Skoda: bad rep now in the past Comment
AN indication of the dramatic improvement in the quality of the Skoda brand was presented at the launch of the forthcoming new Octavia model.
Lined up alongside the latest incarnation of the modern hatchback was one from 40 years ago, when Skoda was about to embark upon the kamikaze self-destruction of what had been a fine reputation.
Indeed, in its early years the Skoda brand was an upmarket force to be reckoned with, but the last few decades changed all that.
I took the 1964 example for a brief spin, and it was immediately apparent just how far behind its rivals it was in those days.
Almost prehistoric to drive, it was attempting to compete against the Ford Cortinas, Vauxhall Victors, and Austin A40s of the day, and simply didn’t stand a chance.
Worse was to come, because by comparison Skoda gradually fell even further behind, and the gap became wider instead of narrower.
That appalling legacy still plagues the company to some extent today, with a resistance among mainly younger buyers to be associated with the brand at any price.
In an attempt to overcome the problem, Skoda‘s parent company, Volkswagen, has gone to extraordinary lengths to make quality and technological superiority its main priorities.
What is not appreciated by those who have never driven a modern Skoda is that they are now not only cheaper but also even better in virtually every respect than their rivals.
The new Octavias go on sale here in mid-July and are more than a match for the latest Vauxhall Vectra, Toyota Avensis or Peugeot 407 models.
They are also cheaper, model for model, and will probably hold their values slightly better, or at least just as well.
The two diesel versions are outstanding, with the gutsy 140bhp two-litre model being the pick of the bunch, but also the most expensive at £16,400 in well-equipped Elegance trim.
It offers 125mph performance, with a 0-60mph time of ten and a half seconds, plus impressive 45mpg economy.
The 1.9-litre version offers significantly less power, at 105bhp, which translates into 120mph performance, with a 0-60mph time of 11.8 seconds, but even better economy at about 50mpg, and as much as 60mpg on a steady run.
Then there are a pair of petrol models, of 1.6 and 1.4-litre capacity.
The 1.6-litre version offers a power output of 115bhp, which enables the hatchback to achieve a 0-60mph acceleration time of eleven seconds, a top speed of 118mph, combined economy of 40mpg, with a CO2 figure of 168g/km resulting in a 19 per cent company car tax liability.
With an official list price of £14,640 in Elegance trim, this lands a standard rate tax payer with a liability of £612, and a higher-rate tax payer a liability of £1,113.
The biggest surprise of all is the capability of the smallest 1.4-litre petrol version, which feels surprisingly peppy, although obviously it has to be worked quite hard.
On paper it is quite dull, with a yawning 0-60mph acceleration time of more than 15 seconds, and a 106mph top speed.
In reality it feels surprisingly sprightly, considering the size of the car, and offers impressive economy of 40mpg, with a CO2 figure of just 166g/km.
Initially just the hatchback models are on offer, being based on the same platform as the latest Volkswagen Golf, and slightly longer than the current car, with estates due early next year.
Visually there is little difference between the newcomers and the existing range, although inside the difference in quality is noticeable, and there is slightly more room.
Rear legroom is adequate rather than great, being less than that of a Nissan Primera, for example, but the boot is huge and the rear seats fold completely flat with a single easy action.
On the road the new Octavia is a class act, with crisp handling, precise steering, and a very comfortable ride.
The sound system is superb, and equipment levels become positively luxurious if you choose top-of-the-range versions.
Skoda admits that there is some lingering resistance to the brand in some quarters, but hopes to increase sales here from last year’s 14,000 to a new high of 15,000 next year regardless.
Confusingly, perhaps, the current range will continue in production for a while yet, with up to £1,400 lopped off prices.
This makes the best selling 1.9 TDI a snip at just £13,500, although its newer replacement will be the best bet in the long run, because it will hold its value far better.
Octavia hits high note for value Comment
IF you had to define the exact moment Skoda really came of age, the smart money would be the day the Octavia was launched.
This was the model which finally convinced a sceptical British public that the Czech marque was not only of superior quality but also one worth trusting.
