Škoda Octavia is a small family car in liftback sedan and estate variants. The modern version began production in 1996 and has featured three generations, following its predecessor which Škoda produced from 1959 to 1971. It comes in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, front-engined layout, selling approximately 5 million through generations, with 40% of newly created Škodas being Octavia.
Skoda Octavia First Generation (1996-2010)
Škoda built the first-generation Octavia on the Volkswagen A4 platform or PQ34, a modular platform shared with Audi A3, VW Golf and Jetta, Seat León and Toledo. It is known for its solid build and high value for money.
In 2000, it received a facelift and continued in production even after the launch of the second-generation model in 2004 under the brand Octavia Tour. The facelift brought improvements to the rear suspension, interior design, space and quality, and the addition of a four-wheel-drive version as well.
Octavia Versions & Engine Options
Powertrain options featured were primarily VW-made engines, ranging from 1.4L to 2.0L for petrol, and 1.9L for diesel engines.
Škoda made a vRS version that came with a 1.8L I4 turbocharged engine, producing 134kW (180hp) and 100 units of WRC Replica Cars on the vRS platform.
Octavia saw Motorsport use in the FIA 2-Litre World Rally Cup, the European Touring Car Championship, and the World Rally Championship.
Skoda Octavia Second Generation (2004-2013)
Based on the updated A5 Volkswagen platform, production of the second generation was parallel with the first generation. Upgrades included better legroom in the rear and better ground clearance. Thomas Ingenlath and Peter Wouda designed the changes for this era.
The second generation received a facelift in 2009, featuring an updated interior trim, steering wheel and stereo. Externally, the changes applied to the headlights and bumpers. Engines and transmissions received updates as well, featuring seven-speed gearbox for the first time.
Octavia Variants & Engine Options
Trim levels came in Classic (S), Ambiente (SE), 4x4 (only for the estate), Elegance, Laurin & Klement, Scout 4x4 (only for the estate), and vRS sporty variant.
Petrol engines:
- 1.4L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 90kW (120hp) at 5000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1500-4000rpm, 6-speed manual transmission
- 1.6 I4, 8V SOHC MPI, naturally aspirated, producing 75kW (101hp) at 5600rpm and 148Nm of torque at 3800rpm
- 1.8L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 118kW (160hp) at 5000-6200rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1500-4200rpm
Diesel engines:
- 1.9L I4, 8V SOHC Pumpe Düse TDI, turbocharged, producing 77kW (104hp) at 4000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1900rpm, 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission
- 2.0L I4, 16V DOHC Pumpe Düse TDI, turbocharged, producing 103kW (138hp) at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 1750rpm, 6-speed manual transmission
Skoda Octavia Third Generation (2013-present)
Designed by Jozef Kabaň, the new Octavia model is 9cm longer and 4.5cm wider than the second generation. It has a lengthened wheelbase (longer by 8cm) and reduced weight (lightened by 102kg), while the interior and legroom gained more space.
Octavia Features
Innovative features include front radar and multifunction camera for adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and emergency stop. The stereo system is theft protected, while a panoramic sunroof is available both for the estate and sedan options.
Octavia Engine Options
The RS version comes fitted with 162kW 2.0 TSI engine and 135kW 2.0 TDI engine, both coming from Golf 7, with the petrol version being the fastest production Octavia to date.
Octavia Safety Rating
On the Euro NCAP crash test, Škoda scored a 5-star rating, with superior survivability for adult and child occupants.
Octavia Trim Levels
Octavia comes in a large variety of trim levels. The standard features are passenger and side airbags, traction control, ABS, alloy wheels, remote locking and alarm, with air conditioning being premium. Through packages or individually, the most notable offers are CD and DVD, electric, heated and sports seats, front fog lights, parking sensors, Sat Nav, cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof.
2017 Facelift
In 2017, Škoda introduced the facelift version in Vienna, and the primary changes include split front headlights and an added predictive pedestrian protection system.
Fuel Consumption
The models sold in Australia feature engines of adequate power (in the 112 kW range) and average fuel consumption of roughly 6L per 100km combined drive on petrol, and 4.5L on diesel. CO2 emissions are in the range of 100g/km for both fuel types.
Engine Options
Petrol engines:
- 1.4L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 103kW (138hp) at 4500-6000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1500-3500rpm, a top speed of 215km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission
- 1.6L I4, 16V DOHC MPI, naturally aspirated, producing 81kW (107hp) at 5500-5800rpm and 155Nm of torque at 3800rpm, a top speed of 192km/h and 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
- 1.8L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 132kW (177hp) at 5100-6200rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1250-5000rpm, a top speed of 231km/h and 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission
- 2.0L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 162kW (217hp) at 4500-6200rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1550-4400rpm, a top speed of 248km/h and 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 169kW (226hp) at 6200rpm and 380Nm of torque at 1500rpm, 6-speed manual transmission
- 2.0L I4, 16V DOHC TSI, turbocharged, producing 180kW (241hp) at 5000rpm and 370Nm of torque at 1600rpm, 7-speed automatic transmission
Diesel engines:
- 2.0L I4, 16V DOHC common-rail TDI, turbocharged
- Producing 110kW (148hp) at 3500-4000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 1750-3000rpm, a top speed of 218km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
- Producing 135kW (181hp) at 3500-4000rpm and 380Nm of torque at 1750-3250rpm, a top speed of 230km/h and 0-1000km/h in 8.1 seconds, 6-speed automatic transmission