The world debut of Skoda Auto’s Skoda Octavia model will take place at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. It is a completely new car following from its predecessor of the same name, which will remain in production. The previous generation Skoda Octavia took its name from the rich history of Skoda. The first Skoda Octavia was presented to the public in 1959. It was a new version of the Skoda 440, also called Spartak, which was manufactured until that time. The Skoda Octavia, a two-door, four-seat notchback, was extremely popular not only on the domestic market but also abroad; in addition to the European markets, the car was successfully exported to South America and New Zealand. The estate version and one of the most attractive cabriolets produced by Skoda, the Skoda Felicia, were derived from the Octavia. Skoda Octavia was manufactured until 1964 when it was completely replaced by the new Skoda 1000 MB. The estate version however, remained in production until 1971. A total of 365,000 Octavia cars were produced from 1959 to 1971.
The Skoda Octavia launched in 1996 was a significant milestone in the modern history of Skoda. It represented a new image and expression of the make and, at the same time, clearly identified its future orientation and goals. In addition to the liftback body, the estate version started production in 1998. The entire Octavia range underwent a facelift in 2000. The Skoda Octavia has become known to the public as a reliable, solid and valuable car. With its outstanding qualities it gains more and more popularity among customers and the appreciation of the experts. This was naturally reflected in the successful sales that have exceeded all expectations – the number of Octavia models manufactured will exceed one million in the near future. The Skoda Octavia has contributed to a revolutionary change in the public’s awareness of Skoda and has thus significantly improved the make’s image.
The new Octavia is a completely new car in which the latest technologies are used. An example is the use of petrol engines with direct fuel injection that make the car more dynamic and at the same time make it more economical. An important improvement is the DSG transmission with both automatic and manual gear changing without reducing the car’s dynamism, which helps to maintain advantageous fuel consumption. Last but not least is the new chassis with a multi-element rear axle, which gives the car excellent driving characteristics and superior comfort.
As with the preceding model the new Skoda Octavia stands at the edge of the lower medium (A segment) and medium class segment (B segment). It continues the key strategy of Skoda to deliver an “extra bit of car” at a value similar to its competitors. The Skoda Octavia achieves this goal by, among other things, its ample luggage compartment. The new Skoda Octavia has a more spacious luggage compartment and in addition to its advanced design, more interior space in the rear compartment. The new Octavia’s progressive technologies and plentiful sophisticated elements make normal use of the car more pleasant. The new car comes equipped with items that have so far been used in the upper medium-class car segment including two-zone air-conditioning, air distribution to the rear seats through adjustable outlets at the back of the Jumbo Box, active headrests integrated in the front seats and the TPM tyre pressure monitoring system. As standard, all Skoda Octavia cars have four airbags (on EU markets), the ABS system and the braking assistant.
The new generation Skoda Octavia will be introduced on individual markets from June 2004.
Body
The design of the new car with its timeless elegance shows that it is a member of the Skoda family and the Octavia range but more dynamism and informal charm have been added. The car has a highly reliable and attractive appearance. Although the new Skoda Octavia’s technical parameters are derived from the lower medium-class segment, its dimensions, dynamic and simultaneously smooth shapes and its overall expression definitely produce the impression of a car from the medium class segment.
Exterior design
The dominating feature of the car’s front section is the typical radiator grille with a chrome frame, vertical fins and the Skoda logo. The grille blends perfectly with the car’s design and looks like an integral part of it.
A traditional element of Skoda cars includes horizontal lines on the bonnet running from the logo and the radiator grille. The bonnet itself, which is “V” shaped, creates the image of a large car and its winged design symbolises its speed and dynamism. In addition, the bonnet makes the wings look wider which produces a feeling of strength and reliability.
The clear-optic headlights extend as far as the body sides making it optically wider. This effect is emphasised at night because of the location of the sidelights in the indicators module. The fog lamps are perfectly located in the bottom part of the bumper. Their shape, location and size clearly emphasise the expression of the car’s front.
The solid body has been lightened by a side rim that comes from the headlight to the rear lights. The extended doorsills produce the impression that the car has been built on a reliable base. The side indicators have been integrated into the door mirrors, which contributes to the smooth design of the wings.