Six years down the line the five-door Octavia, and its stylish estate versions, make among the best value used car buys around.
The Octavia was the first Skoda developed using a platform from parent group Volkswagen, giving it the same underpinnings as the Golf, Beetle, Bora and Audi A3.
That VW influence – the company wholly owns Skoda – is evident throughout with hard-wearing and high-quality switches and dash, tough seats and solid overall build.
Seven engine options – five petrol and a pair of diesels – are available with Mercedes-style badging, taking in Classic, Ambiente and Elegance trim on cars built since October 2000.
The normally aspirated units range from an underpowered 1.4-litre entry level model through 1.6, and two-litre up to the lusty 1.8 turbo, while the oil burners are 1.9-litre units producing 90 and 110bhp.
The latter is a cracking engine with excellent pulling power, little or no rattle, tasty acceleration and cracking economy of an average 53 miles per gallon.
Petrolheads will also enjoy the 1.8T. Its twin overhead camshafts and tuned intake manifold and turbocharger combine fierce performance with average fuel consumption of 35 miles per gallon.
And for those fancying an estate model, the front-wheel drive Octavia offers serious boot volume. It’s a versatile space too with folding split rear seat and no intrusion from the spare wheel, which goes under the boot floor.
Octavia recaptures features from past designs – the chrome grille and upright lights are typical Skoda features from the 1930s and 1940s.
All models have bodyshell colour bumpers, engine immobiliser, twin airbags, power steering, height/length adjustable steering column, central locking and venilation system with pollen filter.
Higher spec versions add side airbags and air-con as well as electric windows, sunroof and door mirrors, plus info computer, height-adjustable front seats and removable split-folding rear seat.
What used buyers are looking at is basically a Volkswagen with a Skoda badge – it’s a beautifully-constructed family car that can confidently take on the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra.
FORECOURT FACTS
Model: Skoda Octavia
Driving: Very smooth, rides and handles like a VW Passat.
Performance: Plenty of kick from the 1.8 and two-litre petrol versions and both turbodiesels. Octavia RS is a flying machine.
Economy: Largely excellent fuel consumption, especially from TDi models which offer 53mpg plus.
Safety: Twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes (on all bar entry level), immobiliser and deadlocks.
Recommended buy: Octavia 1.9 TDi 110
Price Guide: Expect to pay a dealer around £3,600 for an entry level Octavia 1.4 Classic on a 2000 X-reg plate, £6,600 for an 01/51 1.8T version in Elegance trim or £8,600 for an 03/03 registered 1.9 TDi Ambiente version.
Good points: Comfort, build quality, performance and boot space.
Bad points: Lots of dark plastic, rubbery gearstick and steering wheel.
ALSO CONSIDER
Citroen C5
Another value for money used car offering with both hatchback and estate versions boasting terrific interior space. There are dynamically superior cars around but few can beat the C5′s smooth ride, even when loaded with passengers and luggage. Well equipped and quite heavy depreciation means there are bargains around.
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo’s popularity speaks for itself. It has everything from economy and practicality to dynamics and easy to use equipment – all heaped together in a vast model range taking in hatchback, saloon and estate styles. Great drivers’ cars with excellent handling and roadholding. Used prices to suit all pockets.
Skodas are cheaper than a decade ago! Comment
Skoda is turning the clock back with its latest estate offering more value for money than a car of ten years ago.
A decade ago the Czech cars were cheapies trying to shake off their shoddy reputation – but they actually cost more than today’s highly-respected newcomers.
It is a perfect illustration of how the cars of the noughties are better value than those of the nineties and the new Fabia Estate has the added benefit of massively-enhanced levels of equipment and safety features.
In 1998 a base-level Felicia Estate, which is the Fabia Estate’s predecessor, cost the equivalent of £10,300 in today’s money.
This compares with £9,360 for the new 1.2 entry-level Fabia Estate.
A decade ago the range-topping 1.6 SLXi Felicia Estate cost £10,700 or almost £14,000 when adjusted for inflation. That is £200 more than the current 1.9 TDi Fabia flagship’s list price of £13,775.
