Choosing Skoda Octavia, which Skoda Octavia is better

Content

Skoda Octavia first generation model
Skoda Octavia second generation model
Skoda Octavia third generation
What to be afraid of in the secondary market
Which Skoda Octavia is better to buy?

Skoda quickly became loved in Russia. And due to the fact that the brand belongs to WV, a stereotype was born that the Czechs produce the same “Germans”, only cheaper. The Octavia has become so popular that some aftermarket trim levels have become more expensive than the Superba and Golf. It was she who turned the Skoda brand from a nondescript brother of the Germans into a recognizable company.

This year Octavia celebrates its 60th anniversary. Since 2013, models for the Russian market have been assembled at the Nizhny Novgorod plant. Let's figure out which generation of Skoda Octavia to choose, which engine is better and what problems await a potential buyer.

Second generation Skoda Octavia

The model was generated between 2004 and 2013. The new Volkswagen Group platform, PQ35 (A5), was used as the architecture for it.

A characteristic feature of all generations of the Skoda Octavia is the fact that with each generation the model increased in size, became more respectable and spacious.

The pride of the updated Octavia is the increased volume of the luggage compartment. It received a record for its class of 580 liters (station wagon), 560 liters (liftback).
In addition to dimensional changes, manufacturers updated the model line of power units. More powerful and environmentally friendly engines have appeared, for example, a 2.0 l 140 hp diesel engine. pp., gasoline units with direct injection.
In this generation, Octavia received a DSG-7 robotic gearbox.

Skoda Octavia A5 (second generation)

For those who like to travel off-road, Skoda released in 2006 a modification of the Scout in a station wagon body with an increased (179 mm) ground clearance.

During the 2008 restyling, the appearance of the car was modified (bumpers, head optics), and the interior was also improved (a new steering wheel and multimedia appeared). A review of the Skoda Octavia 2 car can be seen in this video:

Skoda Octavia first generation model

The first generation of Skoda Octavia appeared in 1996 and was sold until 2004. In 2000, a restyle was released with updated optics, design and a couple of new engines. Vagov's reliable units were installed on the Octavia, but among them there are lagging behind.

The 1.6-liter engine produced only 75 hp. With. It is reliable and durable, but the motor is worthless, and it is difficult to even climb onto an overpass. Another “lagging behind” is the 1.4-liter engine. It was the only one in the line that was produced by the Czechs themselves. The engine produced only 60 “horses”, and its more “powerful” version produced 75 hp. With. These indicators were not enough for a large sedan even in the city. On the highway the car had to be pushed at all.

1.8-liter engine with 125 hp. With. makes it feel more dynamic, but its appetite for oil and fuel is exorbitant. Despite this, it is not easy to find it on the secondary market. The owners are still selling their cars and are in no hurry to sell them.

Another unsuccessful engine - 1.9 with 60 hp. With. It has the same problems: high oil consumption, noise and excessive gluttony.

The most reliable and dynamic motors are:

1.6-liter with a problem-free history;
turbocharged 1.8-liter 150 hp. s., as well as a sport version with 180 hp. With.

The first generation was foldable, had good performance, and became the poor man's Volkswagen. It was loved for its spacious interior and spacious trunk, and for its high quality paintwork due to the galvanized body. The generation had 15 engines and trim levels - a large selection to suit any budget and driving style. In the international Euro NCAP safety rating, the Skoda Octavia I received 4 stars. A good indicator for a car of the 90s!

If you decide to buy it, prepare for problems with electronics and regular timing belt replacements, preferably every 60-80 thousand km.

Also read: Which is better to choose: Rapid or Polo

First generation

The beginning of the countdown for all generations of the modern Skoda Octavia is 1996. The new model of the Czech company turned out to be so successful that VAG factory conveyors produced it until 2010. This is the longest production period of one generation of Skoda Octavia by year.

The first generation of a mid-size C class or golf class car stood on the proprietary VAG PQ-34 platform (factory marking A4).

Let us recall the history of the appearance of various modifications, as well as the years of modernization of the first generation Skoda Octavia:

appearance of Octavia in a liftback body – 09/03/1996;
the Combi Octavia station wagon was launched in February 1998;
2000 was marked by the appearance of a 4x4 station wagon (equipped with a VAG Haldex clutch);
the next year, in 2001, the liftback received all-wheel drive;
first modernization of the model, facelift - 2000;
in the same year, a sports modification RS appeared in a liftback body;
The 2002 station wagon also received a hot RS version;
in the markets of a number of countries, including Russia, the model began to be sold under the name Octavia Tour. This was due to the appearance of the second generation Octavia in 2004;
restyled in 2009;
end of production of the first generation – 11/10/2010

Photo of Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi Ambiente 2004 (1st generation)

According to the tradition of manufacturers from Wolfsburg, this model, like many other VAG cars, could be equipped with various gasoline or diesel internal combustion engines: 1.4 - 2.0 liters. power 60 – 150 hp. With. Note that in 2002, the sports modification was equipped with the coolest turbo engine of 180 “horses” (volume 1.8 l). She received the marking WRS Octavia. They were paired with a five- or six-speed manual transmission, as well as an automatic transmission with four or five shifts.

Read also Review of Skoda Scout 2021: what will please the Czech station wagon

The VAG concern pays great attention to safety. This generation of Octavia was the first car in the Skoda family to have not only front but also side airbags.

