2001 Skoda Octavia RS 1.8 petrol turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A practical performance bargain

Faults:

So far nothing, but only had it for under 2 months. Some wear on driver seat, but it was an ex-demonstrator.

General Comments:

After my last car, I wanted something which was quick, comfortable and had plenty of extras on it, so after looking at several cars I eventually found a black Octavia RS which had everything I was after.

Performance is excellent and sprints to 60 in under 8 seconds using the same 180bhp lump found in the Audi TT. I've had some fun in this car at traffic lights and on the motorway.

The spec is excellent with 17" alloys, climate, leather, ABS , traction control, power steering, trip computer and electric windows/mirrors all standard. The boots also huge. Scorpion alarm was an optional extra, but I got it fitted as part of the deal :-)

Here's another good thing to note about this car - it's fuel consumption. I have managed to hit 46 MPG on a 400 mile round trip to Birmingham. That's excellent for a performance car. Although if you have a heavy right foot it will start to drink the juice, but it's worth it for the fun factor you get.

Overall handling of the car could be a bit better as the steering is not that responsive, but there's little to no body roll.

The final positive feature of this car is it's price. There's not many cars that give you so much for such little outlay. The only big price you pay with this car is the insurance as it's a group 16 - ouch!.

If your after a reliable, well built and seriously quick car then look no further. So it's a Skoda. Do you think I care?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2002

4th Feb 2004, 18:45

Excellent review - this will be my next car I hope - but please give us an update - whats it like after 2 years or so.

8th Feb 2004, 12:52

With regard to the previous comment. I bought a brand new Octavia vRS in August 2002. I have now covered 33000 miles of trouble free motoring and can quite happily say that this is the best car I have ever owned. The only problem I have had was a slight rattle from inside of the drivers door, this was fixed under warranty during a service. At the last service the dealer also replaced all four ignition coils as a precaution, as there is a occasional fault with some coils that were fitted to the 1.8 turbo engine.

I can only echo the comments of the review. The Octavia vRS is quick, excellent to drive, practical, good to look at and very economical for a performance car. As for insurance, shop around, my premium was about £650 from Skoda insurance. The cheapest any other insurance company could quote was about £850 up-to about £1500.

Buy one, you won't be disappointed!

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2001 Skoda Octavia Ambeinte 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Overhyped and not up to the billed job

Faults:

Oil consumption is sky high. 2L per 1000 miles. Deal says nothing to worry about.

Bad squeak behind dashboard.

General Comments:

This car has been a big disappointment.

Its cheapish, but you can tell after a while. There is no feeling of "quality" or "style" or "I like myself in this car".

Rear room is terrible and is not practical. Oil consumption is alarmingly high.

This is not a cheap VW it is a VW built down to a price. You don't get VW quality.

A nasty car which is overhyped and I am selling as soon as I can.

The dealer was awful, truly awful. I was made to feel like a criminal. Never again! A guess of hype over content.

This car is not a family car. It's a car for a couple who want a bigger car than a polo. If you have children then forget it. Buy something slightly bigger like a Passat, Primera or anything else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th May, 2002

2nd Jul 2002, 15:29

I have been a VW devotee for many years, but not anymore. I've recently traded my 98' Polo 1.6 GL for a 98' Octavia 1.8 SLXi and I'm pleased I did. For a car of the same age and mileage the Octavia is clearly has the better build quality and features (No oil problems here). My wife has a 2001 Fabia 1.4 16V Elegance estate which accelerates, brakes, corners and has better MPG, cheaper insurance and servicing than the Polo VW were selling until April this year. Even a friend who owns an Audi S3 (which like the other correspondent's has had a lot of niggly problems) and a Porsche Boxter was impressed.

When I drive either of my Skoda's I feel happy in the knowledge that VW haven't ripped me off again.

As for dealers the two that are local to me were chalk and cheese. One wasn't interested at all to the point of rudeness the other price matches services (including free collection / delivery), beats internet new car prices, and is very customer oriented - they are out there you just have to look around.

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