An original design element, which distinctly distinguishes the new generation Skoda Octavia from other current cars is the newly conceived B column. It particularly enhances a typical Skoda design element – the coloured B column that tapers upwards. Its taper is even more distinct in the new car and is further stressed by the rounded window corners. The design of the B column thus emphasises the impression of the solid, monolithic design of the body.
The rear window blends smoothly into the edge of the boot lid that sharply terminates the rear of the car. This edge positively influences the aerodynamic characteristics of the car in addition to emphasising its dynamic design. As with the front bumper, the rear bumper has been clearly integrated into the overall design of the car and has an opening for the tailpipe.
The shape of the rear lights and the way they are illuminated are a typical element of the new car. When the lights are on, the overall red area, which is “C” shaped, frames the white central part incorporating the direction indicator and the reversing light. This produces an eye-catching impression. The brake and fog lamps have been integrated into the rear light area. Because their shape extends to the sides of the car the rear lights have a remarkable space effect. The integrated rear lights are high and perfectly visible.
Interior design
The interior of the new Skoda Octavia excels with more than ample space in both the front and rear. The new, advanced design combined with top-quality materials produce a relaxed and cosy environment for the driver and passengers.
The instrument panel has an elegant design and is well arranged. Its surface is soft and touch-friendly (just as customers are accustomed to the “slush” instrument panel) because it uses material produced by PU technology (sprayed leather). This lining extends down to the central tunnel. Decorative trims on the instrument panel and doors refresh the interior environment. Individual equipment specifications have different trims. All control elements can be easily reached by the driver and are well arranged.
Like the winged engine bonnet that protrudes above the body surface, one of the main elements of the interior is the central console. The control elements of the audio, navigation, ventilation and air conditioning systems and other buttons have been ergonomically arranged on the central console. This console blends smoothly into a tunnel that passes between the front seats and extends to the rear seats where it ends in a storage box (or an optional ashtray); the Elegance has a Jumbo-Box – a large air-conditioned storage box with adjustable outlets for air distribution to the rear seats. The box lid can simultaneously be used as an adjustable armrest.
The new and very attractive four-spoke steering wheel has been carefully designed to comply with ergonomic requirements, both the knob of the gear lever as well as the steering wheel are extremely pleasant to hold and emphasise the interior concept. The well arranged instrument panel is dominated by two large circular indicators (speedometer and rev counter) with raised numbers. During night driving the instruments and control elements have the typical green illumination that does not disturb or divert the driver’s attention even during a long drive.
The ceiling has a longitudinal protrusion that begins at the windscreen and runs between the front seats to the rear passenger section where it terminates in a small lamp for lighting the interior. This produces the impression of a separate cockpit for the driver and front passenger (on the Ambiente and higher specifications).
The attractive design of the door panels are covered with top-quality materials and a pleasant texture underlines the cosiness of the interior (the upper part of the fillings contains soft plastic material produced using PU technology ). The comfortable interior is further stressed by various details including chrome plated inner door handles with a touch-friendly, soft silicone lining inside (available with the Ambiente and higher equipment specifications). One of many innovations of the Skoda Octavia interior is a red blinking signalling diode in the driver’s door, which replaces the door safety knobs.
The comfort of passengers in the new Skoda Octavia is also enhanced by plenty of storage compartments:
- Compartments in both the front and rear doors;
- Holder for large bottles (1 litre in both front doors);
- A large, illuminated (available with the Ambiente and higher equipment specifications) and air conditioned (available with the Elegance) box in the instrument panel in front of the front passenger;
- A closable box (open on the Classic) in the central part of the instrument panel;
- A box on the left below the steering wheel (it can hold two cans for instance);
- A storage compartment in the central console (with the 1DIN radio);
- A double, multifunction cup holder in the central tunnel between the front seats (different sizes, also suitable for drinks in boxes);
- The air conditioned Jumbo Box between the front seats (available with the Elegance) or a storage compartment, cup holder (for one container) and pen holder (available with the Classic and Ambiente);
- A storage box with a hinged lid under the front passenger seat (available with the Elegance);
- Compartments in the plastic lining of the front passenger seat squabs;
- An ashtray (or a storage box) in the front and rear;
- Pockets on the back of the front seats.
