11.09Skoda Octavia Combi India, Skoda Octavia Combi Review
Skoda India Ltd launched the Combi with two variants RS and L&K diesel. The single major change to the overall visual comes at the rear. The cut is distinct; there is no missing that flat rear section though styling is as subtle yet elegant and understated as before. In fact on closer inspection you would notice that the roof at the rear has a gradual downwards incline to reduce drag and enhance aero efficiency. Tail lamps are the same as on the sedan and so is the rear bumper.
The estate does not add much poser value to the Octavia but neither does it detract from the classic lines and elegant shape. The sports theme is nicely executed on the Combi RS with the hatch sporting a spoiler with integrated stop lamp. The L&K on the other hand only sports the high mounted stop lamp. The Combi L&K is as visually appealing on the exterior front as it is easy on the eye in the lush interior with well appointed creamy leather synonymous with the L&K luxury badge.
On the interior the rear most section now offers loads more space. The hatch opens up quite high making it quite easy to load tall objects. Even the loading sill sits low so you don’t have to lift objects too high. And unlike most other estates the rear struts don’t intrude into the glasshouse giving you maximum utilisation of available space.
The flat hatchback has not improved rearward visibility and if anything the glass area is smaller and it just as difficult as in the sedan to view what is behind. Build quality is still as good as ever and hard to find fault with. The L&K did have a CD changer with sparkling sound belting out of the six speakers.
This is another area that sees no change. The Combi RS is supported by the same suspension package like the one used on the sedan. Independent MacPhersons up front and compound link crank axles at the rear with coil springs and externally mounted telescopic shock absorbers provide a firm yet supple ride quality to the torsionally rigid chassis. Then there is the sports package that in addition to the large 16-inch wheels gives the RS great ground clearance coupled with a stiff ride and exemplary handling.
The front suspension on the Combi L&K is mounted on a subframe with MacPherson strut with stiffer coil springs and dampers, same as on the sedan. Lower triangular transverse links and a torsion stabiliser complete the front package. The rear also features basically the same type of suspension with pilot-pin technology.
The braking systems are also the same, large 312mm ventilated discs at the front and 256mm solid discs actuated by the single pot calipers to keep check on the RS. The L&K however has smaller 280mm ventilated discs at the front and 230mm drums at the rear. Both cars have ABS to assist and smoothen braking.
The Combi RS and the Combi L&K are the most powerful estates in the country. Both are powered by the same engines as in the sedans. The Combi RS sports the advanced all aluminium 1781cc five-valve technology engine that is extensively used by the Volkswagen group in their cars.
The five valves on each of the 4 cylinders are actuated by hydraulic bucket tappets operated by twin OHCs. A 150PS of max power peaks at 5700rpm and along with 210Nm of max torque is available throughout a very wide band of the rev range. Sadly
The Combi L&K is powered by the 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel unit fed by a direct injection fuel system. Optimal mapping ensures this 1896cc engine makes 110PS max power at 4000rpm and 235Nm of max torque at 1900rpm. With so much power on tap the Combi L&K packs in explosive performance that is nothing short of astounding for a diesel estate.
The Combi RS delivered 100kmph mark in 9.17 seconds. And the L&K delivered 0-100kmph run in 13.38 seconds is impressive figure among diesels. Both the Combi RS and the Combi L&K wring the best efficiency out of their engines. The Combi RS is the most fuel efficient, its 55-litre fuel tank giving a fantastic range of 694km.