Skoda’s Wagon A Sensible Choice
Here at Car Showroom we’ve been impressed by the various Skodas we’ve driven.
We’ve just spent a week behind the wheel of the new entry-level 1.6-litre Octavia wagon and the trend continued.
This is one well-equipped, well-built and absolutely sensible European mid-size wagon.
What You Get
By now the Skoda story should be familiar – the Volkswagen-owned Czech-Republic-based automaker re-entered the Australian market about five years ago and - in terms of products - is certainly a brand the automotive world is watching closely.
Skoda recently launched a major facelift for the Octavia lineup and introduced the 1.6-litre engine as the entry-level. Other engines are the 1.8-litre TSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel.
Facelifted 2009 Octavias get a fresh exterior design and a number of technical improvements.
We tested the Octavia 1.6 in wagon form. It’s a European wagon so it’s mid-size in Australian terms, but still affords plenty of luggage space - 1620 litres with the rear seat folded or 580 litres with all seats in place.
Under The Hood
Part of the Volkswagen family, Skoda’s engine lineup is familiar: 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre petrol and the 2.0-litre TDI diesel. As part of the ’09 model year facelift, the 1.8 TSI petrol replaced the previous 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Octavia range. This is the only engine available with Volkswagen’s 7-speed DSG direct-shift transmission (the 2.0-litre TDI powerplant gets an optional six-speed DSG).
The 1.6-litre is a new addition as part of the facelift package and it was this engine in wagon form we tested – driving through the excellent six-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum power is 75kW and peak torque rated at 148Nm.
A tyre-burning racer it isn’t; the 1.6-litre is a true European performer as it gets the business done with a minimum of fuss and maximum of refinement. Economy is impressive too – Skoda says 8.3l/100kms for the 1.6 automatic wagon we tested or 7.8l/100kms for the five-speed manual version.
The Interior
Plenty of interior changes were included in the Octavia facelift – the steering wheel, dashboard, air-conditioning controls, center console and door trim inserts are all new. Upgraded audio and satellite navigation systems are available and there are new seat fabrics.
Even the head restraints are new – called WOKS (Whiplash Optimised Head Restraints) they have been shaped and also sit closer to your head than previous designs to provide better support and reduced whiplash in accidents.
A new “Swing” CD audio system was part of the facelift – with MP3 player and an auxiliary input socket.
Six airbags are standard across the range – driver and front passenger, side and curtain.
Rear seat passengers enjoy surprising space and the large, wide-opening rear doors make access easy.
Overall the Octavia presents very nicely from the inside (with a clear Volkswagen feel about the fabrics, seats, instruments and controls). The quality feel is very high and our test car was free of rattles.
Exterior & Styling
Contemporary and conservative, the European style of the Octavia has been enhanced as part of the facelift package with new body panels, bolder headlights, a larger chrome-finished grille and more aerodynamic one-piece bumper. At the rear, new tail-lights and bumper complete the changes.
The new 15-inch alloy wheels are called ‘Pyxis’.
We like the look of the Octavia – it’s nicely done and doesn’t risk offending.
And we were particularly impressed by the build quality of the wagon we tested – the panel fit and finish were excellent.
On The Road
The Octavia wagon ticks all of the boxes – for a family vehicle or a company car. Let’s face it, many wagon buyers don’t actually need the bulk of an Aussie full-size wagon or an SUV and the Octavia provides an excellent alternative.
We liked the precise, refined driving dynamics of the wagon we tested and while the 1.6-litre’s 75kW are not for street racers, its was well-matched to the six-speed auto to provide handy performance in city traffic and over our rural test route.
The suspension too is nicely sorted with typically European confidence-inspiring tightness through high speed twists and curves plus high levels of refinement and noise suppression over bumps.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Anti-Slip Regulation, ABS anti-lock brakes and Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution is standard.
Challenges
We reckon it’s time Volkswagen’s engineers updated their cruise control operations and went to a steering wheel-mounted system as the current stalk design is a but dated and fiddly (especially when compared to Ford’s excellent arrangement).
Verdict
The Octavia Wagon 1.6 is a well-priced, well-specced, nicely made European mid-size wagon. We’re fans of Skoda and if you’re in the market for a wagon you really should give the Octavia serious consideration – you’ll be surprised at just how good the Czech-Republic brand really is.
The Competition
Skoda has priced the Octavia Wagon 1.6 at $31,290 – that’s competitive with Holden’s European-sourced Astra wagon.
From France, Renault’s excellent Laguna wagon mounts a strong argument but carries a price premium.
Same for the Mazda6 wagon.
Likes
Nicely packaged, quality shows everywhere, well-equipped, sharply priced
Dislikes
Some interior controls looking dated; brand not well-known
