Skoda Octavia 3rd generation years of production. Skoda Octavia III: technical specifications. Maintenance schedule
Sales market: Russia.
In 2016, Skoda introduced an updated version of the third generation Octavia family (5E). The updated liftback received a different design for the front part: new dual headlights, a new radiator grille, bumpers and some other details. Bi-xenon optics in the top version are replaced by optional LED headlights. The pattern of the lights at the rear has changed. In addition, the Octavia can now be ordered with 16- and 18-inch wheels with a new design. Following the premiere of the updated basic version of Octavia at the end of 2016, the manufacturer showed sports modifications with the RS index. Sales of the updated Skoda Octavia family with a line of gasoline engines 1.6 (110 hp), 1.4 (turbo, 150 hp) and 1.8 (turbo, 180 hp) began in Russia in April 2017, and a little later, sales of the “charged” Octavia RS with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 230 hp started.
On the Russian market, Octavia is offered in three trim levels: Active, Ambition and Style. The equipment list of the basic version includes: LED running lights and taillights, driver's seat height adjustment, on-board computer, heated windshield washer nozzles, heated exterior electric mirrors, front electric windows, Swing Radio audio system with 6.5" screen (MP 3, USB, Aux, SD). In the Ambition package, both front seats are adjustable in height and equipped with heating, there is lumbar support adjustment, air conditioning, Bluetooth. The Style package will offer a multifunction steering wheel, atmospheric lighting, climate control, folding mirrors, an 8" central display, voice control and much more . The interior of the Skoda Octavia deserves close attention, especially in expensive versions with additional functional packages, which include electric seats, a Columbus multimedia system with a 9.2-inch screen, etc. At the rear there are USB connectors and an optional 230-volt socket. Other innovations include contour lighting in the door card inserts and an umbrella in the compartment next to the front passenger seat.
The range of Skoda Octavia petrol engines opens with the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI (110 hp). This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Turbo engines - 1.4 TSI (150 hp), 1.8 TSI (180 hp) and 2.0 TSI for Octavia RS (230 hp) - are offered with a 6-speed manual or DSG robotic preselective gearbox ( 7-speed or 6-speed for 2.0 TSI and for all-wheel drive liftback 1.8 TSI 4×4). The most dynamic version of the RS accelerates to “hundreds” in just 6.7 seconds (6.8 seconds with DSG). The 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI engines also pull well and quickly accelerate the Czech liftback - it will take from 7.3 to 8.2 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h. For the base engine with a manual transmission, the same figure is 10.6 seconds. (12 sec. with “automatic”). Average gasoline consumption for 1.6 MPI is 6.1 (6.3) l/100 km. For turbo engines, consumption varies from 5.3 to 6.6 l/100 km. The tank volume is 50 liters, and for the all-wheel drive Octavia 1.8 4x4 it is 5 liters more.
The front suspension of the Skoda Octavia is MacPherson strut. The rear is of a simplified design: semi-independent, torsion beam. However, the most powerful Octavia 1.8 TSI and RS have a feature - a multi-link rear suspension, which contributes to better comfort and handling. Compared to the standard liftback, the RS version has a reduced ground clearance of 127 mm (standard 153-156 mm) and a rear track widened by 30 mm. It also features a drive mode selector, variable power steering and a Performance Sound Generator, a system that simulates the sound of a sports engine. The 4x4 drive for Octavia with 1.8 TSI engine and DSG6 is based on a multi-plate clutch. Under normal conditions, the main power is transmitted to the front wheels, and if necessary, traction on the rear axle is increased in a split second.
High security of the third generation is one of the important trump cards of Octavia. The car earned five stars out of five in EuroNCAP tests. The updated version is standardly equipped with front airbags (for the passenger - with deactivation), child seat mounts, anti-lock brakes, hill assist (for automatic transmission and DSG), and also, with the exception of the base engine on “mechanics”, electronic stability control system ESC, including differential lock XDS. More expensive trim levels include a brake pad wear indicator, light and rain sensors, front side airbags, and the Style trim level includes curtain airbags.
