The Octavia is powered by Volkswagen’s legendary 1.9-litre TDI (for turbo-charged direct-injection) diesel engine. The TDI has seen service in millions of Volkswagens and Audis and is one of the VW group’s most successful motors. It also boasts one of the largest variant lists in this segment. Square-shouldered, with smooth, neat and typically German lines, the Czech express is a handsome, understated car. The snub rounded nose, simple and high waistline are other features that would make a VW or Audi badge look at home here; most of the bits come from these cars anyway which explains why it feels the most solid of all.

 

The space-saving transverse link dead axle with trailing arms was designed to minimise intrusion into the luggage area and Skoda’s designers have made full use of this. Obvious and necessary suspension alterations have been carried out by Skoda after substantial testing in India. Though the design of the suspension components remains unchanged, it’s been extensively recalibrated.

 

This turbo diesel is torquey, developing over 21 kgm, that too at just 1900 revs onwards. Even at low rpms, there is barely a hint of turbo lag. And the other reason is that the four-speed automatic gearbox responds to your inputs by up shifting quickly. Out on the highway, the 1.9 TDi automatic is good for relaxed cruising and the engine feels unstressed even at 150 kph.

 

The front seats are pretty supportive and both get height and lumbar adjustment, though it’s all done manually. The steering wheel is also adjustable for height and rake. Hence finding the ideal driving position is not difficult. The rear seats are pretty wide but legroom is more in the league of a C-segment car, the Octavia unable to hide its Golf wheelbase. Also, the sloping roof compromises headroom and the backrest is a touch too upright. Equipment levels are pretty generous for a car that is more in the league of the Lancer and Astra. For starters you get a full range of adjustments for both the front seats. Airbags are standard for both front passengers and the rear seat also gets three seatbelts. An onboard computer is also standard which calculates average speed, fuel consumption, range and also gives a read-out of the outside temperature.

 

The adjustable steering wheel only enhances the pleasurable drive. The dash treatment reminded me of an executive’s neat and precise desk – equipped with just the right amount of accessories.  The CD compatible stereo system with four speakers adds noise to the music created by the turbo diesel engine, resulting in a sort of remix track. In fact, the car is equipped with lots of practical, well-designed, integrated storage spaces – located in the extended middle console and the dashboard panel. Other than that, this dynamic car is fitted with power windows on all four doors, which go down in no time, besides an illuminated glove box. Other features include airbags on the driver and passenger side, an additional warning light in the door area, fully-galvanized corrosion resistant sheet steel body and fog lamps.

 

The diesel is more impressive — not too refined but powerful and very frugal. An 1896cc turbo-diesel, it has enough punch to keep up with most petrol cars, and makes for a superb long-distance tourer. The Octavia diesel managed an astonishing fourth overall in our recent fuel-economy test, with 12.7kpl in the city and an unbelievable 18.9kpl on the highway.

Filed under: Skoda Cars in India