Skoda Octavia TSI 103 Ambition

Skoda Octavia TSI 103 Ambition

Said it before and we will say it again. Skoda is a name you need to be thinking about in serious rather than joking terms, especially now that pricing structure is more sensible vis-à-vis VW. Ok, so styling remains on the conservative side of cutting edge, but you can now climb into a Skoda Octavia for $34,900. The equivalent Golf with the same engine is $40k and isn’t as sizeable. Part of the reason for the Octavia’s gigantic interior is the use in most models of a torsion beam rear end, trading ride and handling sophistication for class-leading space. There’s enough cargo area (568-1558L) to compete with medium sector offerings.

Skoda is a name you need to be thinking about in serious rather than joking terms

Be that as it may, Octavia’s more a compact competitor on engine size and price. Utilizing the excellent 103kW/250Nm direct-injection turbocharged 1.4 petrol engine mated to the equally stellar seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, this is effortless in general town or country running, and turns in a VBOX performance that eclipses most others in the class, running to 100km/h in 8.12sec. It is pleasingly quick, thanks to its onto-it turbo which displays pleasingly little lag. Its performance compares with that of a 2.5 normally aspirated petrol, only torque comes on stream by 1200rpm and is peaking 300rpm later. That makes for both an easy and economical powertrain. At motorway speeds and a loafing 1800rpm at 100, fuel is burnt at a rate of around 4.5L/100km and the combined figure is quoted at 5.3L/100km. Even driven enthusiastically the average consumption didn’t rise above 7L/100km on the trip computer.

Styling of Octavia has also improved

Styling of Octavia has also improved – the grille outline now resembles a Kia’s – and the proportions are good in profile. It may not push any boundaries but Octavia looks pleasant. It resembles a sedan but is actually a liftback, meaning access to the luggage bay is enormous. We packed in a weekly supermarket shop-up for a family of four with oodles of room to spare.

Octavia utilizes the VW Group’s new MQB platform which is designed to reduce complexity (and cost) of build and overall kerb weight. This latest version is 1260kg, 90kg less than before. Little wonder it’s quick on the hop and fuel efficient.

We rate the ride quality as acceptable, given its torsion beam rear end. Speed bumps taken at pace? Not recommended. Springs tend soft for an absorbent ride, while firm damping and sway bar settings keep Octavia on the level when rounding up the corners. Despite rubber oriented for fuel saving, grip and resistance to understeer impressed, as did its low NVH levels (73.8dB average).

This latest version is 1260kg, 90kg less than before

Specification you’d rate as good. There’s no reversing camera but there are sensors while seven airbags, hill holder, driving lights, cruise control, trip computer, alloys, and rain-sensing wipers are all present.

It’s no glamour puss, but the latest Octavia is even more sensible than before, and now rates not only as a top compact pick but also competes on size, space and performance with the next class up, making it a comparative bargain. Young families looking for sensible space should consider this after passing on crossovers.