The wide variety of modifications remains one of the advantages of the Octavia. The salon is distinguished by well-thought-out ergonomics, sufficient space in the rear, the front seat backrest folds (optional), and in terms of luggage compartment volume (568-1558 liters), the Octavia in the liftback body is one of the leaders in the class. The Octavia RS stands apart; it is the fastest in the line, but, as Drom experts note, it lacks a number of advantages for which practical buyers fell in love with the Czech liftback: the RS has low ground clearance and a body kit that is “traumatic” in Russian realities. Therefore, it makes sense to give preference to a car with a 180-horsepower engine, and in this modification you can purchase an option with 4x4 all-wheel drive (in the Ambition configuration and higher) - before restyling, this option was provided only for the Octavia COMBI station wagon.
Read completelyThe world-famous third generation liftback, called the Skoda Octavia III, has been produced since 2013. Compared to the old versions, the car has noticeably changed, which is clearly visible in the exhibition photos, and has also increased in size and added in terms of technical characteristics and capabilities. Today we will review this car and find out how good it really is.
Appearance
It’s most logical to start a review of the Octavia III by studying the appearance, rather than looking at the characteristics. Indeed, it’s not in vain that they say that you meet people by their clothes, but see them off by their minds. However, the car really catches your eye almost immediately. The design that could be found on cars of the previous generation is gone; it has become completely different.
Looking at the general outlines of the restyling during the review, one can draw a conclusion almost immediately. The designers completely moved away from the old concept, thanks to which the new generation car was transformed, began to look more aggressive and, of course, more interesting. The contours have become more faceted and angular, which gives the Octavia 3 individuality and its own unique design.
On the Octavia 3, it’s also worth paying attention to the optics, which have been updated and look better and more original. Thus, the restyled headlights are now complemented by a thin line of LED lighting. The adaptive bi-xenon system is an option that perfectly complements the already functional liftback.
As for the characteristics, the wheelbase and body length have increased by more than 90 millimeters, which brings the new generation car even closer to the coveted business class. The ground clearance deserves special attention. If in the old version it reached about 140 mm, then in the restyling it is an enviable 164.
Interior
Along with the increase in dimensions and characteristics, the price of the machine has also increased. Numerous reviews on the Internet continue to praise its rich filling, even though its cost has increased by almost one and a half times compared to the previous generation.
It would be strange if the cars provided for test drives do not have a sufficiently high-quality and rich interior to repel most of their competitors and classmates.
That is why, when you get into the restyling of the Czech brand, you do not immediately realize that you are inside an ordinary family sedan. A lot speaks of belonging to a higher class, from the soft plastic that trims all the doors, dashboard and center console, to the large number of technologies and systems used. Thus, the side mirrors now have an automatic dimming function, which could not be found on the older version of the model.
In technical terms, useful innovations have appeared, such as a multifunctional navigation system with powerful proprietary acoustics. Adaptive cruise control will be available as an option, and parking sensors are installed not only at the rear, but along the entire perimeter of the restyling body.
Engines
As for the power part of the liftback, everything is more than good here. Compared to the obsolete A5 version, each engine has been modified, boosted and significantly improved. In total, the line of engines for restyling includes several gasoline versions and only one diesel version, with a volume of 2 liters and a power of 143 horsepower. Thus, the smallest and most modest 1.2 engine has been turbocharged and is now capable of producing a respectable 105 horsepower.
The more powerful version of the Skoda Octavia 3 has a volume of 1.4 liters and also does not lack a turbocharging system. Thanks to the use of lightweight piston parts, as well as a higher pressure turbine, it was possible to achieve an enviable power of 125 horsepower, while fuel consumption remained minimal.
The most powerful version, 1.8, gives the car 180 horsepower. The 1.6 engine stands apart, which in the restyling did not receive a turbocharging system and produces a modest 110 horsepower.
Sports modification
The PC version is worthy of a separate part of the review, since it has no differences both in external and technical terms. Externally, the RS, judging by the photos that can be found on the Internet, resembles the regular version, with the exception of a few details. So, on the rear of the body you can find a chrome plate with the inscription “RS”, as well as on the edging of the radiator grille.
In terms of characteristics, the RS has much more differences. Thus, the charged version is equipped only with a 2.0 engine with a capacity of 220 horsepower. At the same time, the RS can be equipped with all-wheel drive equipped with a HALDEX clutch.
