Skoda Octavia 2014 Review

Benefitting from the latest lightweight and highly competent Volkswagen Audi Group modular MQB platform, the third-generation Skoda Octavia finally has a chance to play on a level footing with its closely-related cousin, the award-winning Volkswagen Golf VII.

Dig beneath the surface, however, and all is not as it seems.

Though the latest Octavia is a definite step forward, a look at its suspension architecture perhaps explains why the Octavia is both cheaper and less refined than its VAG stablemate. Where the Golf uses a thoroughly modern, four-link independent rear suspension for superior stability, two of the three Octavia drivetrains stick with a (albeit redesigned and lighter) torsion-beam layout. But we are perhaps getting ahead of ourselves…

The Octavia sedan range commences at an accessible $21,690 (plus on-road costs) and concludes at $35,490 (plus ORCs) without options. Wagon variants cost an additional $1350.

The entry-level Ambition 103TSI is fitted with the new EA211-series 103kW and 250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that outguns the Golf 90TSI by 13kW and 50Nm, and drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. On the combined cycle it sips a claimed 5.7L/100km as a manual or 5.2L/100km when optioned with the dual-clutch transmission (DSG).

The seven-speed DSG option adds $2300 to the list price.

Ambition models ride on 16-inch steel wheels and gain seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee bag. Other features include VW’s clever multi-collision brake, stability control, hill-hold function, monochrome multi-function display with Bluetooth connectivity, leather trim for the steering wheel, handbrake and gear shift, switchable daytime running lights, and ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points.

Luggage capacity is generous, and in combination with 60:40 split-fold rear seats can expand from 568 to 1558 litres in the sedan, or from 588 to 1718 litres in the wagon.

Ambition Plus is the mid-point model of the Octavia range, and is available from $24,490 (plus ORCs) in manual sedan form. It shares the driveline of the Ambition but gains 17-inch alloys, nine airbags (including rear side airbags), fatigue-detecting driver activity assist, passenger protect assist, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seat with lumbar support, rear parking sensors and a fold-out centre armrest for the rear pews.

The audio system is enhanced by the inclusion of four extra speakers (for a total of eight), the upgraded ‘Bolero’ unit also offering Bluetooth audio streaming capability, USB, SD and 3.5mm auxiliary audio inputs, and of course single-CD/tuner compatibility. The unit is operated via a neat-looking 5.8-inch ‘pinch to zoom’ touchscreen.

Finally, the high-grade Elegance from $32,190 (plus ORCs) arrives exclusively with the DSG transmission. It is specified with 18-inch alloys, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, voice control, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, idle stop-start, heated exterior mirrors and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 3D sat nav capability and DVD player.

The Octavia Elegance can also be specified with a 132kW and 250Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, belonging to the older EA888 engine family, which is said to consume 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle in sedan form, or 6.1 as a wagon.

Priced from $36,490 (plus ORCs), the Elegance range is also available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel option, badged 110TDI, which produces 110kW and 320Nm and sips a claimed 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle. Married to a stronger six-speed dual-clutch transmission, it is priced from $35,490 (plus ORCs).

Motoring sampled each engine variety during our test cycle, beginning with the Ambition Plus 103TSI wagon. Fitted with the DSG transmission and optional Tech Pack ($3900) it had an ‘as tested’ price of $32,040 (before on-road costs).

The Tech Pack added KESSY (Skoda’s version of keyless entry and go), adaptive cruise control, park assist, multi-drive mode system, an upgraded sound system, xenon headlights with LED running lamps, ‘black frosted glass’ foglight design with static cornering function, light assist, and a humidity sensor for the interior rear view mirror.

It’s often said that the entry-level driveline is the sweetest, and so it proved in the Octavia’s case. The 103TSI unit was torquey, responsive and efficient, though revealed a lack of top-end power during overtaking manoeuvres. That gripe aside, it was a well-matched companion for everyday driving; if only the dual-clutch transmission, which displayed noticeable drive take-up lag, was so capable.

Stepping up to the Elegance 132TSI wagon the interior ambience was immediately superior with its leather-trimmed seats and large 8.0-inch touchscreen with sat nav a particular highlight.

Fitted with a model-specific Tech Pack ($3300), the model offered much the same optional equipment as listed for the Ambition Plus. Painted in striking race blue metallic paint ($475) the Elegance wagon cut a fine figure, but at $39,815 (before on-road costs, as tested), it needed to.

On the road, it quickly became obvious that the 103TSI was the newer of the two engine designs. The extra output of the 132kW engine was only noticeable high-up in the rev range, with no improvement to low-end torque. In fact, the drive take-up delay noticed in the Ambition Plus felt amplified in the Elegance 132TSI wagon; whole seconds passing before full power was delivered.

The Elegance wagon also lost out on ride comfort, though its 18-inch wheels with 40-profile tyres did a decent — if unspectacular — job of playing the sports wagon on winding roads, with decent grip and chassis stability; the multi-link rear suspension arrangement no doubt assisted in this regard.

Finally, we moved into the Elegance 110TDI in sedan form.

Again fitted with a Tech Pack and metallic paint, the Elegance 110TDI (diesel) sedan came to $39,265 (plus ORCs, as tested). Right from start-up the diesel liked a chat, but once underway it smoothed out in its delivery, even if it never really silenced until reaching cruising speed.

In truth you don’t really miss the extra gear the petrol engines gain (seven v six), the ample pulling power of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel shifting the sedan with ease. It also suffered from less take-off lag than the petrol models, while the idle stop-start also impressed — why isn’t it available with the TSI (petrol) units?

The extra weight of the diesel engine could be felt in the front-end which was more reluctant to change direction than the others. Once back on the throttle, the inside-front wheel could spin up, prompting a call from the traction control.

Would we recommend the wagon over the sedan? Yes. It felt more spacious subjectively (and the objective figures prove that) and added a lot of practicality — and arguably a more distinctive style — to the Octavia’s repertoire. It is $1350 well spent.

Where we are not so sold is on the additional cost for the 132TSI engine; if you must have the Elegance (and the undoubted additional kit it brings), the diesel is the best choice with its meaty mid-range, frugality and quiet operation once up to speed. But then again, we are nearing $40,000 which makes the ‘medium car for small-car price’ tagline a bit of a stretch.

Instead, we reckon you should stick to the Octavia Ambition Plus 103TSI and enjoy the efficiency benefits with little loss to real-world performance. Finish it off with some relevant options, and the value equation makes a lot more sense.

2014 Skoda Octavia Ambition Plus 103TSI wagon pricing and specifications:
Price: $28,140 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 103kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 121g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

2014 Skoda Octavia Elegance 132TSI wagon pricing and specifications:
Price: $36,040 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 132kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 142g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

2014 Skoda Octavia Elegance 110 TDI sedan pricing and specifications:
Price: $35,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 110kW/320Nm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 4.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 129g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

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