A VW by any other name? (Skoda Octavia in general)

Name: rubber duck

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Skoda Octavia in general
Date:	18/08/02 (620 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: build quality, good drive, low costs

Disadvantages: Tinny stereo, erm........, no

Of all the cars I ever expected (or hoped!) to own, a Skoda was never one of them. Well, not until March 01 anyway. Got rid of my Golf GTi Mk 5 and went for the public transport option, but then along came Hatfield and months of delays. Back to the road, then. I liked many of the features of the Golf, but not its roly-poly handling, the indifference of VW dealers and the fact that bits kept falling off it. I subsequently found myself and my misgivings in a Skoda dealer after a recommendation from a friend, and proceeded to be amazed by the Octavia.

First impression on looking it over was to double check the badge on the bonnet. Switches, controls, dash layout, door handles, engines etc etc - all either identical or very close to the Golf. Build quality first rate too, although some of the trim materials used are slightly more down-market. Driving it was also a revelation - Golf-like but without as much body roll into corners and therefore that bit more confidence inspiring. Not sure what they've put in the water in the Czech Republic lately, but it certainly works. And just 'czech' out those prices - excellent value for what you get.

So I bought one - a 1.8T Elegance estate (better looking to my eyes than the hatch). Any regrets after 17 months and 23 000 miles? A resounding 'No'. The Elegance version is fully loaded and everything has proved to be reliable. Motorway cruising is effortless and the Audi/VW 1.8T engine gives me plenty of grunt and 35 mpg. The interior has worn well although the trim patterns may not be to every taste. Control layout is almost identical to the Golf and has the same plusses and minuses i.e. 90% excellent ergonomics but climate control set too low. Seats are firm but comfortable, and the infinitely adjustable driving position is a pleasure. Boot space is vast and front seat folks are well-catered for. Leg room in the back can be a little cramped but this is down to the wheel base of
the Golf/A3 floorpan and isn't unique to the Octavia. Any gripes, then? The only one is the quality of the stereo. Ergonomically easy to use, but output so tinny it makes me wince. A real shame as it doesn't do justice to the 6-CD changer that comes as standard. Skoda offer an upgrade to a VW standard Gamma head unit, but at £400 (yes, £400!) it's the only poor value thing I've come across at a Skoda dealer. To their credit though, they do offer other makes at less cost.

Dealer back up has also proved a revelation - I didn't know customer care of this standard still existed on cars this side of £40K. I've used 5 dealers as I travel a lot and, without exception, they've been fantastic. No request or job has been too much and, with franchised dealer labour rates the lowest in the UK (according to a What Car? survey), the savings just keep rolling in.

So, if you're in the market for a premium quality product but don't want to pay premium prices, the Octavia could well be the car for you. I've never bought the same car twice before, but I'd certainly buy another one of these. Try one. You might be surprised......

Summary: