Driving Dynamics – Ride and handling has always been the Octavia’s strong point and the third generation Octavia does not disappoint either. The 2.0-litre TDI engined car we drove kept most of the undulations filtered from the cabin, however on large potholes the rear torsion beam suspension did unsettle the passengers and was a bit noisy on occasions too. Overall the ride of the Skoda Octavia was complaint at slow speeds and was even better at high speeds. The 1.8-litre TSI is shod with multi-link independent suspension at the rear and you can’t help but love this. The ride is simply superb and even a rear bench passenger will vouch for the excellent ride quality it offers. We wish Skoda has equipped the 2.0-litre TDI Elegance with this suspension.
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Not only the ride quality, the 1.8 TSI is a better handler too and loves taking corners by the scruff of its neck. Don’t get us wrong, the 2.0 TDI is brilliant too but the independent suspension on the 1.8 TSI takes it to another level altogether. The steering of the Skoda Octavia is reasonably heavy at low speeds but easy to work with. As the speed pick up, it weighs up and gives brilliant feedback. It’s so good that you will love taking corners all day long and that’s exactly what we did. On the winding Shimla roads, the Octavia was doing the twisties brilliantly without a single case of understeer or oversteer. Even when you nail the pedal to the metal, the ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) ensure the vehicle stays pointed in the right direction. All you want to do is squeeze the throttle even more and the Octavia obeys like it’s on rails. Skoda has surely upped the game in the ride and handling department.
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NVH levels are good and even though the diesel engine is obviously audible from the outside, sound absorbing material is used to ensure the cabin is free from noise. Even wind and tyre noise stays away from the cabin. The original Skoda Octavia came shod with Goodyear Eagle NCT5 tyres and the third generation model is on the same. Obviously the tyre has evolved over time but the braking has remained as brilliant as ever. Slam the brakes from triple digit speeds and the electronics (ABS, EBD and Hydraulic Brake Assist) kick in to ensure the car stops in a straight line without any drama. The 205/55/16 tyres offer sufficient grip and never did we find them wanting.
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Verdict – The Octavia has a cult following for the right reasons and with the third generation Octavia, not only has Skoda given it the name it deserved but has also made the car better in every possible respect. With three engine options to choose from, there is something for everybody in this car, be it an enthusiast or someone who prefers practicality. Interiors are spacious and will appeal to most buyers. Even the equipment list outdoes the one on the Jetta. With superior driving dynamics the Skoda Octavia is one such car which appeals both to the head and heart and you just can’t go wrong with it. The pricing is not yet announced and we reckon it would be priced slightly more than the Jetta. A compelling price will make its case even stronger and it has everything to take the market by storm and be the best seller for Skoda all over again.
The Octavia is a true evolution over the Laura and excels in all departments with driving dynamics that put a smile on your face each and every time.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9762110896/[/flickr]
What’s Cool
* Ride and handling
* Performance
* Rich interiors
* Equipment list
What’s Not So Cool
* No paddle shifts on 1.8 TSI
* Rear bench too upright
Alternatives: Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze
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2013 Skoda Octavia Specifications
* Engine: 1395cc TSI, 1798cc TSI, 1968cc TDI
* Power: 140 PS @ 4500-6000 RPM (1.4 TSI), 180 PS @ 5100-6200 RPM (1.8 TSI), 143 PS @ 4000 RPM (TDI)
* Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 RPM (1.4 TSI), 250 Nm @ 1250-5000 RPM (1.8 TSI), 320 Nm @ 1750-3000 RPM (TDI)
* Transmission: 6-speed manual (1.4 TSI, 2.0 TDI), 7-speed DSG (1.8 TSI), 6-speed DSG (2.0 TDI)
* Top Speed: 190 km/hr (1.4 TSI, 2.0 TDI), 210 km/hr (1.8 TSI) (est.)
* Fuel Consumption: 11 km/l (1.4 TSI), 9 km/l (1.8 TSI), 13 km/l (2.0 TDI)
* Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
* Suspension: McPherson struts (Front), Compound Link (Rear, 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI), Multi-link (1.8 TSI)
* Tyres: 205/55/16 Tubeless
* Brakes: Ventilated Disc (Front), Disc (Rear), ABS
* Safety: ABS, EBD, ASR, HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistant), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), MKB (Multi Collision Braking), EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), Front, Side and Curtain Airbags, Front and Rear Parking Sensors
2013 Skoda Octavia Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 4659 mm X 1814 mm X 1476 mm
* Wheelbase: 2688 mm
* Turning Radius: 5.2 metres
* Ground clearance: 155 mm
* Boot Volume: 590 liters, 1580 litres (with rear seats folded)
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres
* Kerb Weight: 1260 kgs (1.4 TSI), 1376 kgs (1.8 TSI), 1340 kgs (2.0 TDI), 1395 kgs (2.0 TDI AT)