This video will tell you about the first generation of Skoda Octavia cars:

Skoda Octavia second generation model

The next generation attracted the attention of not only fans of the “people’s brand”, but also fans of more premium competitors. Having appeared in auto centers in 2004, Octavia existed until 2013 with a restyling in 2008. The model changed platform and was created on the A5. The design was different from the first generation, the engines were updated almost completely. An all-wheel drive version of the station wagon called “Scout” appeared in the lineup. And also everyone’s unloved DSG appeared.

The most popular engine in the Octavia A5 was 1.8. He is reliable, illnesses are minimal. Every 100 thousand km you need to change the chain; the engine is content even with cheap oil. But if something breaks down, repairs will be expensive.

The second most popular was the 1.6-liter engine, capable of traveling up to 350 thousand km without breakdowns. Medium motor with low maintenance. It is not surprising that it is he who often appears in advertisements. Of the minuses: the timing belt will have to be changed along with the pump (this will increase the cost of repairs), and the ignition coil will often fail. Otherwise there are no complaints.

The 1.4 TSI is loved due to its low fuel consumption and peppy dynamics, but it is one of the worst options. The complex design is fraught with difficulties in repair.

The paintwork is not the most durable, the aerodynamics are not great. Many competitors in the class have greater visibility and better sound insulation. The wiring is located under the hood and because of this it often suffers from rain and driving through puddles. If you buy the second generation, find a good electrician: you will have to meet often.

The rear shock absorbers on the second Octavia last no longer than 60 thousand km. The front stabilizer struts last up to 100 thousand km, then require urgent replacement. The comfort level of the suspension is average, but other parts do not need replacement for a long time.

With all this, the second generation is the leader in the used market among all generations of Octavia. It is chosen for its high safety, high-quality assembly and finishing materials.

Third generation

The third generation turned out to be the most successful of all generations of Skoda Octavia. In terms of sales, it ranks first in the Czech company.

The car is still produced in station wagon and liftback bodies, but on a more modern platform of the German concern - MQB. The car, as usual, has increased in size and has become one step closer to the next more prestigious class.
The volume of the cabin has increased by 30 mm, which allows you to accommodate three people of solid build in the back row.
Changes have occurred again in the range of power units. Outdated versions have finished their work and new ones have replaced them. Among the latter, it should be noted the appearance of an economical 1.4 liter gasoline engine, as well as a two-liter turbocharged diesel engine 150 with “horses”.

Read also Review of Skoda Octavia 2005, a reliable and safe car

Restyling 2021 added new millimeters in the size of the car and improved the exterior. The DSG gearbox, which received complaints about its stability, has been improved and become more reliable.

Photo of Skoda Octavia A7 (3rd generation)

Skoda Octavia third generation model

The third generation is still on sale, and more recently, in 2017, a restyling was released. The platform has changed again, the model has changed almost completely. Now it is not boring and is superior in design to its competitors.

The base trims offer everything you need, while the top trims outshine more premium rivals. But the cost is also catching up with business class competitors - more than 700 thousand rubles for the pre-restyling version and more than 1.1 million after the restyling.

Choosing motors has become even easier:

naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 110 horsepower;
diesel 2.0 143 liters. With. (after restyling it began to produce 150 “horses”);
turbocharged 1.4 liter 150 horsepower;
1.8 turbo with 180 horsepower.

The engines are equipped with 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, 6-speed automatic transmission and 6- or 7-speed DSG. There are no questions about the operation of mechanics and a conventional automatic machine. There are only problems with the DSG. If when buying a new car you just need to get used to the driving style in a robot, then when choosing a used one you will have to reap the benefits of driving the former owner.

In the third generation, sound insulation has improved, finishing materials have become even better. It's comfortable in the car. Ergonomics borrowed from VW, Simply Clever technologies make life easier for both driver and passengers.

The car came with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, and this is an excellent proof of quality. In addition, the Octavia steers well, handles well and holds the road like a Volkswagen.

All Octavia engines like to have oil poured into them between maintenance - a typical Vag trait. Often, while still under warranty, dealers replace the turbine due to failure. But as soon as the warranty period expires, you will have to shell out at least 100 thousand rubles. Pay attention to this when you choose.

Also read: Eternal war: Honda Accord VII and Mitsubishi Lancer X

What to be afraid of in the secondary market

If you are thinking about which Octavia to choose, keep in mind that the main disadvantage of the latest generations is the taxi companies that exploited them to the fullest.

To avoid buying this option, check the car's history in advance. Here's an example:

A 15-year-old car with a mileage of 100 thousand km does not need, as the seller writes, any repairs. We check the car through:

The report shows that the car was not only used in a taxi, but is also leased, has a duplicate title and unpaid fines. The mileage does not correspond to that indicated in the advertisement - it is twisted by 64 thousand km:

The car was also involved in an accident twice, first in May, then in June of 1918.

Repair work, as calculated by insurance companies, was completed for almost 64 thousand rubles:

It is not clear what is more a pity: the car itself or the buyer who takes an open bucket.

Also read: Which is better: Vesta or Polo

Which Skoda Octavia is better to buy?

The Skoda Octavia A5 (second generation) with a 1.6 engine, manual transmission or conventional automatic transmission is considered the best in terms of price and quality ratio. They ask for an average of 685 thousand rubles, and this is a good price considering the cost of a new car - from 1 million rubles.

The second generation of Octavia has more powerful engines and complex gearboxes and has not yet attracted the interest of taxi drivers.

Author: Ekaterina Lipatova

Have you ever owned a Skoda Octavia? What problems did you have to face? Tell us about it in the comments below the article.