Skoda Octavia

BRISTLES WITH A BREADTH OF TALENT, IF NOT QUITE TRUE GREATNESS

- RICHARD FERLAZZO

SPECS

COTY TEST REPORT

0-100km/h 8.8 seconds

WEIGHT 65kg heavier than claimed weight

NOISE 70.3db at 100km/h

Price/as tested $36,190/$44,760

Engine 1395cc 4cyl turbo petrol

Power 110kW @ 6000rpm

Torque 250Nm @ 1500-4000rpm

Transmission 8-speed automatic, FWD

Weight 1355kg

Fuel 5.9L/100km, 95RON

Length/width/height 4689/1829/1470mm

Wheelbase 2686mm

Safety 5 stars (ANCAP)

WHEN OUR SKODA wagon turned up in a nondescript silver exterior colour with accessory roof racks fitted, I couldn’t help but feel that we had borrowed a VW employee’s company car for the week. I do hope they weren’t planning a trip to IKEA that weekend. But once you look more closely at the design, you really start to appreciate the technology and the quality of the execution.