25,290 DSG)
Octavia Ambition Plus 103TSI sedan -- $26,790 ($29,090 DSG)
Octavia Elegance 103TSI sedan -- $35,490 (DSG only)
Octavia Elegance 132TSI sedan -- $37,990 (DSG only)
Octavia Elegance 110TDI sedan -- $38,790 (DSG only)
Wagon variants add $1350
MECHANICAL
>> Spoilt for choice
Like many newer-generation mid-size Volkswagen Group models, the Octavia is underpinned by VW’s MQB (or Modularer Querbaukasten) platform. The modular transverse architecture allows the Octavia to readily accept a variety of Volkswagen-sourced engines, which in some markets include as many as eight four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel variants.
For Australia, the spec sheet is limited to just two petrol units and one diesel, though this will change when Octavia RS and Octavia Scout models arrive next year. All current variants are front-wheel drive with engine sizes ranging in capacity from 1.4 to 2.0 litres, as detailed below.
At the lower capacity end of the Octavia engine range is the 103TSI petrol. Like most in the Volkswagen family, this engine is named for its output (in kiloWatts) and injection method.
The turbocharged four-cylinder displaces 1395cc and delivers 103kW at 5000rpm (4500rpm for wagon variants) with 250Nm available from 1500-3500rpm. Accelerating to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds and with a top speed of 215km/h, the 103TSI consumes 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle when optioned with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 103TSI is the only drivetrain option in the Australian Octavia portfolio to be available with a six-speed manual transmission, and then only in Ambition grade. Manual gearboxes may also be offered with the Octavia RS and Octavia Scout when they arrive in Q2 and Q4 2014 respectively.
At the middle of the current Octavia range sits the 132TSI. This turbo-petrol four-cylinder displaces 1798cc and offers 132kW at 6000rpm and 250Nm from 1250-5000rpm. Hitting 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, the larger petrol engine boasts a top speed of 231km/h and a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 5.9L/100km.
Like the 103TSI, the 132TSI operates on 95 RON (or higher) premium unleaded petrol. It is offered exclusively in conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Finally, at the top of the range, is the sole turbo-diesel offering, the 110TDI. Displacing 1968cc the four-cylinder oiler develops 110kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm between 1750-3000rpm. It is said to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 215km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at 4.9L/100km.
The 110TDI is offered exclusively with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and is the only model in the range to receive idle-stop and regenerative braking technologies.
All Octavia variants are suspended by a MacPherson strut arrangement at the front with 103TSI and 110TDI variants utilising a torsion beam rear-end. The 132TSI variants use a multi-link arrangement at the rear.
All models are fitted with disc brakes grabbed by single-piston calipers at each corner and are directed by electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering. Both petrol and diesel models feature a 50-litre fuel tank.
Models fitted with 16-inch steel wheels are shod with 205/55-series rubber, while 17-inch alloy wheels score 225/45-series tyres and 18-inchers get 225/40-series hoops.
PACKAGING
>> The larger medium car
When measured against the outgoing model, the new Octavia is both longer (+90mm) and wider (+45mm) and, with more space between the axles (+108mm), offers marked increases in interior and cargo space -- especially for rear-seat passengers.
Škoda says the changes have created a total interior length of 1782mm, which it claims as class-leading. Rear knee room is increased to the tune of 73mm and elbow room by 26mm, while rear head room grows to 980mm. Up front, the Octavia extends head room by 8mm, while front elbow room grows by 39mm.
Also best-in-class is the boot volume at 568 litres. This compares to 416 litres for the Ford Mondeo, 545 for the Holden Malibu, 457 for the Honda Accord, 438 for the Mazda6 and 515 for the Toyota Camry.
SAFETY
>> Five-star Škoda
The new Škoda Octavia was awarded a five-star safety score in recent European NCAP testing, and has also received a five-star ANCAP safety score.
In Euro NCAP testing, the model scored particularly highly in adult occupant protection with a 93 per cent result. Child occupant safety received an 86 per cent grade, while pedestrian safety and safety assist technology tied on an above-average 66 per cent.
Škoda made much ado about the new Octavia’s driver aids at the model’s international launch in January this year.
