The Skoda Octavia family in its current generation is represented by five versions: a hatchback, which is assembled for the Russian market in Kaluga, a wagon, a hot RS modification in both hatchback and combi bodies, an all-wheel-drive Octavia Combi 4x4 wagon, and a new addition — the rugged Scout. In Russia, the hatchback is the most popular, and that is exactly what this article is about. For the test, we got a car with a 1.8-liter TSI turbo engine producing 160 hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. Notably, this engine appeared under the hood of the model only last September, and the test itself took place shortly before the announcement of the updated version, which was expected to be released by the end of the current year.
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| The current generation of the Octavia model consists of five modifications - |
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| - hatchback, wagon, hot RS and rugged Scout. |
Overall, the success of the model is clear: more than 800,000 such cars have already been sold worldwide. The restrained design, which has not aged to this day, the spacious interior, decent driving characteristics, and an attractive price tag have all played their part. The fact that the previous generation, which received the Tour suffix after the debut of the new one in 2004, is still being produced today, speaks to how in-demand the car remains.
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| Against the backdrop of new futuristic models, the exterior of the Czech hatchback fades, but it still does not lose its relevance. |
The appearance of the Czech hatchback no longer impresses against the backdrop of fresher and more futuristic competitors, but calling it outdated is hard. The strict and calm look is sure to appeal to most buyers. The central element of the front end is the radiator grille, styled in Skoda's signature design. The massive hood with expressive lines stretching from the emblem to the windshield, as well as pronounced fenders, add solidity to the car and reveal its kinship with the VW group. The side stampings and wheel arches give the silhouette a muscular feel, while the heavily raked rear pillar completes the look. The only thing to nitpick is the wheel size: 16-inch wheels look frankly modest in such arches. The exception is the top Laurin & Klement version, where seventeen-inch wheels come as standard.
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| The interior design is a symbiosis of the Golf and Passat. |
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| At the rear there is a comfortable armrest, climate control air vents and an impressive amount of space. |
Inside, German order reigns: strict lines, nothing superfluous, all elements in their places. The interior is a mix of solutions from the Golf and Passat, and the rotary knobs of the dual-zone climate control are borrowed from the fifth Golf. Some may find it boring, but it is convenient.
The ergonomics deserve a solid five. The seats with an excellent profile and a sufficient range of adjustments will not let you get tired even on a long trip. The central armrest can be adjusted in height. The only drawbacks are the instrument panel with its dull green backlighting and small markings — it is not easy to read. The audio system controls on the steering wheel, which are available as an option on all trims, are also not a model of ergonomics. However, the quality of the trim materials is top-notch: in this parameter, the Octavia is not inferior to the Volkswagen Passat, and is even ready to argue with premium representatives such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
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| The massive hood adds solidity. |
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| Side lines and pronounced arches add muscle. |
The build quality is impeccable: panels fit perfectly, the plastic is soft and pleasant, and all buttons and switches operate with the signature "German" resistance and a pleasant click.
In the back, passengers get a comfortable armrest, climate control vents, and so much free space that three adults can easily fit here. The trunk is 560 liters, the wide fifth door simplifies loading bulky items, and if you fold down the rear seatback, you can even carry a small refrigerator.
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| The instrument panel is not particularly informative. |
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| For an additional fee, you can order a navigation system. |
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| The climate control unit is exactly like the one on the fifth Golf. |
The 1.8 TSI engine pleases with thrust from two thousand rpm — thanks to 250 Nm of torque. The gearbox is well chosen: the gear ratios are optimal, and the lever shifts crisply and pleasantly. Fuel consumption is also in perfect order: in traffic jams you stay within 13 liters per hundred, on the highway — about ten.
On the move, the Octavia pleasantly surprises with clear and predictable reactions. No sportiness — but the car holds the straight line excellently. Changing lanes is easy: the steering wheel offers excellent feedback and adequate sensitivity. In corners, the hatchback follows the intended trajectory precisely, and if you overdo the speed, it behaves reliably and without excitement. If a slide is inevitable, ESP kicks in — the stability control system correctly and delicately brings the car back on course. Sometimes it operates so softly that you can only tell by the flashing indicator on the instrument panel.
The ride comfort is typically European. The Skoda swallows road joints effortlessly, but on small bumps, passengers start to get shaken. It is better to brake in advance before speed bumps, especially since the brakes here are excellent.
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| Against the solid silhouette, 16-inch wheels look modest. |
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| Xenon headlights are the prerogative of the Elegance trim. |
Among the useful equipment, one cannot fail to mention the dual-zone climate control with three convenient round knobs, heated front seats, rain sensor, xenon, and rear parking sensors. This entire set, as well as six airbags, a full electric package, ABS, and a stability control system, is standard equipment for the Elegance version. If you choose this trim with the 1.8 TSI engine and manual gearbox, you will have to pay 763,000 rubles. The test Skoda Octavia additionally had front parking sensors, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a multimedia system with navigation, twelve speakers, a color touchscreen, and a 30 GB hard drive — all of which raises the price to 928,000 rubles.
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By December of this year, Russian dealers are expected to receive the facelifted Skoda Octavia — with a different grille, fresh bumpers, hood, and rear lighting. Inside, the central console has been redesigned, the steering wheel changed, and the instrument lighting has become white.
The engine lineup will include a new unit — a turbocharged 1.4 TSI with 122 horsepower. It can be paired either with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG robot. The same gearbox will also be fitted to the engine that was in the test car.
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| The interior is the embodiment of German strictness. Ergonomics are top-notch. |
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| The excellent 1.8 TSI engine shows pickup from 2000 rpm. |
Skoda Octavia has once again proven that it can make truly high-quality European cars. The Octavia is a kind of alloy of different components: confident road behavior, a comfortable and spacious cabin, restrained looks, and a democratic price. This combination makes the Czech bestseller one of the most attractive options in its segment. The expected facelift, which has noticeably refreshed the model's appearance, should only increase interest in it — provided that the factory and dealers maintain the current price level.
Ruslan Galimov
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