Summary
The Skoda Octavia 3 is a reliable, practical and stylish car, designed for comfortable movement around the city. Thanks to powerful engines and a large number of useful options, the car is a leader in its class and has virtually no competitors in terms of price/quality ratio and level of equipment.
In the best traditions of the Skoda company, the new Octavia is the perfection of German technology and practicality at an adequate price. The brand's flagship has become faster, more economical and more spacious. But not everything is as perfect as it might seem at first glance. To test cars in Russian realities, we went on a two-day marathon along the route Kazan - Yoshkar-Ola - Cheboksary - Kazan. And for me, as the owner of a previous generation Octavia (Scout version), it was especially important to find the advantages and disadvantages of the new model in comparison with the previous generation.
Go!
The new car is the first Skoda model to use the group's new universal MQB platform. In short, VW AG is systematically moving towards taking over the entire automotive world on the planet and is constantly increasing car production volumes. To reduce costs and speed up the implementation of new technologies, maximum unification of parts between the concern’s models is needed. Previously, there were several basic chassis sizes for each class of car, usually each class had a fixed wheelbase, which imposed restrictions on the ability to get cars of different nature and purpose within the same class (for example, the Audi A3, Golf 5 and 6 and the second generation Octavia have same wheelbase). Now the concern has developed a single universal platform MQB for absolutely all cars with a transverse engine (there is also an MLB platform for engines located longitudinally), by changing the wheelbase, track width and the distance between individual chassis elements, designers can use the same platform as on a compact city hatch and business class sedan.
This move allows us to significantly reduce production costs and use a perfect chassis with standardized parts on all models of the concern, without depriving each model of its individuality.
In general, it’s high time to update Octavia. The previous generation was put into production in 2004, and only the global restyling of 2008 with the update of the entire model range of engines allowed Octavia, even now, in 2013, not to look like a black sheep compared to its competitors. On the new generation, the difference in technical terms between the “premium” Audi and the “budget” Skoda is even less noticeable. All differences essentially come down to the quality of finishing materials, and only particularly ardent fans of the Skoda brand will notice the difference.
Overall dimensions compared to the previous generation. When it comes to space for passengers and luggage, Octavia is the undoubted leader in the C class. Changing the chassis layout and increasing the wheelbase by 10 centimeters made it possible to “carve out” another 7 centimeters for the rear passengers’ feet!
The design of the model is dominated by chopped lines and sharp edges, this gives the car a solid appearance. The new Octavia looks most advantageous in profile and from the rear, and the front view, in my opinion, is spoiled by thin LED strips of daytime running lights, the thickness of which is completely out of harmony with the rest of the elements of the front of the car, and especially with the new radiator grille.
Liftbacks will be assembled in Russia, at a plant in Nizhny Novgorod, and this will not be a large-scale assembly, but a full-cycle production. The Combi station wagon, as before, will be assembled in the Czech Republic, at the plant in Mlada Boleslav. All cars for Russia will come with a package for bad roads. Ground clearance is 155 millimeters, which is more than enough for a passenger car. The test also showed that the cars are devoid of sway and the unpleasant operation of shock absorbers on rebound, which Octavias of the previous generation were famous for. Then the problem was that to increase ground clearance, only the springs were changed at the factory, while the shock absorbers remained the same. On the new generation, the shock absorbers have probably also been changed (the issue requires a detailed study of catalogs and equipment).
The new Octavia is easy and pleasant to drive. This is also due to the new electric power steering, which at low speeds allows you to rotate the steering wheel with the little finger of one hand, and at high speeds the steering wheel becomes heavier and less sensitive (you can feel it freewheeling). This has an extremely positive effect when driving at high speeds - sudden maneuvers when steering are excluded.
It should also be noted that the steering rack is shorter; now the steering wheel makes 2.6 full turns from lock to lock and this is a definite plus when maneuvering on narrow streets and in courtyards. On the previous generation of Octavia, the steering wheel made 3 full turns from lock to lock, and this required oversteering even when turning 90 degrees on a narrow street.