In developing the model it said the improvement of electronic safety systems were “an important goal”, introducing a suite of new technologies including a frontal assist and emergency braking system, lane-keeping assistant, adaptive cruise control, multi-collision braking and automatic brake actuation, self-activating high beam lights, Crew Protection Assistant and a fatigue detection system.
Grade-dependant, the systems listed above are offered in addition to more commonplace electronic driver and supplementary restraint systems including up to nine airbags (depending on the variant), anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control.
ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchorages are also fitted, as are three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.
COMPETITORS
>> 27 not out
The segment in which the Octavia competes -- Medium car under $60K -- is now home to 27 contenders.
For the Octavia, key rivals include the Toyota Camry (with year-to-date registrations of 18,951), Mazda6 (6637), Ford Mondeo (2625), Honda Accord (2570), Hyundai i40 (2303) and Volkswagen Jetta (2008); though the Kia Optima (1613), Honda Accord Euro (1599) and new Holden Malibu (964) and Nissan Altima (on sale this month) are also moderate threats to sales.
Year-to-date sales for the outgoing second-generation Octavia are at an all-time high with the model achieving 1008 registrations to the end of October. That’s a 20.4 per cent increase on the same time last year.
The polished and well-priced MkIII Octavia is now in a better position than it has ever been to take on the aforementioned rivals, including its cousin, the Volkswagen Passat, which has to the end of October found 2665 homes.
But in spite of its steady sales the Octavia proves it still has a way to go where consumer acceptance and brand awareness are concerned.
As a vehicle now as competent -- and in some respects even more so -- than the majority of the aforementioned rivals, the Octavia deserves to be cross-shopped, and will likely sell more strongly than ever, provided Škoda can dole out the advertising dollars.
ON THE ROAD
>> Good things, small packages
The Octavia has always had a solid on-road feel and the new model is equally secure. The vehicle’s dynamics offer confident motoring, especially when the road becomes more demanding, and in general the vehicle feels well balanced when pushed through corners with gusto.
The differences between the two rear suspension arrangements isn’t especially obvious when driving sedately and both ride with a similar, slightly firm demeanour. However, push a little harder and it’s obvious the multi-link arrangement has a slight advantage, proving more tenacious during hard cornering and activating the stability control at a later threshold.
As engine selections go, it’s surprising to note the 103TSI (base petrol) engine is perhaps the pick of the litter. It’s a free-revving unit that is happy to provide its torque at a usable level. The DSG transmission does an excellent job of managing the mumbo, though is occasionally caught napping when moving away from a complete stop.
What we didn’t notice in the 103TSI that was evident in the 132TSI engine was DSG lag during roll-on acceleration. Sinking the boot in to overtake saw a couple of moments’ hesitation before the correct gear was selected, which seemed to negate the additional horsepower on offer. In short, the smaller-capacity petrol four is just as competent when push comes to shove.
If, however, you do lots of miles and want that lazy power and excellent economy that only comes from a diesel, then the 110TDI won’t disappoint. It’s not at all lethargic in getting away from a complete stop and builds power with linearity right through to 4000rpm.
It’s a quiet diesel too, and would suit buyers interested in towing or regularly driving a vehicle laden with family and luggage.
When it comes to driver involvement, the Octavia does little wrong. The electric steering isn’t race-car sharp, but it doesn’t need to be. The assistance is well metered and the feedback sufficient for accurate placement in bends. It’s light at carpark speeds and, when combined with the Octavia’s optional self-parking system, means slipping into narrow parks is a cinch.
The driving position offers sufficient adjustment for most frames and the back seat is large enough to accommodate full-size adults and lanky teens alike. We note that the rear bench offers a lot of thigh support, which is great for adults, but smaller children may be unable to bend their knees over the forward edge, which means we’d recommend taking them with you for a test drive.
If we had one complaint about the Octavia it would be, again, that the level of road noise from the rear of the vehicle is ever-present. It’s a dull resonance that is unlikely to be heard over a boot full of luggage or a backseat of screaming kids. But when you’re on your lonesome cruising the highway it could get tiring.
From a value standpoint the Octavia is a clear-cut winner and as a driver’s car it doesn’t disappoint. I’d just recommend driving as many variants as you can before settling the deal. For once, this isn’t a car where big numbers matter most, which is a good thing for family buyers wanting the biggest bang for their buck.