Review: Skoda 1Z Octavia (2007-13)

Review: Skoda 1Z.I Octavia (2007-09)

Overview

Released in October 2007, the Skoda 1Z Series I (1Z.I) Octavia was available as a mid-size liftback or wagon. Manufactured in the Czech Republic, the Skoda 1Z Octavia was initially available in 1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 FSI variants and in Ambiente and Elegance editions. The full range is given in the table below.

Body and dimensions

The Skoda 1Z Octavia was based on Volkswagen’s PQ35 platform which also underpinned the Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf and Mk.5 Jetta . Compared to the Mk.5 Jetta, the 1Z Octavia was 18 mm longer (at 4572 mm), 12 mm narrower (1769 mm) and 3 mm taller (1462 mm), though wheelbase length (2578 mm) was unchanged.

Suspension and steering

The Skoda Octavia had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower triangular links and a torsion stabiliser; the rear suspension utilised one longitudinal and three transverse links, and a torsion stabiliser. Furthermore, the Octavia had electromechanical power-assisted steering.

AWD system

Where fitted, the Skoda Octavia’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system utilised a Haldex coupling with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, torque was directed to the front-wheels, but could automatically be redirected to the rear wheels in the event that the front wheels lost traction.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 1Z Octavia included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 Skoda Octavia – albeit without curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.73 out of 37. For Australian models, ANCAP awarded an additional two points, for a score of 28.73, due to the fitment of front seatbelt reminders. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and chest protection was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Octavia Ambiente included 15-inch ‘Helios’ alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, height adjustable front seats, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, courtesy lights, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and immobiliser. Wagon models were further equipped with an additional 12 volt power outlet in the luggage compartment, roof rails, a roller blind and cargo blind.

Compared to the Ambiente, the Octavia Elegance added 16-inch ‘Lyra’ alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an anti-glare rear view mirror and cargo net.

Review: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia (2009-13)

Overview

Released in March 2009, the Skoda 1Z Series II (1Z.II) Octavia introduced a revised range, modified equipment levels and updated styling. The all-wheel drive models and the 2.0 FSI were discontinued, though the other variants continued under different names that generally reflected the power output of their engines. The range was expanded with the introduction of the 1.6 MPI and, in August 2010, the 90TSI. The Ambiente and Elegance editions were also discontinued, with the 1.6 MPI, 77TDI and 90TSI comprising the entry-level models, while the 103TDI and 118TSI had additional features.

Visually, the Skoda 1Z.II Octavia could be identified by its new grille, front bumper and quarter panels, head- and tail-lights, larger door mirrors and body-coloured door strips. Inside, there was a new dashboard, centre console, four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, white instrument illumination, air conditioning controls, seat fabrics and a rear armrest.

Features

Standard features for the Skoda Octavia 1.6 MPI, 77TDI and 90TSI included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tinted windows, courtesy lights, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and immobiliser. Like its 1Z.I predecessor, wagon models were further equipped with a 12 volt power outlet in the luggage compartment, roof rails, roller blind and cargo blind.

Beyond this, the Octavia 118TSI and 103 TDI added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player with data card reader, dual zone climate control air conditioning, 6.5-inch multi-function colour touch screen, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, folding mirrors, an anti-glare rear view mirror and a cargo net.

August 2010: Octavia update

From August 2010, standard features were improved for the Octavia 118TSI and 103TDI to include a satellite navigation system with a 6.5-inch display, a 20GB hard drive for music storage and voice recognition.

2013 Octavia 90TSI Special Edition

In May 2013, limited-run Special Editions were released for the 90TSI variants. Compared to the standard 90TSI, the Octavia 90TSI Special Edition added 16-inch ‘Proxima’ alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a 30GB hard drive, a Columbus satellite navigation system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a centre rear armrest with a storage compartment, rain-sensing wipers and a ‘light assistant’ (coming home function and tunnel light). Wagon models were also fitted with silver roof rails.

Brochure

• Brochure: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia and Octavia RS (September 2011)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia (March 2009)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia (March 2009)
• Press Kit: Skoda 1Z.II Octavia 90TSI (August 2010)
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 1Z Octavia