The situation with engines is no less interesting. Three turbocharged gasoline engines and one diesel will be available in Russia. All gasoline engines are the latest generation of engines of the EA211 series (more details below) with a volume of 1.2 to 1.8 liters and a power of 105 to 180 horsepower. The two-liter turbodiesel has a power of 143 horsepower and will only be offered in tandem with a wet DSG6 robotic gearbox.
In terms of dynamic characteristics, the motors set real records. If we compare it with the previous generation of Octavia, the new 1.4TSI is about the same in dynamics as the 1.8 of the previous generation, and the Octavia with the new 1.8TSI is breathing down the neck of the two-liter Octavia RS of the previous generation. It's no joke, the new 1.8TSI takes just 7.4 seconds to accelerate to hundreds.
The driver's workplace and controls are standardized for almost all models of the VW AG concern. This means that the owner of the previous generation Octavia will be able to adjust the fit and find the right buttons with his eyes closed. Compared to the previous Octavia, there are fewer drawers and compartments. The door pocket no longer fits a 1.5-liter bottle, and the center console has lost the excellent storage for electronic gadgets or sunglasses (the overhead console's eyeglasses compartment, of course, won't fit). But the driver now has a full-fledged door handle, just as passengers now have power window buttons at hand, and not somewhere in the corner of the door handle. Also, in order to open doors locked with a central lock, there is no need to frantically pull the handle twice (the owner is used to it, but random passengers every now and then try to tear off the handle on the previous generation Octavia). The interior has become a little more spacious.
But here is a very controversial innovation - the new Octavia has lost the floor-mounted gas pedal. It is clear that this is due to the unification of the chassis and saving a few centimeters between the interior and the engine compartment, but now in disputes with owners of cars with a propeller on the hood (the floor-mounted gas pedal is a signature feature of BMW cars) there is one less argument. As for the real sensations - on the mechanics you have to twist your right foot to change the throttle, and on the highway it’s more difficult to control the fixed position of the pedal with your right foot, cruise control helps.
The new Columbus navigation system gets a solid A+. Unfortunately, it does not have a wireless router, Internet access and downloading satellite images, like the Audi MMI Navigation Plus, but the map detail is excellent, the screen resolution is excellent, and touch controls, including multi-touch, have virtually no lag. And one more “trick” - there are sensors installed in front of the screen that do not react to the approach of a hand. As soon as you raise your hand, control buttons appear on the screen at the bottom of the touch screen. The only thing I didn’t like was the thickness of the screen covering; if you press your finger hard on the screen, you will notice how it bends and the image around it blurs.
The new steering column switches are more convenient, functionally everything remains in its place. It is unlikely that cars with adaptive cruise control will be transported to Russia, and therefore there will be no additional lever on the left to control its functions.
The first batch of cars, still assembled in the Czech Republic, is being tested. Those produced in Russia will not have a Start-Stop system, braking energy recovery, or the ability to turn off two cylinders on a 1.4-liter engine. From electronic systems, we are also unlikely to see lane control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beam control, Driving Mode Selection and much more that are available in Europe. But in Russia there will be a next generation automatic parking attendant that can park both parallel and perpendicular. And most importantly - a circular parking lot. This is perhaps the best invention in recent years in the automotive industry. Moreover, everything ingenious is simple - the side sensors are basic for an automatic parking sensor, the engineers just had to include them in the work with a regular parking sensor.
So that Octavia owners do not become arrogant at all (“I bought an Audi for half the price”), some details remained unchanged. For example, a mechanical handbrake has long been asking to be relegated to the dustbin of automotive history. It takes up a lot of space and is completely inconvenient to use with the armrest extended and raised (as on the previous generation). But Skoda came up with the simplest invention - a holder for a mobile phone in a cup holder. And this is not counting the special compartment for a mobile phone with a signal amplifier. And in the door pockets there are special compartments for garbage with replaceable bags - perhaps this is the best invention in the entire history of the automotive industry.
Part of the usable space in the glove box is now occupied by a navigation system module with a DVD and two slots for SD cards. Also on the front panel there is finally a USB connector. Separately, I would like to draw attention to the ability to watch movies on the Columbus screen - this is not Apple, which is worried about the copyrights of the creators; the navigation with great pleasure reads almost all video file formats downloaded directly from torrents.
