Skoda Octavia II 2004 test drive - 2008 -

Skoda Octavia - reliable, but not without problems

The hallmark of the Auto Industry of Eastern Europe Skoda Octavia appeared in 1997. This Czech model became the personification of what golf class cars in countries with a salary of up to $ 1000 are seen.
 
Today, the second generation of Octavia is already sold, which started in April 2004. But it was Skoda of the first generation that turned out to be the object of research on the German TUV check when the 2005 inspection is held. TUV experts revealed typical malfunctions of this machine.
 
General assessment
Created on the basis of Golf IV, Czech Octavia noticeably larger than the ancestor in dimensions. She looks a purely family machine, whether it be a sedan or a station wagon called Combi. To make sure of this, it is enough to look into a huge trunk with a volume of 528 liters. Such impressive dimensions are a rarity even among sedans by the class higher. The most popular in Europe is a diesel version with a 90-horsepower TDI from Golf, especially the Combi option. It is not surprising that the diesel station wagon loses less other modifications in the price in the secondary market.
 
Driving qualities
The pleasure of driving with a base 1.4-liter engine with a capacity of 75 hp. It is unlikely that it will be possible to get, it is frankly weak and even absent on Combi options, German experts say. By car with a 1.6-liter engine (100-102 hp) and with any of the diesel engines (90-130 hp), the trip becomes more fun. But you can truly tear yourself away when under the hood of the top engines of the Turbo with a volume of 1.8 liters and a capacity of 150-180 hp. Such versions are found in the secondary market less often, like all -wheel drive options for Octavia 4x4.
 
Flaws
By inheritance from the Golf IV Czech Octavia, many sores got. Damage and refusals are often associated with defective air flow sensors, tearing drive belts. The electric windows freeze halfway, the installation of side mirrors is forever knocking down. The weak points of the diesel versions of Octavia include a frequent adhesion refusal, which surrender to the powerful torque of these engines. Quite often, jerking door locks come across. And in the machines of the first year of production, the rattling facing of the cabin announces.
 
Conclusion TUV
Body, chassis
Octavia is well opposed to corrosion, worthy of cars due to unacceptable rust, even in the seventh year of life, is minimal 0.1%. True, the trend can be traced here almost all cases are associated with corrosion of the elements of the rear suspension. Occasionally a dangerous rust appears there and on more fresh machines.
 
Electrician
The condition of on -board electricians in Octavia is always worse than average, starting with three -year -olds. The reason may be defective components or sloppiness of the owners, but the result is one in key parameters to the model there are numerous complaints. In the third year of life, due to the failures, electricians did not receive 10.2%Octavia technical talon, at the fifth of 17.2%, and out of seven-year-olds, every fifth car (21.9%) did not pass in Germany.
 
Brakes
For this item, the main problems of Skoda Octavia are associated with rear brakes - their effectiveness is always slightly worse than on average for the fleet. Nevertheless, according to experts, it is impossible to put unequivocal inappropriate here, since the front brakes are always in excellent condition, and the production of brake discs at a good average level. In addition, the performance of the parking brake and the general condition of the brake pipelines, as a rule, does not cause complaints.
 
Ecology and exhaust
The power system for Octavia is sealed at any age, but the exhaust highway requires attention. More than 2% of the three -year -olds were able to undergo their first inspection only after replacing the silencers, and among the seven -year -olds there were 6.2%. This is noticeably worse than the average indicators in the fleet.
 
Result
Czech Octavia give the impression of solid machines, devoid of any pathological ailments. Nevertheless, they would not have prevented them from more effective rear brakes and durable silencers.
 
Based on materials from the TUV rating Autobild magazine.
 
Remizov Alexander
 
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"