Aug 31, 2008 11:46 PM
43845 Views
(Updated Aug 31, 2008 11:54 PM)
I bought a new Skoda Ocatvia, 2008 Elegance variant one and half month back.This is my review after driving it for apprx. 2500kms.I changed from my one year three month old Swift LDi. The swift, though a wonderful diesel car, was of late too familiar on roads for any exclusivity.
Now everybody has a swift diesel. More over swift LDi lacks some essentials, like ABS and airbags.Once I decided to upgrade I wanted to buy a D segment one. Since I only wanted a diesel car, options were limited: Skoda Octavia, Laura, Chevy Optra.Optra did not have that solid feel or status to attract my mind.Laura was a tempting package as it was in my budget.
But I wanted to buy some thing like Volkswagen Jetta or Honda Accord if I want such a big car.But since I am in early stage of my career I didn’t want to attract ‘bad looks’. So I thought Octavia is perfect for the moment.
Octavia is solidly built. It feels built to last for ever. The car is very attractive, though a bit conservative in looks.The materials used in the car are of very good quality. No flimsy feel here.The car has leather seats, a trip computer showing out side temp, distance to empty, average speed, mileage, tripmeter etc.The front seats are height adjustable as well.
Adjustable steering wheel allows everybody to find a comfortable position.Regarding handling, the car has good highway and city manners.The engine, though not a CRDI, packs lot of punch and oomph.Its smooth, responsive and cabin noise is minimal.But when u rev it hard u do feel vibrations & lot of sounds, but that’s within acceptable limits.
The car gives fantastic mileage of 22kmpl + on highways if you can keep the speed between 60-80kmph, with AC!!!. In the city the mileage is 15-16kmpl.The car feels very light and is very easy to drive in the city. Lowend response is excellent.On the highway it has good power for cruising at 100+ and good handling as well. Not much body rolling.Steering feed back makes driving a pleasure. Gear shift is silky smooth, though a bit rubbery.Ride is smooth.
The car sails over potholes. Ground clearance is little less- only complaint in this otherwise flawless car.AC is very effective. Climate control works very well.Partial leather seats are very supportive. Lumbar support and adjustable head rests are very useful. Make long distance drive stress free.Rear seat leg room is acceptable. Boot is huge.Other good features are dimming lights, rear defogger, alpine MP3 player with 4speakers, arm rest, Godyear tube less tyres with alloys.
Dealership experience is fair. No complaints. Service once in a year/10000kms.All in all a good entry luxury car with some exclusivity. Skoda says it will keep it in production for some more time and will not alter its appearance till 2012. So if you want a good, reliable, comfortable, economic car with a good image-go to Octavia. It’s a stepping stone for those who want to buy BMW/Merc. Happy driving.