Body design
A significant improvement in body rigidity has been achieved, which is positively reflected in the enhanced driving characteristics and increased passive safety. Because of the solid anticorrosion body protection using galvanized sheets and the thorough application of anticorrosion layers during painting Skoda can provide a twelve-year guarantee on the body anticorrosion protection.
Skoda cars are well known for their top-quality manufacture and the new Skoda Octavia confirms this. This is proved by the perfect fit of individual body parts with minimum gaps and the use of new technologies during manufacture such as laser welding between the roof and the sides of the car – this makes the transition between the roof and the sides of the car smooth and clear without the usual roof moulding. This thorough attention to manufacturing and, in particular, the carefully designed body shape have resulted in positive aerodynamic characteristics, which significantly contribute to the overall economical operation of the car – the air resistance coefficient cx = 0.30.
Particular attention has also been paid to details. An example is the door sealing which has been doubled. The door opening is sealed using the standard main sealing on the inner edge of the doorframe. In addition, the doors also have an additional seal, which is assembled close to the body surface and embraces the whole door. This seal fills up gaps between the doors and other body parts. This positively influences the aerodynamic characteristics of the car and reduces aerodynamic noise in addition to reducing soiling of doorsills and columns.
Ventilation and air conditioning
A new idea contributing to the high level of ventilation to the interior of the Octavia is a ventilation bar in the depression of the instrument panel under the windscreen. The bar is protected by fins. In the new car the outlets, which are usually used to distribute air to the windscreen, have been replaced by one continuous bar along the entire width of the windscreen. In addition, this bar is divided into two independent channels, one for the windscreen ventilation and one for air distribution to the interior of the car. This allows sufficient air to be distributed to the interior without exposing occupants to an excessively strong air stream. The new ventilation bar under the windscreen provides draught-free interior ventilation.
Outlets under the driver and front passenger seats distribute air to the rear passengers. The Elegance also has two additional finned air outlets on the back of the Jumbo Box that can be closed, they allow rear seat passengers to control the ventilation to the rear compartment thus increasing their comfort and they can also regulate the temperature.
Climatic automatic air conditioning that adjusts the temperature of the distributed air and automatically maintains it is standard on the Skoda Octavia Elegance. An alternative is the Climatronic electronically controlled two-zone air conditioning, which is available only with the Ambiente and Elegance models as an option. Just set the required interior temperature and the Climatronic air conditioning system determines the necessary temperature, direction and volume of distributed air using data obtained from a system of sensors. In addition, different values can be set for the left and right side of the interior. The difference of temperatures on the left and right side of the interior may be up to 5 or 6° C.
Seats
Individual parts of the seats have the optimum rigidity and ergonomic design and they provide both a high level of comfort and excellent lateral track support. The seat squabs and the backrests of the new seats are long enough and provide perfect body support.
The rear seats are also extremely comfortable and allow passengers to sit in a natural position. The new Skoda Octavia has a foldable integral seat squab (on the Classic model) or split rear seats 1/3 and 2/3 (available with the Ambiente and Elegance). A foldable arm support has been integrated into the backrests of the rear seats on the Elegance.
Headrests on the front seats have an inclination adjustment, and as an option, the front seats can be fitted with active headrests, which significantly reduce the risk of a backbone injury in a rear crash.
Luggage compartment
One of the main advantages of the new model is still its luggage compartment. Its basic volume of 560 l can be increased to 1350 l (the current model has a volume of 528 l and 1328 l with the rear seats folded) when rear seat backrests are folded. Its rear section benefits from the advantages of the body design which has a large tilting fifth door with a rear window and a plastic lined lower loading edge – 674 mm from the ground – 696 mm with the current model) – makes access to the luggage compartment easy and allows even large luggage to be loaded.
The use value of the luggage compartment is further enhanced by many useful details:
- Preparation for fastening the safety triangle (under the edge of the luggage compartment) and the first aid kit (on the right in a recess behind the bumper apron;
- Four lashing eyelets on the luggage compartment floor;
- Luggage compartment illumination using two lamps on Ambiente and higher specification models;
- A through hole in the rear seats backrest with a foldable armrest so that long items, such as skies can be transported (available with the Elegance, and Ambiente as an option); another option is the removable Skisack, which prevents the interior from being soiled by transported items;
- A foldable hook for shopping bags in the Ambiente – two hooks in the Elegance;
- A net to create space behind the right bumper apron (available on the Ambiente and higher models);
- A fastening net in the luggage compartment (available with the Elegance);
- A net programme – two nets so that the luggage compartment can be divided (available as an option);
- A hook on which to hang the luggage compartment floor for easy access to the spare wheel.