Now for an Octavia for a modest 16 thousand rubles you can order not an unknown Sound System, but a real Canton with an amplifier and a subwoofer in the trunk. The acoustics are decent, but it is better to pay attention to where the tweeter is located. On the previous generation, the beepers were located next to the door opening handles and the following problem arose for the driver - if you put your left hand on the window sill, it blocked the sound from the left speaker, which was well felt by ear. Also look at the right side mirror, now it also has an automatic dimming function (as well as the left and interior mirrors), which for some reason was absent in principle on the previous generation. The side mirrors have become smaller, but visibility is not affected.
Keyless entry and push-button engine start are optionally available. At the same time, the button remained in the same place on the steering column, where the cylinder of an ordinary lock is. External sensors are present only on the front door handles and trunk - alas, this is not premium.
The dashboard has become simpler, with more “air”. The readability of the readings has improved, but I don’t understand why there was such a huge daily mileage reset button. In the center is a high-resolution Maxidot color display, which can only show movies. It is quite overloaded with information, but there is nothing superfluous on it. Worth mentioning is the attention to detail, namely the odometer, which is complemented by a mechanical counter-style animation with numbers scrolling up.
The seats have received more developed lateral support and have an excellent range of adjustments.
Pay attention to the plastic of the front panel; from the photo it seems that it is quite rough and hard. There is some truth in this - he has become tougher, but not much, but he really looks worse. The door cards have become harder (on the rear doors, as well as on the restyled Octavia of the previous generation, there is plywood). Of course, this is the most pointless idea to check the “softness” of the plastic in the cabin, and based on this make a conclusion about the car. The main thing is that the cabin is quiet and nothing creaks. In terms of noise insulation, the new Octavia has stepped far forward, and despite the overall reduction in the weight of the car, the thickness of the side windows, for example, has only increased.
The space in the second row can be compared to a Superb.
A driver with a height of 180 cm can easily sit behind himself and at the same time cross his legs without touching the back of the seat in front.
Among the “pleasures” for rear passengers, in addition to heated seats, which was also present on the previous generation of Octavia, there is now a 220-volt socket.
The trunk is the main source of pride for Octavia owners. 570 liters of net volume, which can fit more than one bag of potatoes. A subwoofer now lives on the left, and under the floor, as before, there is a full-size spare wheel with a jack and a tool (in European versions there is no spare wheel).
It’s not enough for Skoda engineers to make a good car, they try in every possible way to improve it. Here, for example, is an ice scraper located on the back of the gas tank flap. Along the way, journalists discovered another potential use for it - lighting a fire on a bright sunny day. True, it was not possible to set fire to a sheet of paper, but I think that if we hint about this to the engineers, we will soon see an improved scraper with a modified lens shape. And I want to draw the attention of all owners of VW AG cars - absolutely all cars for Russia have a 98 (95) RON/ROZ sticker, although in fact both new and old engines have their own fuel specifications (usually 95 or 95/ 91).
The motors will be a separate story. We will not discuss the diesel engine, we will only talk about gasoline modifications. This is the latest range of EA211 series engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters. What's new about them? The chain drive of the gas distribution mechanism has been abandoned, and a belt is now used again (this has a positive effect on the noise level - the new engines are very quiet throughout the entire speed range). But the belt will no longer need to be changed and is designed to last the entire service life of the car. Now the exhaust manifold is a single part with the cylinder head, which made it possible to significantly speed up engine warming up in the cold season (the main problem of TSI engines of the previous generation, which the manufacturer solved on low-power 1.2 and 1.4 by installing additional heating elements to warm up the interior). And the intercooler was combined with the intake manifold. In general, there are so many technical innovations in new generation engines that more than one article could be written.
Changes were also made to the braking system. Everyone knows a serious problem with the Octavia Scout of the previous generation, which has brakes that do not correspond to the weight of the car. As for ordinary Octavias, the situation has also changed for the better. The smallest front brake discs are 288 mm (for the version with the 1.2TSI engine), and the 1.8TSI has discs with a diameter of 312 mm (the same as on the previous generation Octavia RS). If you look at the catalog of parts, then for the already presented Octavia RS of the new generation they will also offer front brake discs with a diameter of 340 mm! And don’t forget that the mass of the new Octavia has been reduced by about 100 kilograms. The new brakes are excellent and are more than enough for emergency braking of the car from any speed.