Back when Tony Blair first came to power the entry-level Felicia Estate was offered with halogen headlights, a cassette player and a tailgate spoiler. The equivalent new Fabia features a CD player, central locking, front and side airbags plus electric front windows.
The Skoda range has grown too with the line-up comprising the Fabia, Roomster, Octavia and Superb in comparison to the 1998 choice of a Felicia hatch or estate.
The new Fabia Estate goes on sale in February with prices from £9,360 for the 1.2-litre model with entry-level trim rising to £13,775 for the lavishly-equipped 1.9-litre TDi.
Since its launch in 2001 more than 31,000 Fabia Estates have been sold in Britain.
Skoda’s new Roomster Scout Comment
Skoda is scouting for new customers by introducing lifestyle versions of its mainstream models.
First it was the Scout version of the Octavia and now it is the turn of the Roomster to get the ‘Baden Powell’ treatment.
The Roomster Scout is being shown at a couple of European motor shows this week and is expected to go into full-scale production early next year.
Unlike the 4×4 Octavia Scout, the Roomster will keep its front wheel drive configuration although it will be given a chunky body style.
There is silver bumper trim, 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows and new upholstery.
The engine choices are petrol units of 1.4 and 1.6-litres plus diesels of 1.4 and 1.9-litres.
Czech this out Comment
IT TAKES a brave person to take the rise out of Skoda these days as the company seems to be going from strength to strength, and with my latest test drive, “impressive” really sums things up.
Gone are the days when Skoda was a standing joke and motorists were embarrassed to say they had driven one let alone owned one.
Nowadays under the careful guidance of VW and Audi this manufacturer has proved it has made the grade and is here to stay.
To be honest, if it’s good enough for the majority of cabbies driving around in Cardiff, it’s good enough for anyone.
Taxi drivers choose it because it is reliable, economical to run, reasonably priced for servicing and handles well. Add to that outstanding performance and you have summed up the virtues of the model supplied for my test drive – the Octavia vRS – the fastest road-going Skoda yet.
This model would be perfect as a family car with acres of space – five adults can be transported in true comfort with enough luggage space for a couple of suitcases – each.
The model tested – the estate version – can race from a standing start to 62mph in eight seconds and boasts some mouth-watering features that will appeal to the more fashion-conscious of drivers, so long as they can get past that name.
There is a large rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, a stainless steel exhaust, brake callipers painted in Skoda’s famous rally green, leather and mesh seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.
In fact, it’s clear that this model has evolved because of the company’s involvement in the rallying scene.
The car boasts top-of-the-range safety and security features as well as excellent fuel economy, despite having a top speed of 143mph.
And with all the creature comforts – CD player, climate control, central locking – it’s clear to see why Skoda is really making an impact on the market.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Octavia vRS Estate 1.8T
Price: £16,030
Mechanical: 180bhp, 1,781cc 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8secs
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 10yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint
No joke – this Skoda’s a classic Comment
ONE person’s dream car is another’s nightmare, so which of those is this to you?
Imagine a sought-after classic convertible that is now one of the ultimate collector’s items, and a Skoda may not immediately spring to mind.
There was a time when Skodas were the choice of royalty, long before they became a music hall joke, and somewhere between the two lies the Felicia Convertible of the swinging sixties.
This particular pristine example dates back to 1963, as identified by its original A-suffix registration.
The car ranked alongside other mid-range cabriolets, such as the Hillman Californian, but was not considered as flashy as the American-influenced Ford Consul convertible.
Now the Skoda Felicia Convertible is a scarcity, and is probably worth more than both of them put together.
Whose dream car? Anyone who is heavily into automotive rarities, and particularly reverse snobbery.
Whose nightmare? Those who like their rag tops to go up and down at the touch of a button, or flick of a switch.
The engineering’s Superb Comment
Skoda‘S aptly-named Superb has beaten Mercedes-Benz in a quest to find the European car built to the best standards. The Superb finished fourth overall in the 2003 Auto 1 awards, and was the first choice of engineers.
