A class for me.

The new Škoda Octavia in the first driving report

The big show is left at the Czech automobile manufacturer prefer the other, you just want to be understood as “clever”. Simply clever. The Volkswagen subsidiary's slogan succinctly describes the virtues of the current model range.

Almost too big for the compact car class

Based on the MQB of the Volkswagen Group, you can see the Czech twin brother of the VW Golf in the new Octavia - only in this case the twin is immediately larger, comes with a practical hatchback and looks out of the compact car class from every angle.

Will he be able to continue the success of his predecessors?

With 3.7 millions of models sold, the Octavia is the heart of the brand. In 2012 incredible 44 percent accounted for the compact car model with middle-class interior. With these numbers, but also the pressure on the successor grows, but one expects another success story here.

Pragmatic philistine or provocative rebel?

The design of the Octavia is clearly the factual lines Committed. You won't find pointless flourishes or intrusive fashion gimmicks on it. The silhouette of the Octavia was drawn with a sharp pen and cool chic - you can almost see a little Audi A6 in its face and the important compact in the range of the Czech automobile manufacturer also looks classy and elegant from behind. There are many cars that are beautiful, but not very practical in everyday life. On the other hand, there are automobiles that are really practical, but neither elegant nor desirable. Which way will the third Octavia generation go?

my first impression

Yes, there is a reason why Škoda is the number 1 import brand in Germany - that was my first thought when I saw the third generation Octavia in photos for the first time. Live you first notice how big the Octavia is. Its wheelbase is almost outrageously long and, thanks to the MQB platform, the front overhang (-4 cm!) Has become shorter and the space for the occupants has increased again. The Octavia limousine may seem conservative at first glance, but the truth is, the five-door Octavia is the limousine you want to drive when you actually need a station wagon, but are not into station wagons at all. The large tailgate and the huge amount of space for the second row make the previously compact Octavia a solid mid-range sedan - at a price below the compact car class from Volkswagen.

The processing in the interior may miss the finishing touch of the North German Premium twin, a real reason to complain, however, I do not. Everything looks unified, solid, valuable and with many clever details. “Man, man, man. The Golf will still have to dress warmly. "

What the manufacturer said:

A car for your head and heart at the same time!

What I noticed particularly positive is: 

The optional 8-inch navigation and multimedia system is powerful in combination with the Canton speakers (also optional). Especially fun is the intuitive and fluid operation of the entire system.

Particularly clever and ingeniously implemented: the adaptation of the assistance systems. The optional “Lane Keeping Assist” adds an extra dose of security to the new Octavia. I have never seen this smooth control and active support in staying in the correct lane implemented so optimally in any other vehicle. The first time that I did not feel patronized by an assistance system.

In his regular work just as elegant and accommodating, the new adaptive cruise control and distance warning. Big cinema.

The suspension in the 180 hp turbo gasoline engine variant I drove and the 150 hp diesel engine is balanced and rather comfortably tuned, which makes the power steering that is all the more surprising to me. The interaction between the driver and the automotive interfaces, steering wheel and accelerator, can also be adjusted using a “driving profile switch”.

What can he do better than his competitors?

No other manufacturer offers more freedom in the compact car segment, combined with such an attractive price / value ratio. In addition, the Octavia does not annoy its drivers through paternalism, even if it has all the necessary safety and assistance systems on board. It really runs like a red thread through the entire vehicle, the Czechs are serious about “simply clever”.

What are the competitors better at?

Elsewhere there is more premium and more “bling-bling” - but, hand on your heart: does this really make the car, the driving experience or everyday life better? Probably no.

What I was missing are adaptive shock absorbers already at the market launch to make the possibility of “driving profile selection” a little more conclusive. And otherwise?

The Czechs make it difficult to criticize the Octavia - I have seen other manufacturers make it easier for me!

Facts:

• The new Octavia is available from € 15.990. There are only current turbo direct injection engines in the Octavia. The power of the gasoline engines ranges from 86 hp to 180 hp. For diesel engines, the range from 105 HP to 150 HP is covered. Škoda offers both manual transmission versions and modern direct shift transmissions. Criticism here: The “small” 1.2 TSI with 86 PS and the small 105 PS TDI only got a 5-speed gearbox.
• Again, three equipment lines are offered: Active, Ambition and Elegance.
• Minimum consumption in the Octavia 1.6 TDI GreenLine is 3.4 liters of diesel on 100 kilometers.
• Clever detail solutions. (More about that later!)

Conclusion - Škoda Octavia - the new one!

"Sea" You don't get a good car anywhere for your money - not right now and not that I know anything about it. The Octavia looks grown up and staid at first glance - but it stays grown up after the first trip, but in the end there is no longer any question of staid bourgeoisie. Clever ideas, lots of space and fair prices make the Octavia much more than one "Respect Success".

PS: “sea” and “respectful success”? Just follow the links behind and you will understand the respective play on words.