There is also bad news. Cars with an engine less than 150 horsepower will have a semi-independent beam instead of a rear multi-link suspension. While the 180 horsepower 1.8TSI has an updated multi-link suspension on the rear axle. What's wrong with a beam? Firstly, with it the suspension is noticeably stiffer, and this is especially noticeable on a rough road with medium-sized potholes - the rear wheels cannot handle the potholes independently of each other and the impacts fall on the body and passengers. If we talk about handling when cornering (on public roads, not a track), then the difference with a multi-link is minimal. Another thing is that the greatest demand will probably be for a model with a 1.4TSI engine, which means drivers will have to put up with a less comfortable suspension if they plan to drive a lot on bad roads. Or take the version with a 1.8 liter engine.
The suburban route of the test passed through Yoshkar-Ola (pictured on the left), where the mayor of the city went crazy and decided to build copies of all the iconic places of the world's largest cities in the city center. It looks too artificial, especially against the backdrop of completely broken roads in the city center (it was here that the shortcomings of the beam rear suspension on a car with a 1.4TSI engine were fully revealed). After that there were lovely and cozy Cheboksary, and at the end - the island-city of Sviyazhsk (pictured on the right), which several years ago was ruins. Now it has been almost completely restored (a paved road has been laid, excursion bureaus have been opened), and local residents have become part of the museum exhibition.
As for the drive, the 1.8TSI undoubtedly tears all its competitors to shreds, both in the manual version and in the DSG7 version. Here you should especially pay attention to the torque of the new engines (photos 3 and 8), as you can see in the 1.4TSI and 1.8TSI the torque bar is electronically limited at 250 Nm. Analyzing the components used, we can draw a simple conclusion - it’s all about the maximum torque for the DSG7 robotic gearbox with dry clutches, popularly deciphered as “Two Clutches per Year” (for those who rape it with daily driving in traffic jams). The DSG7 itself has remained virtually unchanged, in D mode it goes to the highest level at the first opportunity and stalls when you need to quickly accelerate, and in Sport mode it keeps the engine in good shape at high speeds, which is somewhat annoying due to the increased noise (although it is worth noting that new engines noticeably quieter, thanks in part to the use of a timing belt instead of a chain). On the highway, everything is decided by driving in S mode on cruise (only then does the transmission go to 7th gear, while without cruise it will stubbornly hold on to sixth gear). By the way, the gearshift knob has lost the fixed mode S, now it is activated by swinging the lever down - the advantage of this solution is that you can directly engage the manual mode from S, without passing through D. On the manual, the clutch pedal has become harder and more elastic, this is unlikely Those who like to drive through Moscow traffic jams will love it.
The acceleration feels like everything again rests on the torque bar at around 250 Nm. The control unit limits the torque (although the same 1.8TSI, according to rough estimates, is capable of delivering 320 Nm without any modifications, at least comparing it with the existing third-generation EA888) and the wave of adrenaline during acceleration no longer hits you headlong. For normal use, the 1.4TSI engine is enough, and the 1.8TSI is practically the RS of the previous generation. In terms of fuel consumption, the 1.4TSI is especially noteworthy. On the highway at 110-120 km/h with dynamic overtaking, it showed a consumption of 6.6 liters according to the on-board computer (new cars, with a mileage of 200-300 km, not run-in).
And a few words about prices. When compared with the previous generation, with similar equipment, the new Octavia may even be cheaper. The basic version 1.2TSI with manual transmission starts at 590 thousand rubles. It is much more interesting to pay attention to the cost of the base 1.8TSI with manual transmission - 840 thousand rubles. It can be filled almost to capacity with options and it will cost exactly 1 million rubles. And these are the lowest prices among competitors.
Do you know at least one car that can accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in less than 8 seconds and cost no more than 1 million rubles? Let me remind you that a manual Octavia 1.8TSI costs from 840 thousand rubles (and not in the most basic configuration), but it is a large and comfortable family car.