A full-size spare wheel (on the cars where these wheels are standard for individual equipment specifications) and the necessary tools are located under the floor of the luggage compartment near the loading edge. This full-size spare wheel means that the driver can continue driving without the need to quickly visit the nearest service shop as with temporary spare wheels.
Colours and upholstery
A wide range of exterior colours has been prepared for the new Skoda Octavia – three non-metallic colours and nine metallic colours, of which two colours are completely new for Skoda – Flamenco Red and Island Green.
Non-metallic colours:
- Candy White;
- Corrida Red;
- Dynamic Blue.
Metallic colours:
- Diamond Silver;
- Sahara Beige;
- Flamenco Red;
- Deep Sea Blue;
- Island Green;
- Nature Green;
- Stone Gray;
- Graphite Grey;
- Magic Blue with Pearl Effect.
The new, elegantly designed upholstery materials reflect the equipment level of each model. The complete range includes three colour concepts with a total of twelve versions of seat upholstery and door panels. The interior of the new Skoda Octavia has different trims for individual equipment specifications. The fabric upholstery on the Ambiente and Elegance is standard, options with combined and leather upholstery are supplied at an extra charge.
The Fancy interior in the Onyx Black with fabric upholstery in black-silver combination has been prepared for the Classic.
The Graham interior of the Ambiente can be either in Onyx Black with grey or black fabric upholstery or in the Achat Green-Beige with fabric upholstery in the same colour. The Duo interior in the Onyx Black or Achat Green-Beige with the leather/fabric combined seat upholstery can be delivered as an option. In this specification the centres of squabs and backrests are covered with fabric and the sides of seats are covered with leather.
The Elegance is delivered with the Eminent interior in the Onyx Black or Ivory Beige with fabric seat upholstery. The Duo interior in the Onyx Black and Ivory Beige with combined (leather/fabric) seat upholstery is delivered as an option. In addition, the Elegance can be delivered with the Supreme interior in the Onyx Black and Ivory Beige with leather seat upholstery.
Standard equipment
The three basic equipment specifications have been preserved for the new Skoda Octavia: the Classic, the Ambiente and the Elegance. In addition to lots of equipment items the individual equipment specifications can be distinguished according to the type of wheel and its design, interior design elements and upholstery and lining.
Standard equipment for all Skoda Octavia models starting from the basic Classic includes, among other things:
- Four airbags (front and side);
- The ABS system disc brakes on all wheels;
- Central locking;
- Three-point seat belts in the rear;
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat;
- Tilt and rack – adjustable steering wheel;
- Front passenger’s airbag deactivation (when a child seat is fitted on the front passenger seat);
- Two ISOFIX fixtures for a child seat on the rear seats;
- A warning on the instrument panel when the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
In addition to the Classic equipment the Ambiente has the following items:
- Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors;
- Onboard computer on the instrument panel;
- Tinted glass;
- Door mirrors and handles in the body colour;
- Plastic protection strips on the sides of the car;
- Interior illumination in the front and rear, two reading lamps in the front;
- Door not closed warning on the instrument panel.
The Elegance equipment specification includes, among other things:
- Climatic automatic air conditioning – maintains the preset temperature of the distributed air;
- Electric windows front and rear with a bounce-back feature and child safety latches;
- Jumbo Box storage box between the front seats with an adjustable armrest, cooled inner space and outlets for air distribution to the rear seats at the back of the box;
- Fog lamps;
- Orion 15″ alloy wheels;
- Remote-control central locking with folding key;
- Door mirrors with built-in illumination making it easier to get into the car;
- Armrest on the rear seats with the possibility of using the through hole from the luggage compartment.
Optional equipment
The range of optional equipment available with the new Skoda Octavia is incredibly wide. It includes items from higher equipment specifications and they can be ordered individually for a lower equipment specification car. The other group includes equipment that is supplied only as an option.
