Review of a current turbo diesel estate (Skoda Octavia GLX TDi Estate)

Member Name: Skoda119

Product:	Skoda Octavia GLX TDi Estate
Date:	11/11/02 (2157 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safety specification, Quality Durability and Service costs, Low Depreciation

Disadvantages: You have to make your own decision that this is a value for money quality product , You are a pioneer in accepting Skoda is now one of the leading players

Current models in the Skoda Octavia range are:-

Classic, Ambiente, Elegance, RS and the Laurin and Klement.

The turbo diesels come in two versions the 1.9 TDi having 90 bhp or the 1.9 TDi having 110 bhp.

This review concerns the Skoda Octavia Laurin and Klement Estate with the 110 bhp TDi engine.

********************************************** *************************

Our 1992 Citroen BX TZD Turbo Diesel Hatchback has proved a reliable, economical and zippy vehicle.

We were involved in a fatal road accident where a motorcyclist overtaking us went headlong into an oncoming car. The airbags on that car inflated and protected the occupants from being hit by the motorcyclist or the motorcycle. This image was in our minds when we decided to upgrade to a new turbo diesel with airbags and added safety features.

A preliminary visit to our local Skoda dealer showed that the Skoda Octavias on offer were really alternative label Volkswagen Golfs and built to identical quality. The Skoda prices were much cheaper than the VW equivalents.

A test drive of the 110 bhp turbo diesel showed that it would be an exciting, economical and comfortable vehicle ? not for just the front seat passengers but those in the rear too.

The Skoda Octavia includes the following safety features absent from our Citroen:-

ABS ? Anti-Lock Braking System
EDL ? Electronic Differential Lock
ASR ? Anti Slip Regulation
Child Seat Mounting Points (ISOFIX)
Driver and passenger airbags
Side airbags at front (Elegance and L&K) versions
Side Impact Protection

I've experienced this electronic traction control coming gently into operation as the car has been "exercised" - they are brilliant.

The long established Skoda tradition of providing a fully equipped car continues in the latest models and even if you select the base model Octavia Classic you will find it includes
high level third brake light, internal headlamp beam level adjuster, rear fog lights, mudflaps, immobiliser. The cars come with a three year unlimited mileage and ten year anti-perforation warranty. Free AA cover is provided for three years. The base model enters the arena at about £10.000.

We opted for the Octavia Laurin and Klement Estate that has the added features of climate control, headlamp washers, roof rails, xenon headlights, cruise control, heated front seats, six disc CD changer, full leather interior and wood trim. Skoda have produced this particular version in honour of the partners of the Company that was merged with the Pilsener Skoda Group in 1925 ? so it should therefore be extra worthy of the Skoda new image.

The showroom vehicle that we purchased was £15900 including £375 delivery charges, parking sensors (£225), 12 month road fund licence (£110) and first registration fee (£25). The dealer was very near to the price match we had on the internet and because we did not have a part exchange added the cost of a Platinum Protection treatment (£250) to the maximum discount (£500) that he could offer us.

We are "running in" at the moment so we have not confirmed if the maximum speed is indeed 119 mph. The acceleration seems zippy and we believe the quoted performance figures of 0-62 mph in 11.2 seconds. Similarly, like our Citroen, the fuel gauge drops slowly and we expect to achieve the quoted figure of 64.2 mpg urban cycle. Interesting to watch the indicated fuel consumption figures vary as one drives ? the indicator gives up at 199 mpg going down hill and then one naughtily gives a bit of welly and you are shown drops to 20 or 30 mpg.. Uphill fuel economy trials are interesting too and guess this is experience for the correct gear and the correct engine revs.

The car seems built for reliability and long service. We will probably have our annual service before the first mileage recommended serv
ice is reached. Cam belts seem durable and the frequent expensive changes on our Citroen will no longer be needed. Skoda advise in the manual that the airbags and seat belts should be replaced after fifteen years!!!!!

The clinching issue for us in deciding on a Skoda (instead of a Citroen C5 with a discount of 17.5% - the returned VAT scheme) was the question of depreciation.

The Skoda maintains its value and depreciates less than most UK cars ? it is probably one of the best investments for a purchaser from new.

We were thinking that we might have a criticism of the car ? we couldn?t see the full display of the speedometer and rev. counter easily and did not remember that this was a problem on the test drive car.

Problem solved by altering the reach and rake of the steering wheel ? it?s a feature on all models.

Finally we were impressed with the patience, help and knowledge provided by our retailer Clarion Cars of Worthing .

We might be purchasing another Skoda in the New Year we will then be in a better position to accept, without suspicion, the friendliness and fair dealing attitude of this Skoda agent.

Summary: