When advertising for more units sold, the range of attractive entry-level models is growing. In this case, Škoda is upgrading its bestseller Octavia, the third generation of which has been on the European market since 2013, with the 1.0 liter TSI unit known in the Volkswagen Group and setting a clear exclamation mark. From the point of view of the carmaker from the Czech Republic, they want to correspond to a trend that has been emerging for some time. "The customer is more likely to opt for a well-equipped model in the next lower segment than for the basic model of a higher model," said those responsible from the vicinity of Prague. The technical configuration of the Octavia, which can be ordered now, is available for € 19.090 for the sedan and € 19.750 for the station wagon.
The new Škoda Octavia 1.0 TSI in the driving report
Big car, big engine, yesterday's snow
As at the beginning of its 2013 cycle, the car has a strong presence on the road, because nothing has been changed in the design for the 2017 model year. Narrow headlights end in a fine bead that extends across the entire vehicle. Both body variants - sedan and station wagon - were ready for testing at the beginning of this week at the gates of Prague. When getting in, we encounter solid workmanship and high quality materials. The dashboard is always tidy and offers all the important information for the driver. The infotainment system, which is already part of the second generation, can also be operated intuitively by inexperienced Škoda drivers. The Škoda Media Command apps can be controlled using a tablet or smartphone via the integrated WLAN connection. According to internal market research, the various services serve to sustain customer loyalty. The third generation of the Octavia retains the spacious feeling of space. Passengers in the front seats as well as in the rear enjoy seating comfort with plenty of legroom. Even traveling with enough luggage would be guaranteed in the limousine. This underlines the trunk volume of the four-door with 590 liters with full seats.
The 1.2 liter 110 PS falls away
The previous entry-level engine with the 1.2 liter TSI and the 81 kW (110 PS) output level will be replaced with immediate effect. The second performance level of the 1.2 TSI with 63 kW (86 PS) is still available to the customer as the absolute basic model. Once the plant near Prague has been fully utilized, this unit will also be “shut down”. Then a share of 50.000 percent is to be achieved for the new motorization of the Octavias, which is sold 15 units per year. Accordingly, the Octavia presents itself with four petrol and two diesel engines. In addition to the already available gasoline units 1.2 TSI (63 kW / 86 PS), 1.4 TSI (81 kW / 110 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS) and 1.8 TSI (132 kW / 180 PS), there is the entry-level highlight, the 1.0 TSI (85 kW / 115 PS). The new turbo-charged three-cylinder can be combined with both a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Both drives are Škoda in-house productions from the Czech Republic. The diesel variants were spared any changes. The 1.6 TDI (66 kW / 90 PS and 81 kW / 110 PS) and 2.0 TDI (110 kW / 150 PS) can be equipped with a five-speed and six-speed manual transmission as well as a six-speed and seven-speed Double clutch transmissions can be equipped.
On our test drives between Prague and the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav, we drove exclusively the new 1 liter three-cylinder, which surprised us once in a while by its very good suit with gnarled sound. He leads thanks to its direct responsive steering agile through the urban traffic. He masters both the bad road conditions and fast load changes and gives a confident feeling. The presented low consumption values of 4,5 liters (correspond to 105 grams of CO2 output) are unfortunately not to be tested on the day of the event.
1 liter engine in all equipment variants
The new 1.0 TSI engine can be found in the three equipment lines "Active", "Ambition" and "Style". The smallest engine displacement is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. If you want to cruise relaxed with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, you have to accept an extra charge of € 1.800. The price difference between the 4-door and the station wagon is around € 660.
Conclusion: beginners with a higher level!
With the 1.0 liter three-cylinder, Škoda offers an impressively good entry into the highly competitive C-segment. The Octavia not only scores with efficiency and driving pleasure. The price / performance ratio of the Czech will make it easy for its customers to make a positive purchase decision.
If you want to save on the engine but not on the equipment, the Škoda 1.0 liter three-cylinder TSI is well advised.
Text and image: Stefan Beckmann