At the beginning of December 1895 the mechanic Václav Laurin and the book-seller Václav Klement, both bicycle enthusiasts, started manufacturing bicycles of their own design, patriotically named Slavia in the nationalist atmosphere of the end of the 19th century. A few years later, in 1899, the Laurin & Klement Co. began producing motorcycles, which were soon successful and gained several racing victories. After initial experiments at the turn of century, producing of motorcycles was gradually replaced by automobiles form 1905 onward.
Many, many years later in the creation of Skoda Octavia, the company laboured hard in producing the most advanced technology therefore making every part to be high in quality and with outstanding technical specifications. Basically, the Skoda Octavia is a small family car created by Skoda Auto in the year 1996. The name itself was patterned after a certain model which was originally released in 1959 and 1971.
The vibrant and fresh interior of the Skoda Octavia will guarantee every passenger to have a relaxed feeling while boarding to their destination. It is mounted with excellent Volkswagen Group switchgear as well as good quality plastics. Space is never an issue since there is sufficient room for both front and rear seat occupants and it is designed in such a way that it will be a cosy place to stay in. The hatchback’s boot is huge. Its dashboard which was fashioned using PU technology is transparent with smooth curves and surface that will be very pleasing to touch. Controls are properly arranged and numerous storage compartments are mounted that will only make staying inside as comfortable as one longed for in a vehicle. Moreover, all of its upholstery are carefully made therefore creating beautiful ambiance within. And with all these features, what more would you look in a vehicle?
In essence, the first generation Skoda Octavia which was launched in the year 1996 paved the way to make the company renowned in the automotive world. Upon its released, it harboured a huge success because of its strength, sophistication and value for money. The model was based purely on Volkswagen Golf but considerably with larger body that tenders better comfort. And although the chassis is not working really well, it can still go along with ease even on twisty curves and will go fine even on extra long journeys. One seen problem with this vehicle is it creates enormous wind noise which can go even on the cabin at motorway travelling speed and because of its flaws; the company decided that in the year 2000, the first generation will have a facelift. After then, it was still being marketed most particularly in Germany, Asia, and West Europe where it bears the name as Octavia Tour.
Moreover, the second generation Skoda Octavia was released in 2004 which was based on the A platform and other Volkswagen Group of cars which include VW Golf V, Audi A3 II, SEAT Altea, SEAT Leon II, VW Touran, and VW Golf Plus. In India, it was named as Laura to better set it aside from the first model. Manufacturers of the second generation were able to skilfully incorporate all the good point of the first generation to while eliminating all the weak points. At the present, it features more legroom for rear seat passengers as well as augments ground clearance at front and rear in order to diminish the menace of grounding on steep ramps or facing kerbs. On 2006, an off-road version was launched into public in the third quarter of the year which was named as Octavia Scout which characterizes a Haldex four-wheel drive manipulated by a computer-controlled clutch-based centre-differential. In addition, it also features a 4×4 that offers 24 mm higher ground clearance compared to the standard versions.
The revolutionized in Skoda Octavia model only proves of the company’s commitment to improve their model to answer the demand of their supporters. And they are also highly sensitive to what their critics had to say because they believe that these people would help them in the improvement of their models making them a competitive brand in the automotive world.
SKODA’S latest Fabia is proof, if it were needed, that you really can have your cake and eat it! And their recipe for success is in building a car that’s one of the best value for money machines in the supermini class. Although some might question whether the Fabia is really a supermini, because there’s not a lot miniscule about its dimensions. It offers you a healthy sized slice of metal which will carry a family of four in adequate comfort and with room to spare. Probably why the original car, launched seven years ago, has been such a hit in the UK. Buyers here have snapped up over 130,000 of them and more than 1.5 million have been built in that time. And it’s won a shelf full of awards.
The latest model, launched earlier this year, majors on the benefits of the previous Fabia as it takes on the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio in the battle for sales, and starts at a competitive £7,990 for the entry level 1.2 HTP 1. It has a decent amount of standard equipment in a CD player, ABS, power steering, immobiliser and dual front airbags, but obviously sacrifices have to be made to keep the price down, so you won’t find remote centre locking and electric door mirrors on the Fabia 1, the lowest trim level. And I was briefly left wondering if they’d forgotten the brakes as well on first acquaintance, as they proved to be a bit softer than I’m used to.
