2006 Skoda Octavia L & K 1.9 TDi

Summary:

Fantastic Car - Best I've Owned

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This is a new company car. My dilemma was the 2.0 diesel L&K estate with no extras or the same with the 1.9 diesel and lots of extras. I went for the latter choice in the end and I am very glad I did.

The 1.9 diesel estate is plenty powerful enough. It feels much more lively and responsive than my previous 406 2.0 HDI (110BHP). The test results of two popular motoring journal reflects this (0-60mph in 10.1 seconds against the manufacturers 11.8).

I have had Vauxhall, Ford and SEAT cars. I have also used Mercedes, BMWs, Jaguars and a small selection of more exotic machinery. The build quality on the Skoda is superb and I find this Octavia an absolute joy to own and drive. The handling and comfort are superb and gives you a satisfied feeling after a good run around some fast A roads.

In 3 years time I will select another Skoda. Of all the vehicles I have taken several of the same friends and colleagues out in, this car has received the most praise.

I was most surprised how many appreciative glances from onlookers the car has received varying from youths upwards in age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2006

6th Nov 2006, 06:58

It is quite likely I will buy a nearly new Octavia when I come to sell my current car (Seat Toledo 1.9TDi SE) I would get another Seat if not for the fact that the new Toledo is the ugliest car I have ever seen!

The only unfortunate thing I can see with the newer VW engines is that you have to make a compromising choice betwen the 1.9 or the 2.0. I regularly drive both (fleet cars at work)

The 1.9 although really lively low down and pulls away strongly, I find that the power goes flat very quickly (around 3000rpm) so struggles a little with overtaking.

The 2.0 is a big improvement on this and pulls very strongly up to the redline, however I find there is a fairly large difference in fuel economy, I do a lot of miles, mostly sat at 60-70mph and at that speed You can get up to 65mpg in the 1.9 with careful driving however I find around 55mpg in the 2.0. Makes a big difference over 25,000 miles.

The older 1.9 (with the VNT turbocharger) is a much better choice, it would have been nicer if they could have refined this model and continued it. It is not as smooth and quiet as the newer PD engines, however it has the fuel economy of the new 1.9 combined with the strong mid range power of the 2.0 (not quite as good as the 2.0, but not far behind)

12th Mar 2007, 16:07

Bought an L&K 2.0 Diesel TDi Octavia estate in May 2006. Delighted with it - the DSG gearbox is magic and I'm getting 41-42 mpg -which isn't bad for the size of the car and my driving style. Only fault so far is that the indicators occasionally don't self-cancel - but this is a known fault - see the Briskoda website.

1st May 2007, 07:33

Update: I have now covered over 10k miles in this car and it has been faultless. The performance is even better now and smoother. A very solid superbly assembled car. I will be ordering another when a replacement is due in 2009. Still ever so pleased I plumped for the 1.9. The factory fitted Sat Nav has also been a massive boon (the stereo quality is also far better than the standard unit as it is a Blaupunkt system), as have the Xenon headlights.

2006 Skoda Octavia Elegance 2.0 TDI PD

Summary:

Build quality could be better

Faults:

Faulty brake light switch flattened the battery twice before the fault was found and corrected.

Door seals caused squeaking and rasping noises. First fix was to lubricate seals with silicon spray, this only worked for 3 weeks then the noises returned. Seals now replaced.

Engine hesitation at low revs, 1,400 to 2,000 when the engine is not under load. Still awaiting the induction part which is supposed to fix the fault.

General Comments:

This car is now 2.5 months old and has been in the garage more times than my Civic in the 7 years I owned it.

The car is generally good. Ride and comfort were the reason I bought the car - having test-drove a total of 7 comparable cars, this one stood out. Also good value for money as the standard spec is very good.

Engine is rather noisy from the outside, but OK inside.

The DSG gearbox is a perfect compromise offering quick and undetectable changes in Auto mode, but offering a Sport Mode and Manual/Tiptronic changes when you want to exploit the power of the engine. The only downside is the inability to build the revs for a fast getaway or to pull into moving traffic.

The speedo and trip computer are rather optimistic. 70 mph on SatNav reads as 75 on the speedo, and the trip mpg tells me 45mpg whilst Fill to Fill shows only 37mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th September, 2006

14th Sep 2006, 06:25

You mention Sat Nav within your report. Do you have the factory Sat Nav or is it an aftermarket one?

29th Sep 2006, 08:37

I have recently bought a 2000 Octavia 1.9TDI SLX with 98000 miles on the clock. The car is almost perfect which shows it can stand a bit of wear and tear. It is extremely economical, comfortable and easy to drive (except for poor leg-room in the back - a well known minus of this marque.) And the badge? Well all I can say is that I remember Jeremy Clarkson driving the first one he came across; "I just can't believe I'm driving a Skoda!" (repeat many times!). I was well aware of the quality of the Octavia before I bought this one. There are hundreds of them around. And as for the sneers/jibes/jokes etc., well I'm no motoring snob, but I thought Lada had captured that particular market.

2006 Skoda Octavia 2 Elegance Estate 1.9 TDi

Summary:

Far better than the Mondeo or Vectra

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A very economical and efficient method of transport.

The 1.9 diesel engine won't set the world on fire, but it pulls well and is a good cold starter.

Absolutely cavernous boot capable of taking a full 88 note piano lengthways.

Comfortable cabin with good quality seats and fittings.

Heating and ventilation system is very efficient.

Very sure-footed on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2006