As the proud owner of an original 4×4 Octy Suzanne Keane couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of the new Octavia 4×4.
What is it? The Octavia 4×4 is Skoda’s family saloon with the addition of 4 wheel drive – ideal for snow, ice and those who lead an active lifestyle.
Who is it aimed at? While most people think don’t think hatchback when they hear 4 wheel drive experience has shown that the weight distribution in a 4×4 car will get you moving much quicker in winter weather conditions than a higher vehicle!!
Styling? From the outside the 4×4 Octavia looks just like a standard model apart from a subtle rear badging.
Under the Bonnet? My 2001 4×4 model may have been powered by a petrol guzzling (33mpg on a good day) 1.8 turbo petrol engine – taken from the VRS model and detuned to 150bhp with a manifold and downpipe from an Audi TT added in for good measure – but this new 4×4 Octavia is a 2.0L diesel with impressive fuel consumption and the same 150bhp output.
What about inside? One of the first things I did when I acquired my own 4×4 was to turf out the “biscuit coloured” interior and replace it with an impractical but pretty VRS (half leather, half silver mesh) one so I was disappointed to see that the new 4×4 Octavia still comes with the dull beige fabric seat option!! However, there are other seats available and the rest of the cabin is smooth and intuitive while the gearknob displays another subtle 4×4 badge.
On the Road? On the road is where this Octavia really shines – the 2L engine has plenty of power and it really is glued to the road – even on bends it’s extremely steady and feels like a much sportier car while on motorways it’s very comfortable. Using the Haldex system, like its predecessors, the 4 wheel drive only kicks in when it’s really needed to save on fuel consumption. On paper it has a top speed of 215kmph and will get you from 0-100kmph in 8.6 seconds.
And Safety? 7 airbags come as standard in this model along with Electronic Stability Control. The Skoda Octavia has a 5 star Euro Ncap rating.
Options? There are 3 trim levels available – Ambition, Elegance and the range topping L&K. There are also 3 different diesel engines starting with a 1.6TDi with 105bhp, the 2.0TDi tested with 150bhp and a 184bhp DSG version across all trim levels.
Will it break the bank? The Skoda Octavia 4×4 starts from €27,995 and the model tested will set you back €31,445 with fuel consumption at just 4.7l/100km (60mpg).
Verdict? The denim blue paintwork and beige interior may make you feel like you’re sitting into a dull car but don’t be fooled by looks – this really is a versatile sleeper that feels comfortable on long journeys, has the right suspension set-up and power delivery for some fun and won’t leave you stranded in a muddy field.
Why you’ll buy one? Handling, Economy, 4 wheel drive
Why you won’t? That beige interior
Rivals
Mazda CX-5 – priced from €27,995
Seat Leon X-perience – priced from €32,495
2015 Skoda Octavia 4×4 Elegance
Engine: 1968cc with 150bhp
Max speed: 215km/h
0-100 kph: 8.6 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 122g/km (€270)
Model price range: €27,995 – €35,225 (Test Car – €31,445)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP : 5 stars
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.7l/100km (70 mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up : 585 litres
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4569mm
Width: 1769mm
Height: 1462mm
Wheelbase: 2578 mm
For more information check out Skoda.ie, the Skoda Facebook page or follow them on twitter here.
Suzanne Keane
25th Novemeber, 2015