But rest assured that though the pedal travel may be long there’s plenty bite at the end to stop you safely. There’s plenty engine choice in the range – seven in fact – the least swift being the 1.2 litre three cylinder 60bhp unit in our test car, an engine used in other VW Group products. There’s a thrummy quality to the engine note, and it has to be said that in town it’s perfectly adequate. It’s just left lacking a bit when the road opens out a bit and the traffic thins out, which is where its breathing thins out and it gets a bit like the wheezy fat boy trying to keep up with the rest on the school cross country run. Using the cake analogy it doesn’t exactly put the zip in the marzipan but then there are plenty others to choose from if you feel the need for a bit more speed.
People opt for a Skoda for a variety of reasons – value for money, reliability and overall user friendliness. The latest Fabia ticks all those boxes and this one in particular, while only the entry level model, proved a comfortable enough method of transport, and an economical one too. Its extra urban figure is a shade under 59mpg which means that as well as not costing a lot to buy it won’t cost a fortune to run either. Oh, and it’s insurance group 1 into the bargain. So, a neatly styled five door hatch that’s a definite improvement over its predecessor. Piece of cake really.
Skoda cars have an excellent reputation for producing quality cars at a fair price. In Ireland Skodas are a very popular car for business users and family drivers alike.
Gone are the days of the Skoda jokes, where Skoda was classed with Lada and Polski Fiat. Skoda is now part of the Volkswagen group and the cars are well designed and look great.
There are only three basic models, Fabia, Octavia and Superb.
The models have been designed to fit in between the conventional size classes, for example the Fabia is between a Fiesta and a Focus in size. The engines are quiet, but provide all the power that 99% of motorists ever need. Inside the cars are spacious and comfortable, with a high driver satisfaction rating.
The diesel engined Skoda Octavia has brilliant fuel economy at around 700 miles1100 kilometres a tank full and it’s still a decent performer too.
Rear legroom isn’t brilliant, compensation for a big boot, but plenty big enough for a family and occasional adults
As for handling the Skoda Octavia beats the equivalent Volkswagens due to it’s stiffer and better ride that’s needed for rough Czech (and Irish)roads compared to the smooth German ones of Volkswagen.
Comfortable on long distances, but the road noise level is noticeable.
The Skoda Octavia Estate car just goes on and on. The loading platform seems endless. This estate car is also one of the most pleasant to drive that I have ever come across
The New Octavia car is even better value than the older model. The differences on the outside are subtle, but inside is different story, with redesigned seats and instrument panel. You know you are in a different Skoda Octavia.
The Skoda Fabia is quiet at all speeds. Great steering, brakes, and taut body control. Amazingly frugal engine keeps getting better as it matures, averaging over 65mpg on daily country commutes. Beautiful Skoda gearbox with very smooth changes.
Skoda’s super efficient air-con does not affect the Fabia’s performance or fuel consumption. Heated seats are perfect for winter. Rock solid construction enhances passenger safety.
I think that the skoda diesel engine is the perfect partner for this car as the fuel economy even in town is in the high 50’s and the torque is amazing in this small car making it seriously quick, surprising a few Fiesta and Corsa drivers!
The Skoda Fabia is a real Pocket Rocket! The steering is brilliant – very light when you need it in parking spaces, but it weight’s up nicely when out on the open road.
The Skoda Fabia estate is an amazing package of space and economy. The 1.2 16v engine delivers far more power than any small estate car driver has the right to expect
Seats appear to be too uncomfortable at the start as they are very hard, but they soften up and become very comfortable after 10 minutes and you appreciate this in a long drive and it is far better than it’s rivals!
The ride is wonderful! Very supple for long distance cruising and a great handler. Amazing!
Loaded with kit for the money and you’ll save money with it’s excellent fuel economy.