The range of radios available with the new Skoda Octavia includes Melody, Stream and Audience models. All radios have been especially designed for the new Skoda Octavia both in functions and design. Their specific shape blends perfectly with the car’s interior and reduces the risk of theft because they can be used only in Octavia cars. Other safety elements include an electronic encoding system that guarantees that the radio can be used only in one specific car.
All radios for the new Skoda Octavia have an AM/FM tuner with RDS and a hands-free telephone input. The Melody radio has a tape player, the Stream radio a CD player. The top model Audience comes with a six-CD changer, which can also play MP3 recordings. Stream and Audience radios have a large dot display to indicate the exterior temperature and time, and it can also display data from the Climatronic air conditioning and parking sensors. The radio display can thus be used for other things – it fulfils the Skoda slogan “simply clever”. In addition, the Stream and Audience radios can be used with the multifunction steering wheel and the Maxi-DOT display on the instrument panel. The Stream radio can also have a six-CD changer installed in the luggage compartment. Rounding off the range of audio systems, the Sound System with a total of twelve speakers, an amplifier with a sound processor and a digital equalizer automatically preset to the best sound reproduction for the Skoda Octavia are available.
The new Nexus navigation device has been especially prepared for Skoda Octavia cars. It uses the TMC dynamic module, which receives traffic messages and adapts the selected route according to the actual traffic situation. The Nexus navigation system has a 6.5″ colour display, which can display a map and has voice navigation (output). The Maxi-DOT information display on the instrument panel, an AM/FM radio receiver with the RDS system and a hands-free telephone input are standard. In addition, the Nexus navigation device can play music CDs and connect with a CD changer.
The following equipment items are optional with the Skoda Octavia:
- Climatronic two-zone air-conditioning which maintains the set temperature separately for the left and the right side of the interior;
- The ESP system;
- The TPM system (Tyre Pressure Monitoring) – used to monitor the pressure of the tyres; the system compares revolutions of individual wheels using ABS revolution sensors;
- “Light Assistant” which includes functions such as “Coming Home” (once activated, it keeps the dipped headlights on for a short interval) and “Tunnel Light” (automatic activation of the lights when the exterior light falls);
- The “Day Light” function;
- Active headrests;
- Head airbags;
- Xenon headlights;
- Multifunction steering wheel with radio and telephone control;
- Rain sensor;
- Electrically adjustable electro chromatic door mirrors with automatic darkening (in combination with the electro chromatic interior rear view mirror with automatic darkening);
- Parking sensors in front and rear (as appropriate);
- Glass that reduces the permeability of heat radiation – this helps to maintain a comfortable interior temperature and reduces overheating on sunny days and loss of heat on cold days. The glass is also designed to be more difficult to brake into pieces, which reduces the feasibility of using a broken window to gain access to the car, making it harder for a potential thief to get into the car quickly.
Safety
The safety of passengers was one of the most crucial aspects in the development of the new Skoda Octavia. The car has been designed paying due attention to legislative requirements and the requirements of consumer tests carried out by independent testing organisations. The high safety level has been achieved by using the latest design methods, progressive technological solutions and state-of-the-art knowledge of vehicle construction.
The most essential active safety elements on the new Skoda Octavia that help to prevent traffic accidents particularly include:
- A progressive chassis with an enhanced design which provides excellent and safe driving characteristics;
- Efficient disc brakes on all wheels for safe deceleration and stopping;
- Progressive engines with perfect flexibility providing sufficient power;
- The car’s external illumination (lighting) concept based on the rule “see and be seen” which includes efficient headlights with clear optics (xenon as an option), rear lights with brilliant effect and a large illuminated area that contributes to their excellent visibility (the area of the rear lights has been increased by approximately 250% and the area of the brake lights by approximately 100%), side indicators integrated into the door mirrors improves their visibility;
- Very good driver visibility in all directions which is further improved by:
- The large glass area;
- Efficient Aero wipers with a rain sensor (as an option);
- An interior rear-view mirror with an automatic anti-glare screening device; also available with door mirrors (as an option), which limits potential for the driver’s visual impairment because of headlight glare from cars behind him at night.