Most recently, a new Octavia RS was announced with a two-liter engine producing 220 horsepower, but we will wait for the new Octavia Scout (with a 5th generation Haldex clutch), which is expected to go into production at the very beginning of 2014.
The Skoda Octavia model range (Czech: Škoda Octavia) is presented in three generations. The car received its name in the late 50s, when the company presented the eighth Škoda model, called Octavia (from the Latin Octo - eight).
Generation I A3 1U
In 1996, sales of the new Škoda Octavia line were launched. The first Octavia model was produced in a liftback body, called Octavia I. Two years later, the company introduced a modification in a station wagon body, which was called Combi. Both models were initially front-wheel drive, and only at the end of the twentieth century the company began producing all-wheel drive modifications of the Octavia I. The first generation Octavia models also differed in configuration: from the simplest Classic to the luxury Laurin&Klement. At the beginning of the 21st century, Škoda released sports models RS and WRS.
Skoda Octavia I generation 1996
Generation IIA5 1Z
To keep up with the times, Škoda introduced the Octavia II in 2004. The car has increased in overall dimensions and the interior space has become more comfortable. The company also offered two models: the Octavia A5 in a liftback body and the Octavia A5 Combi in a station wagon body. Changes also affected the engines; thanks to various modifications, the car became more economical and more environmentally friendly. Traditionally, Škoda later introduced the sports version of the Octavia A5 RS; in 2007, the model range was replenished with a new all-wheel drive car with increased ground clearance, called the Škoda Octavia Scout.
Generation III A7
At the end of 2012, Škoda introduced the updated Octavia A7, which is positioned as a C-class car. Octavia A7 has become longer, wider and taller than its predecessors. Accordingly, the dimensions of the interior are impressive; probably none of the cars in the C segment can boast such a huge interior space. The range of engines has also been updated and many innovative solutions have been added to ensure traffic safety. The Octavia A7 lineup remains virtually the same. Models that are assembled in Russia, at factories in Nizhny Novgorod and Kaluga, are adapted to Russian roads and meet all quality standards. Quality control of cars and components is carried out under the supervision of German and Czech specialists. It should be noted that the sports version of the Octavia A7 RS has become the fastest of all models released by Škoda.
Link and photo here http://www.octavia-avto.ru/rs
Generation IV
In the coming 2015, the company plans to introduce the Skoda Octavia Scout crossover. The company positions it as “a passenger car with the soul of an SUV.” As they say, let's wait and see.
The third coming of Octavia to the Russian market happened in 2013. We officially sold cars assembled in Nizhny Novgorod, moreover, in “liftback” and “station wagon” bodies.
Engine
Under the hood of domestically assembled models are 1.6-liter gasoline engines (110 horsepower), a pair of turbocharged fours of 1.4 liters (150 hp) and 1.8 liters (180 horsepower), as well as a 2-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 143 “horses”. Two-liter 200-horsepower gasoline “fours” were intended for the RS version. The base engine was combined with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission. For 1.4- and 1.8-liter engines, a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed “robot” with a double dry clutch was offered. The diesel engine is equipped with a 6-speed transmission with two clutches operating in an oil bath.
When choosing a used Octavia, you must remember that turbo engines are characterized by increased oil consumption - sometimes up to 2-3 liters per 10,000 km are spent on topping up. Although some owners claim that their car engines do not “eat” oil at all. However, if consumption occurs and it exceeds the above limit, contact the service immediately. There are known cases where dealers, due to increased oil consumption, replaced not only the piston rings, but also the cylinder head under warranty. As well as a turbocharger.
But after the end of the warranty, you will have to pay about 100,000 rubles for replacing the turbine at an official service, and almost twice as much for a new cylinder head. True, recently many non-original parts and assemblies have appeared, the cost of which is noticeably lower compared to branded ones.
All gasoline engines on the Octavia are designed for fuel with an octane rating of 95. But the 1.6-liter “four” can easily operate at 92. True, you won’t be able to save money in this case - the car will still require fuel a little more than with 95-octane gasoline.