Nowhere else will you find a value for money car like the Skoda Superb. The Superb has features that are generally only found in cars costing half as much again. A test drive in the Skoda Superb is a totally different world from a test drive in the very competent Skoda Octavia. The two cars may look very similar outside, but inside and for driving pleasure the Superb wins hands down.
The Skoda Superb really does live up to its name. It is superb in every way – good handling, excellent drive, full of features such as tip-tronic transmission and electric seat cw memory, spacious cabin, comfortable ride and powerful engine (turbo). The boot is cavernous!
Its actual rear leg-room is even larger than a Mercedes E class.
The top of the range Skoda Superb is a very high quality, well put together and extremely spacious, luxury family car.
Great engine, smooth auto gearbox, wonderful overtaking ability, relaxed cruising and very economical.
Coupled with great features and reasonable price, the Skoda Superb really is value-for-money. It’s money well spent!
In the news: Skoda, Volkswagen subsidiary and recipient of VW exhaust part will once again try its luck in the Australian market after 25 years. Volkswagen plans to introduce its Skoda brand in Australia this coming October. Matthew Weisner, Volkswagen Group of Australia general manager, press and public relations have been appointed as head of Skoda Australia and his duty includes the re-launch of the Skoda brand. Although a bit reluctant Weisner said that he will do his best to promote Skoda to the Australian market.
Skoda’s lineup for Australia includes the following:
o Fabia – this Volkswagen Polo-sized light car derived its styling cues from the Mini Cooper and Suzuki Swift. The Fabia was launched last year at the Paris Motor Show. It offers economical, three-cylinder, HTP short for High Tech Performance petrol and TDI engines. It also offers 16-valve, 63kW, 1.4 liter and 77kW, 1.6 liter petrol models. The 1.6 liter petrol engine is offered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic. Both the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol units are to be brought to Australia.
The Fabia has a length measuring at 3992 mm long and with a wheelbase of 2462 mm. Comparing it to the Polo, the Fabia is approximately 76 mm longer overall and 3mm longer on the wheelbase. It also possesses 300 liters of luggage space. The Fabia that will be sold in Australia will also feature six airbags, climate control airconditioning and active headlights. The Fabia will be priced at $16,000.
o Octavia – the Octavia bears similar features with the VW Passat and just like the latter, the Octaivia is a mid-size offered either as a front-wheel-drive sedan and wagon. It will also be made to compete with the premium priced Japanese models with the likes of Honda Accord Euro, Mazda6, Subaru Liberty, and soon-to-be Ford Mondeo.
The Octavia is powered by a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines ranging from 110kW, 2 liter FSI up to a 125kW, 2liter TDI and 147kW, 2 litre FSI four cylinder in the RS. Likewise, a 1.4 liter model will also be made available for Australia along with the five and six-speed manual transmissions with the addition of a six-speed VW-sourced DSG manual. The price of the Octavia is about $30,000.
o Superb – this is an essentially long-wheelbase version of the Octavia designed for the higher end of the market. The Superb is spacious offering extra legroom in the back and plenty of leather and luxury. The Superb is equipped with the Passat’s older 142kW, 2.8 liter V6 petrol and 120 kW, 2.5 liter six cylinder TDI engines which are both available with a tiptronic five-speed automatic.
This long-wheelbase sedan is available in Europe with a 110kW, turbocharged 1.8 liter and naturally aspirated 85 kW, 2 liter four cylinder engine. The price for the Superb is about $45,000.
o Roomster – this vehicle started as a funky concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show while a production version was unveiled last year. The Roomster is distinguished by its high-set, van like styling. Its versatile, five-door concept is similar to the VW Caddy that is quickly converted from a five-seater into a load-lugging two-seater vehicle.
The Roomster Scout adds plastic-cladding around the body which provides it with an off-road look despite the fact that it is a front-wheel drive vehicle. The price of the Roomster is about $27,000.
In addition, Volkswagen also plans to introduce in Australia next year the VW Polo-sized Fabia. This Fabia was previously presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Likewise, by 2009 Volkswagen will launch a new generation version of its long-wheelbase Surperb sedan.