During my two-year tenure as Editor at Indian Auto magazine, the very nature of my work meant that I got to drive all kinds of cars - of all shapes, sizes, and capabilities - all the time. But it was only once in a while that I came across a set of wheels that was more than ready for my test-pilot mentality - the will to push things hard, and explore the outer limits of the machine’s performance potential. Rare was the car that really challenged me, taunted me, goaded me into pushing it harder and harder. With few exceptions, most cars were only too eager to tell you about their limits. Not so, with the Skoda Octavia. This car took all that I threw at it, in its stride, and asked for more. Without breaking sweat, without pausing for breath. I will make no bones about the fact that I simply loved the Octavia 2.0 that I tested…
At one time in the distant past, Skoda, of the former Czechoslovakia (now split into the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic…), were derided for being manufacturers of tatty old relics that were technologically deficient. But how things change! When the so-called “Iron Curtain” came off about a decade ago, Volkswagen bought Skoda, and if our test car is any indication of how they build their cars now, Skodas can be compared to some of the best cars in the world! Neither frivolous, nor bland, the Octavia simply looks handsome. The embodiment of ‘simple-is-best’ European school of thought, the design beautifully proportionate - the car looks purposeful just sitting there - and has been executed very well. Top marks! The classy exterior is well complemented by the equally well-executed interiors, which, again, are very Euro in thought. Our test car came in ‘Ambiente’ trim level - equipped with a trip-computer, an air-conditioner, power-windows, sound system, central/remote locking, power-adjustable front seats, and an adjustable steering wheel. The instrument panel had a prominent tacho and a speedo, a fuel-level indicator, an engine-temperature gauge, and the usual plethora of warning lights. The plastics and upholstery cloth material are all absolutely topnotch - if anything, much better than what you might possibly expect in a car of east-European descent!
Settling down into the snug and very comfy driver’s seat, I fired up the fuel-injected 1984cc transverse-four, and was delighted by the sounds that the engine made. Rev the thing hard, and you’ll be treated to a suitably howling exhaust note - an aural treat for those who like their cars to make the right noises! Not loud, but sporty all the same. Slotting the five-speed ‘box into first, I motored away, and immediately - within the first few meters – it became very clear that this was a very well put together car. The Octavia feels solid, taut, and tight. The German heritage clearly shows through. Indeed, when it comes to the way it drives, I would go as far as to stick my neck right out, and compare the overall ‘feel’ to a Mercedes Benz C-Class car - something that costs twice as much!
The Octavia’s speedo is marked all the way up to 240kmph, and the tacho reads up till 7500rpm, so right away you know that some excitement is in store. The petrol-powered two-litre engine pumps out 111bhp at 5100 revs, and max torque is 165Nm at 4400, and the figures promise is borne out by the car’s performance on the road. Floor the accelerator pedal from rest, and the Octavia blasts to 60kmph in 5.38 seconds, and to 100kmph in 12.42, which is good. Better still is the fact that doing this kind of thing comes naturally to the Octavia, and at no time does the engine feel strained. Unfortunately enough, it rained very heavily during the entire duration of the test, so we could not test the car’s top speed, but we did see 165kmph on the speedo before our photographer ran out of intestinal fortitude, and proclaimed haughtily that he had had “enough of this nonsense”. Well, whatever you say old boy…
And now, to come to my favourite part of the package - the handling. The car comes with 15-inch wheels (pressed steel, not alloys…) shod with 195/65 tubeless FireStone radials, and these chunky meats provide a huge amount of stick. One of the fringe benefits of being an automotive journalist is that you can get cars completely sideways (all in the name of testing, of course…!), which is such great fun. But on the Skoda, the “getting it sideways” part proved to be a bit tough. The firm, taut suspension keeps the plot from going awry, and you are always in control, no matter what. Corner as hard as you dare, and if you can even elicit a loud and sustained squeal from the tyres, you are a braver man than I am. The handling is really good, and is actually more oriented towards the ‘handling’ side of the handling/ride-comfort equation, which is rather rare in our country. Taking the Octavia up some twisty mountain roads was a joy, what with the firm suspension, sticky tyres, slick gearbox, and the revvy, lusty engine working in perfect harmony. As a bonus, the whole hog on the top end, I can safely say that the Octavia will do at least 190kmph before running out of steam. And for those who, like
our erstwhile lensman, worry too much, the car has antilock disc brakes on all four wheels, which is a blessing really. ABS works, and more cars should have this bit of technology as standard equipment. The brakes work very well, and haul the car down from crazy speeds without any drama, or fuss…
One thing though - we sure had a huge amount of fun in this car, but it definitely likes smooth tarmac, and did not take too kindly to the rough bits of monsoon-ravaged roads which abound everywhere in Mumbai. When the road gets rough, the Octavia bumps and thumps all over the place, and makes it very clear that it is not happy with such indelicate treatment. Something you might want to remember if the roads where you live, are really really bad. Also, with two passengers in the back seat, you have to be very careful while going over speed-bumps if you want to avoid scraping the bottom.
Okay, so by now it would be evident that I loved this car, but will you? Let’s see now. The car travels about 9kms for every litre of petrol it drinks, which, according to me is fair enough for a car in this category. The ride is oriented more towards good road-holding and taut handling, than pure comfort, which is perfectly fine by me, but I am not too sure about how potential buyers would feel about this. In any case, if it is any comfort to them, let me add that accommodation at the back is quite good, the rear seats are supportive and spacious, and there’s lots of leg-room as well. The boot is huge, with space for stacks of luggage. This is also one area which might surprise you – the boot opens like that of a hatchback! Sure, the styling is pure 3-box-saloon, but this is actually a 3-box hatch! Lots of luggage space anyway, so let’s not get into whether it is a “hatchback” or a “notchback”…
The final verdict is? This is a GOOD buy! Excellent build-quality, comfort, driving pleasure, and aesthetically pleasing – the Skoda Octavia gets top marks.