These awards are organised by the Auto Europe group of motoring magazines and reflect the voting of readers from across Europe. They also include evaluations by panels of experts, including professional racing-drivers, automotive engineers and motoring journalists.
The Superb emerged victorious in the engineers’ evaluation, coming top overall and even beating the Mercedes E-Class, which was declared Auto 1 Car of the Year. In the panel’s opinion, the Skoda was successful due to the “outstanding level of used materials, perfect safety equipment and the top level of finish work.”
There were seven cars in the final showdown – all of them national winners in the fourteen countries that publish magazines under the Auto Europe banner, including the UK publication, Auto Express. The seven finalists were the Citroen C3, Mazda 6, Mercedes E-Class, Renault Megane, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Touareg and the Skoda Superb, which was nominated by readers of the Czech Republic’s Auto Tip.
The success in the Auto 1 awards is the latest in a string of international accolades won by the Superb since its launch in 2002.
Octavia hits all the right notes Comment
ROOMY, good diesel engines, great seats and superb value for money, but without any compromise on quality. This is a well-built quality family car with lots of standard equipment.
Skoda have used the Volkswagen Golf as the basis for the Octavia which is excellent news for bargain hunters who get a more spacious car for less and which has an excellent standard specification.
Despite the fact that the rear seats do not fold flat the boot is still massive. The interior is a great place to be because of the high quality materials that are used. Certainly drivers feel as though they are sitting in a well-equipped executive car.
UsedCarExpert.com’s comprehensive buyer’s guide shows a surprising number of gremlins to look out for. Here are my top three:
Check 1: Leaks
A small drain on the bulk head can get blocked by leaves and causes water to flow into the cabin. The drain needs unblocking, which may take up to an hour of a garage’s time.
Check 2: Servo hose
Open the bonnet and look for a black nylon hose at the back of the engine and in front of the bulkhead. The nylon servo hose on Octavias can split, which will cause the car to fail its M.O.T.
Check 3: Recalls
There are six official recalls outstanding on the Octavia although they may not all apply to your car. Full details are listed in the guide, but whether you get a guide or not, do check the car doesn’t need to go into a garage for any safety recalls.
The large range of Volkswagen diesel and petrol engines all work well and as ever it is the mid sized petrols and diesel units which deliver the best combination of power and economy. A 1.9 TDi Ambiente from 2001 with 70,000 miles is £4,400.
NOTE TO SUBS: Please delete data for the areas in which you have no interest
2001 Y Reg Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Ambiente, 28,000 miles, £5,995. Mill Motors – 0141 8878383.
Skoda Octavia 1.9 TD Classic, 6,395 miles, £10,495. Queensborough Motors – 0141 3571234.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDi PD Elegance, 17,500 miles, £13,495. St Andrews Skoda – 0141 4295999.
2002 Skoda Octavia 1.8T RS, 29,603 miles, £8,999. Benfield Motor Group – 0191 2324955.
53 Reg Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Ambiente, 99,000 miles, £5,499. Gosforth Park – 0191 2172222.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 SLXi, X reg, 45,000 miles, £2,995. Cars Of Washington – 0191 4312633.
Skoda Octavia 1.6 FSI Ambiente, 14,223 miles, £10,995. Derek Slack Motors Ltd – 01642 256100.
51 Reg Skoda Octavia 1,896cc Ambiente, 48,000 miles, £5,995. Just Automatics – 01642 616665.
1999 T Reg Skoda Octavia 1.6 LXi 5dr, 69,456 miles, £2,495. Norwoods – 01642 611611.
Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi PD Ambiente, 21,965 miles, £12,695. Lightcliffe Skoda Huddersfield – 01484 435499.
05 Reg Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi PD Ambiente, 19,700 miles, £10,995. Longley Park Motors Ltd – 01484 515505.
2004 Skoda Octavia 1.8T RS, 18,000 miles, £10,200ono. Private – 01924 480220.
S Reg Skoda Octavia 1.8 20v SLXi, MOA, £2,499. Paradise Autos – 01244 371668.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDi PD Elegance, 17,000 miles, £14,695. Mitchell Skoda (Chester) – 0151 3475555.
