Å koda Octavia range comes to Australia

As already reported Å koda are staging a return to Australia in the dying months of 2007 and they are starting the ball rolling by offering two models, the Roomster and the Octavia. The Octavia is Å koda's top-selling and most popular vehicle and is best described as a European package at an accessible price point.

Hi res picture gallery and specifications follow...

"Tuned to deliver outstanding dynamic performance and excellent fuel economy, the Octavia is available in a choice of two body styles, three specification levels and with no less than five different engines," said the Head of Å koda Australia Matthew Wiesner.

Basically, there should be an Octavia to fit most peoples requirements given the huge amount of specification choice, including two TDI diesel engines, a range of three petrol engines - all with high-pressure direct injection technology - plus sedan and wagon body styles, the option of AWD and a comprehensive lineup of five- and six-speed transmissions, including DSG.

Octavia Ambiente

The Octavia range begins with the Ambiente model, which is tuned for a combination of economy and performance with a 77kW / 250Nm 1.9-litre TDI turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine featuring high-pressure direct injection and EU4 emissions compliance.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on Octavia Ambiente models, with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) optional. ESP is standard across the Octavia model range while wagon versions (available in each model) are available with an optional AWD system. Sports-tuned suspension is available as an option on Octavia Ambiente models.

Octavia Ambiente standard features include:

• Electronic Stability Program

• Remote central locking

• Climatic - automatic air conditioning

• 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/65 tyres

• Power windows

• MP3-compatible CD/tuner

• 'Rolling code' electronic engine immobiliser

• Multi-function leather-bound steering wheel

• Trip computer.

Octavia Elegance

The Octavia Elegance is available with a choice of three engines including a new 1.8-litre TFSI (turbocharged and direct-injected) four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 118kW and 250Nm across a wide rev range (1500-2400rpm), and is EU4 emissions compliant. Recommended fuel is 95RON unleaded petrol and this engine is offered with a six-speed manual transmission.

The second petrol engine in the range is the 2.0 FSI in-line four-cylinder. It also features the benefits of high-pressure direct-injection technology, but is naturally aspirated. It delivers 110kW between 5000rpm and 6200rpm and peak torque of 200Nm at 3500rpm. It is also EU4 emissions compliant on 95RON unleaded petrol. The standard transmission for the 2.0 FSI is a six-speed automatic.

The diesel engine option in the Octavia Elegance lineup is the 2.0 TDI which features direct injection, turbocharging and electronic injection control. The 2.0 TDI manages to produce 103kW at 4000rpm and a healthy 320Nm all the way from 1750rpm to 2500rpm. Also EU4 emissions compliant this engine is available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).

The Octavia Elegance wagon is available with all three engine and transmission combinations above, as well as with all-wheel drive. AWD Elegance wagon variants receive a six-speed manual transmission. Sports-tuned suspension is also available as an option on Octavia Elegance models.

In addition to the standard features found in the Ambiente range the Elegance features:

• 16-inch alloy wheels

• Six-CD/tuner with MP3 compatibility

• Low-light sensing headlight activation

• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers

• Auto-dimming rear-vision mirror

• Climatronic air conditioning.

Octavia RS

This is where our interest lies…in what amounts to a cut price Golf GTi, the performance flagship of the Octavia range is the Octavia RS. Featuring the Golf GTi’s 2.0 TFSI in-line four-cylinder petrol engine with computer-controlled high-pressure direct injection, turbocharging and intercooling - output is an impressive 147kW at 5,100 rpm and 280Nm available from1800rpm through to 5000rpm.

The Octavia RS is available with a six-speed manual transmission and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with low-profile 225/40 tyres. Sports-tuned suspension is standard.

Inside, the RS retains the Elegance's high equipment levels and interior refinements with the addition of upgraded (heated) front seats with sports trim, an alarm system and sports instrument panel.

With safety in mind each and every Octavia features Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard fitment. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) and engine braking control (EBC) are also standard inclusions.

Advanced structural engineering and controlled deformation of the Octavia’s body structure limits crash loads on occupants which combined with front, side and head airbags along with seatbelt pre-tensioners sees the Octavia being well equipped in the safety stakes.

As with the Roomster the Octavia range features a full size spare tyre as standard.

PRICING

Sedan range

Ambiente

1.9 TDI 5M $ 29,990

1.9 TDI 6A DSG $ 32,290

Elegance

1.8 TFSI 6M $ 30,990

2.0 FSI 6A $ 33,290

Elegance

2.0 TDI 6M $ 33,490

2.0 TDI 6A DSG $ 35,790

RS

2.0 TFSI 6M $ 37,490

Wagon range

Ambiente

1.9 TDI 5M $ 31,990

1.9 TDI 6A DSG $ 34,290

1.9 TDI 5M 4X4 $ 35,490

Elegance

1.8 TFSI 6M $ 32,990

2.0 FSI 6A $ 35,290

Elegance

2.0 TDI 6M $ 35,490

2.0 TDI 6A DSG $ 37,790

2.0 TDI 6M 4X4 $ 38,990

RS

2.0 TFSI 6M $ 39,490

Steane

[Source: Skoda]

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