Note that on engines the thermostat (6,500 rubles), the fuel pump (15,000 rubles), spark plugs and ignition coils, as well as fuel injection nozzles (16,000 rubles each) may fail prematurely. By the way, on the first cars the lower radiator mounts became loose. Dealers periodically tightened fasteners under warranty free of charge. But after 2014, the Czechs began installing fasteners of a new design as part of a recall campaign. And the problem went away.
Transmission
Not everything is so smooth with gearboxes, especially since there are quite a lot of them in the Octavia’s arsenal. The mechanical five-speed gearbox is unconditionally reliable, but its 6-speed relative is noticeably more capricious in operation. After 50,000-70,000 km, the bearings may begin to make noise, and the second and third gears begin to engage with force. Repairs, however, are not particularly expensive - from 15,000 rubles. But the 6-band hydromechanical “automatic” is simply an example of durability. The unit needs, perhaps, a regular – once every 60,000 km – oil change with a filter for 18,000 rubles.
The clutch can withstand an average of 125,000 km, and replacing it will cost 25,000 rubles for an original set of parts. On expensive versions of the Skoda Octavia, sometimes the dual-mass flywheel (RUB 48,000) has to be replaced along with the clutch. But innovative and modern robotic dual-clutch gearboxes still cause owners of Czech cars a lot of problems, despite the fact that they have been modernized several times over the past 5-7 years. In addition, the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on the mechatronics and clutch assembly.
However, cases of breakdowns still occur today. Although, we repeat, these boxes have recently become noticeably more durable. In addition, specialized workshops learned how to repair them inexpensively and efficiently. However, if you absolutely need an automatic transmission, but you don’t want to take any risks, pay attention to a conventional hydromechanical automatic transmission, which has decent quality and service life. True, it is combined exclusively with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 110 horsepower.
Suspension
By the way, there is also some selectivity in the suspension design. For example, all modifications of the Octavia with a capacity of up to 150 horsepower are equipped with a semi-independent rear beam, and the flagship 1.8-liter and 200-horsepower version for charged RS versions, as well as all all-wheel drive versions, are equipped with an independent multi-link suspension. Therefore, only expensive versions of the Czech liftback and station wagon can boast of delicate handling. It must be said that the Skoda chassis is quite rigid and not every car enthusiast will like it.
In both versions of the Octavia chassis, the weak point can be called the rear shock absorbers (on average 5,500 rubles), which often have to be changed after 30,000 - 50,000 km. In the front suspension, the struts (6,800 rubles each) last much longer. Consumables, as usual, are considered to be anti-roll bar struts and bushings. True, they cost pennies, and the work to replace them is inexpensive. Ball joints (1,500 rubles each), as well as levers with silent blocks, can withstand far more than a hundred thousand km. By the way, after restyling in 2017, the rear shock absorbers became more durable.
Body and Interior
But the Octavia’s paintwork certainly hasn’t become stronger – scratches and chips on its body appear after the 2nd winter. Moreover, on cars of both Russian and European production. Although the “iron” itself does not rust for a very long time. But chrome parts become cloudy and shrink already in the first Russian winter. The windshield is also not durable. Moreover, after three years of operation its seal comes off. Due to poor aerodynamics, all the dirt and water from the windshield ends up on the side windows. In addition, the view to the rear is impaired by miniature side mirrors.
There are also complaints about insufficient sound insulation. Some owners are ready to part with 20,000 - 30,000 rubles to install an additional Shumka. To be fair, we note that there are not many “crickets” in the cabin, and their number has not increased over the years. But on liftbacks, taillights and license plate lamps often fail due to moisture getting into them. Dealers usually install more sealed LED ones (500 rubles each) from more expensive versions of Octavia. But standard windshield wipers do their job very poorly - most owners usually replace them with blades of a famous brand that are suitable in size and fastening.
But there are practically no problems with the electrics of the Skoda Octavia. Some failures and glitches still occur, but owners are more likely to complain about some of the features built into the machine’s design. For example, many owners are unhappy that the standard audio system lacks a CD player, instead of which there is a slot for a flash card. It is very difficult and tedious to change the high beam light bulb yourself. In addition, it costs from 2000 rubles, and burns out quite often. As, indeed, other lamps for internal and external lighting.