2002 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Ambiente, 53,000 miles, £5,200ono. Private – 01352 810389.
53 Reg Skoda Octavia 1.8T RS, 28,572 miles, £9,495. Alex Lawrie – 0800 1695044.
1998 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI GLX, 94,000 miles, £1,800. Private – 0784 3387162.
52 Reg Skoda Octavia 1.8T Elegance, 52,000 miles, £6,495. Links View – 0151 6388226.
2002 52 Reg Skoda Octavia 2.0, 37,225 miles, £4,995. Brandish – 024 76225361.
2002 51 Reg Skoda Octavia, MOA, £4,695. Andrews Garage – 02476 458635.
05 Reg Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi PD Elegance, 17,500 miles, £13,999. Prestige Garage – 024 76686699.
V Reg Skoda Octavia 2.0 GLXi, MOA, £2,994. Spa Cars – 01527 579884.
2004 Skoda Octavia 1.8 T VRS, 36,000 miles, £9,995. Barclay Motor Co – 0121 4477229.
05 Reg Skoda Octavia 2.0 FSI, 14,500 miles, £11,999. Savilles Garage – 01562 777077.
Skoda Octavia 1.6 FSI Ambiente, 14,111 miles, £9,995. White Dove Group Ltd – 02920 6429999.
2002 Skoda Octavia 1.8T RS 5dr, 42,000 miles, £6,770ono. Private – 07905 765405.
51 Reg Skoda Octavia 2.0 Ambiente, 23,000 miles, £4,795. Allan Parfitt Cars – 02920 620111.
Fantastic fun with Fabia Comment
Skoda got the floorpan which will be used for all the VW group’s up-coming small cars before anyone else, and used it for the new Fabia.
I’ve been driving the lowliest 1.2-litre three cylinder version and although its not the fastest small car on the road, it can still be good fun because it corners so beautifully, with the kind of balance which was the province of GTi’s not long ago.
On top of that it also has just about the best small car ride going, which absorbs the very worst of surfaces better than some cars two classes bigger.
The 1.2-litre engine only just has adequate power, but runs out of steam at motorway speeds, where there is very little acceleration left.
What it does have is a lovely sound, sometimes more like a six than a three, and it is willing to rev which makes it enjoyable to use.
The driving position can be adjusted for all, and the clear dash and control layout is a marker for others.
Interior
There is plenty of headroom and legroom for four adults to travel in complete comfort, but five would be a squeeze.
The boot is excellent, and it’s very easy to drive in every way, with excellent power steering, a light clutch and a slick gearchange.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Fabia 1.2
Price: £7,990
Mechanical: 60bhp, 1,198cc, 3 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 96mph
0-62mph: 16secs
Combined mpg: 47
Insurance group: 1
CO2 emissions: 140g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 10yrs anti-rust
Marks out of 10: 9/10
Main Rival: Nissan Micra
Skoda’s cut-price Sport Comment
YOUNG drivers on a tight budget are being targeted by Skoda with its latest sheep in wolf’s clothing.
It is a Sport version of the Fabia with a smaller engine, a £1,000 price cut and cheaper insurance.
Costing £8,990 the newcomer uses a 1.2-litre engine developing 64bhp to replace the 75bhp unit of 1.4-litres.
Although announced now the new cheaper Fabia Sport will not take to the roads until September.
Economy will be about ten miles per gallon better at an average of 47mpg, which will represent an average annual fuel saving of £300.
The insurance rating falls one place into group 3, with a typical premium being about £160, which is a reduction of about £15 a year over the 1.4-litre model.
The down side is that there is naturally a reduction in performance, with the 0-60mph acceleration time increasing by almost four and a half seconds to just under 16 seconds.
The top speed is about 15mph lower at just under 100mph but despite this the Sport still looks the part with 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust finishes and a six-CD changer.
It also comes with tinted glass, red seatbelts, electric front windows, air-conditioning and remote central locking.