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Skoda Octavia (2004 - 2013)

4
reviewed by Anonymous on 2 February 2024
3
reviewed by Anonymous on 20 October 2023
3
reviewed by Anonymous on 8 August 2023
3
reviewed by Anonymous on 8 August 2023
5
reviewed by Anonymous on 12 November 2022
5
reviewed by Anonymous on 4 July 2021
5
reviewed by Anonymous on 10 December 2018
3
reviewed by Anonymous on 30 September 2018
5
reviewed by Dave Bennett on 13 June 2018
5
reviewed by Malcolm Foote on 19 July 2017
2
reviewed by Anonymous on 17 January 2016
4
reviewed by IRC on 12 March 2015
4
reviewed by grahamm8541 on 16 October 2014
5
reviewed by bobbyt on 28 August 2014
3
reviewed by SJD on 28 August 2014
4
reviewed by 7omly on 18 July 2014
5
reviewed by grahamm8541 on 17 July 2014
4
reviewed by handpp on 2 May 2014
5
reviewed by grahamm8541 on 1 May 2014
5
reviewed by Anonymous on 10 April 2014
5
reviewed by Torrepinerolo on 3 February 2014
4

Elegance 1.4 TSI DSG 5dr Auto Hatchback

reviewed by P3t3rJ on 24 January 2014
4
Overall rating
4
How it drives
5
Fuel economy
4
Tax/Insurance/Warranty costs
5
Cost of maintenance and repairs
4
Experience at the dealership
5
How practical it is
5
How you rate the manufacturer
5
Overall reliability

A great combination of comfort, practicality, performance and economy.

Have only owned this car for 5 months so can't comment on reliability accept that it has been faultless so far. It's a 2010 plate with 21,000 miles when I paid £10,000. Fuel consumption is around 44mpg on a mix of short and medium length urban and extra urban journeys. I think this is good for a petrol car of this size with a surprisingly good turn of speed. Compared to my previous car, a Rover 75 1.8T, which is of a similar size, I would say it feels livelier though not quite as strong at motorway speed. The DSG gearbox is a blessing, providing the relaxed drive of an automatic with good economy. However I do find that I'm often scrabbling for grip when pulling away in the wet despite my generally light right foot. Not sure whether this is anything to do with the gearbox putting too much torque down or my tyres which are new Goodyear "Efficient Grip Performance".
My wife is not a keen driver but has admitted that she actually enjoys driving this car. It gives her the confidence to overtake and she finds it easy to manoeuvre and park. We both find it very comfortable despite the firm seats. One reason that we chose the Skoda is the height adjustable passenger seat on this elegance model which is difficult to find on cars of this class. This should be standard in all cars in my opinion. Other things we where looking for included space and practicality, good economy, decent performance and a good reputation. It ticks all these boxes. My local garage recommended the Octavia with no reservations and I've noticed that the police and taxi companies often use them which bodes well for it's durability. It's full of practical little touches which probably cost next to nothing for the manufacturer to include but make such a difference when using day to day.
The car looks classy from the front though not quite so successful from side and rear. However, for me the interior is more important and this feels quite upmarket apart from the steering wheel that looks like something from a class below. All the instrumentation looks and feels good to use and the touch screen entertainment system adds to the feeling that that you could be driving something more expensive. It's easy to get comfortable with the fully adjustable steering wheel and seats. This spec also includes automatic wipers and dimming mirror, cruise control, dual zone climate, all electric windows and door mirrors.
If I had to gripe about anything it would be the ride quality which is a little too firm for my taste. It's the main letdown after my Rover. Road noise is sometimes higher than I would like though this was improved when I fitted the Goodyears mentioned above. The speed sensitive steering is fine though not very involving. It has a slightly ridiculous speedometer which registers up to 160 mph and so compresses the usable scale to half of the dial and is about 4 or 5 percent optimistic like most cars.
To sum up, apart from my main reservation regarding ride quality, I would recommend this car to anyone but a badge snob.

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4
reviewed by Bradway on 23 January 2014
5
reviewed by Goldhawk on 23 January 2014
5
reviewed by oldbeaver on 5 December 2013
4
reviewed by 7omly on 5 December 2013
5
reviewed by WilliamRead on 28 October 2013
5
reviewed by NorwegianTrust on 31 July 2013
3
reviewed by Luke87 on 27 July 2013
3
reviewed by RogerM9 on 29 March 2013
4
reviewed by Anonymous on 22 March 2013
4
reviewed by Hardwickal on 10 October 2012
1
reviewed by encompassdrummer on 10 July 2012
3
reviewed by iFocus on 16 June 2012
4
reviewed by jay7 on 9 May 2012
5
reviewed by Stu-OctyVRS on 12 April 2012
5
reviewed by Stace1 on 18 January 2012
4
reviewed by jayemm on 10 November 2011
5
reviewed by hussarman on 28 June 2011
3
reviewed by E.S. on 10 June 2011
1
reviewed by jmlove on 23 May 2011
5
reviewed by NorwegianTrust on 18 May 2011
4
reviewed by NabLane on 17 February 2011
2
reviewed by cruising on 14 February 2011
5
reviewed by maramo on 26 January 2011
4
reviewed by chorizogolf on 13 July 2010
5
reviewed by Joshie on 13 May 2010
5
reviewed by Avant on 12 May 2010

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About this car

Price£11,145–£25,050
Road TaxA–K
MPG32.5–74.3 mpg
Real MPG96.7%

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5
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