LONGTERM TEST: 2008 Skoda Octavia review on Nigerian roads
Tested model The model I drove was a 2008 – Octavia 1.6MPI AT, with just a little over 100 horsepower and 109 ft-lb of torque at 3500- 3800 rpm it was just okay. It is not built for sports but it will do what you it to on an everyday life experience. We reckon it […]
Tested model
The model I drove was a 2008 – Octavia 1.6MPI AT, with just a little over 100 horsepower and 109 ft-lb of torque at 3500- 3800 rpm it was just okay. It is not built for sports but it will do what you it to on an everyday life experience. We reckon it will do 190km per hour and still feel stable unlike its younger brother the Fabia that turns into mosquito weight above 170km per hour.
The joy of DSG transmission is available too which means you could stretch the individual gears to the limit like a manual. It has a smooth ride. It has a sporty tune on a kick down and still quick as well with all that engine noise and road noise is still subdued which are indicators for a good long journey companion. It is quite roomy it feels like it’s going to abduct you for a car its class which is worth the money. The manual is economical but please pay for the DSG transmission it solves a lot of trouble during traffic.
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The Air Conditioning can’t cool the interior under very hot temperature. I had to off the ignition and on it again after to make it work. The EPC light gave us problem, switching the engine off in the middle of the road but we were told it just on the one we drove.
General comments
The Skoda Octavia hatchback behaves with the manners of VW Golf Mk5, because that’s what it is underneath. Design is neat, with the rear extension giving it more legroom while the rear headroom looks a little bit flawed by the sloping roof line. Owners love them and praise the service provided by the dealers which is good.
It’s very quick engine, acceleration 0-60 is phenomenal. Yet it is still economical. It puts a smile on your face every time you push the gas pedal. It is phenomenal on long journeys with a brilliant chassis to be able to endure the Nigerian road. The feedback from the steering is fair but could be better while the best thing is it has a brilliant ground clearance from under even as a small family car you can imagine where I’ve been. The ground clearance doesn’t affect the stability at least I have not notice it. It also has a big boot. The Hatchback feels boring as it does everything so well and nothing in particular that strikes the pedestrians. It looks sad. It is not love at first like the Civic, its Sandra without makeup whom you could pass by. The Estate version is better looking and the extended boot do the trick. It’s like having a girl friend 5 five years older that’s faithful. This is the real car you could be stuck with than say the BMW 118i or Mercedes A class. Ouch!
Recommended model
2008 – Octavia 1.6MPI
Our Rating
Engine and transmission 1.6 MPI, DSG transmission
Performance marks 6/ 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 9 / 10
Dealer Service marks 6/10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 6.5 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks) 7.4 / 10
Future hopes
I am looking forward to testing the facelift version to see any difference and hope for something striking to make the badge more famous.
Comfort
Good driving position for long-distance relationship. Ride has enough travel for ropey roads but doesn’t lose the plot by floating. Engine noise doesn’t intrude. Seats support your body properly.
Performance
Petrol TSi and TFSI engines will punch well above their weight and sound good. Most will buy diesels though, and with the economical 105 1.9 or punchy 170 CR 2.0, especially in Europe, they’re not making a mistake.
Cool
VRS looks cool especially when wrapped in the estate body but it isn’t really the reason for buying a Skoda is it? I assure you confidently you won’t need it.
Quality
The cabin has been carefully set up to look like VW’s brand well made but a little lacking in surprise-and-delight or sparkle. Still, it’s as tough as old boots and the reliability makes owners happy.
Handling
It is soft but reassuring on the tested model with a weighty, well-damped steering making it easy to drive smoothly.
Practicality
Big boot, but that’s just the start. Cabin is spacious and there are roof rails as standard for an estate version. The steering column adjusts beautifully for people of different sizes as well as the seats.
Running costs
Generally the expenditure ought to be well contained. Depreciation is no great issue. If you’re on a company-car scheme, think on it.
How much?
OUR CHOICE
Skoda Octavia 1.8T
The Skoda Octavia has had various sizes of FSi engines since its launch, but this 1.8-litre turbocharged unit still remains new. FSi engines are all well and good in theory – the direct injection technology controls fuel use and thus improve efficiency and lowers emissions. This 1.8-litre is much better as a bigger engine. As published by various motor journalists it’s quieter at all points in the rev range and pulls well above 2,000rpm, when the turbo kicks in.
I am more in interested on the statistics of the engine performance, in other words Power! According to TOPGEAR the crucial thing which makes the 1.8T FSi the engine to have in the Octavia is that it lacks the coarse edge which made the other FSi such a brute on long journeys. There’s even a sporty tune to enjoy.