Electronic driving stability systems, which significantly help to keep control of the steering in critical situations, play an extraordinary role in active safety. All Skoda Octavia cars are equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a braking assistant as standard, and the car can be delivered with the ESP system as an option.
An essential element of any car involved in a crash is the carefully designed body with a rigid central passenger compartment and progressive crumple zones in the front and rear. The high body rigidity, which is an important safety element and helps to keep the best driving characteristics, has been achieved, among other things, by using very strong materials in its design.
As standard, new Skoda Octavia cars come with three-point seat belts on all seats; those in front are height adjustable and fitted with pyrotechnic pretensioners, which are also used on the outer rear seats if the car is supplied with head airbags. All Octavia cars are fitted with large-capacity driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags for the front seats. If a child seat is fastened on the front seat, the airbags of this seat must be deactivated. Head airbags, which are available as an option, provide a safety curtain between the occupants and the side windows from the front to the rear pillar.
An abundance of details that significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash have been included in the car to increase the safety of occupants:
- A special engine mounting so that it is pushed into the space under the occupants in major deformations;
- The pedal unit has been designed to prevent injury to the driver’s legs and feet as it collapses during major collisions;
- Interior areas that are extremely likely to come into contact with passengers’ bodies during a collision, such as the instrument panel, the lower part of the instrument panel under the steering wheel and the “B” column are covered with soft and flexible materials;
- Eyelets in the luggage compartment are used to fasten luggage with nets and prevent small items moving about;
- If the airbags are deployed during a crash, an automatic sequence of strictly defined operations will be activated via the CAN-Bus on-board network (the fuel pump and fuel supply pipe will be immediately switched off; warning lights and the interior illumination will be automatically turned on; the central locking system will be unlocked – if locked).
In addition to side and head airbags the robust doorsills and pillars and the doors themselves with triple reinforcement play an important role in a side impact.
As an option the new Skoda Octavia can have active headrests on the front seats, these provide extremely effective protection if the car is involved in a rear impact. The principle of active headrests is derived from the fact that the body moves backwards during a rear impact. The pressure of the body on the backrest deploys a mechanism that moves the headrest forward to absorb the backward movement of the passenger’s head, which could result in an injury to the spine. The system has been adjusted to deploy in collisions at relatively low speeds, i.e. a crash during which the car is not extensively damaged but a serious injury may occur to the passenger’s spine.
The latest information about pedestrian protection has been taken into consideration during the development of the new Skoda Octavia. Crumple zones and energy absorbing elements have been used to reduce the danger of injury.
Other features include protection against theft. As standard, the Skoda Octavia is equipped with central locking and a new generation immobiliser. The immobiliser uses a variety of a “floating code” which is different each time it is transmitted. There is also a VIN code label that is visible from the outside of the car under the windscreen. In addition, the VIN code of the car is marked on all the windows of Skoda cars using a laser device.
Radios are protected against misuse by an electronic code, which is also recorded in the on-board control unit. A radio can then only be used in one specific car. Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery does not deactivate this function. In addition, the shape and dimensions of the radios are different from standard types and only fit Skoda Octavia cars.
As an option, the Skoda Octavia can be fitted with an alarm system with a backup source, which monitors all doors, the boot lid, the bonnet, the ignition lock and the interior of the car. The alarm system of the new Skoda Octavia can be supplemented by a “slope sensor”. This sensor is deployed when an attempt is made to load the car on a tow truck.
In addition, a special cover over the engine control unit increases theft protection. This cover makes it extremely difficult to replace the control unit during a theft.
Engines
The new Skoda Octavia is available with six engines; four petrol and two diesel. Their displacements and outputs cover a wide range of needs and every customer can find one to suit them. All engines are transversely mounted in the front and drive the front wheels.
Petrol engines
In addition to engines with standard fuel injection to the intake pipe (the 1.4 MPI/55kW and 1.6 MPI/75 kW) the new Skoda Octavia can be fitted with the latest engines with direct injection where the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber – the 1.6 FSI/85 kW and 2.0 FSI/110 kW. The main advantage of this is lower fuel consumption. Direct fuel injection engines have a similar combustion principle as standard petrol engines with homogenous stichometric mixture of the fuel and air.
Petrol engines with direct injection fitted in the new Skoda Octavia produce more than adequate torque at low revolutions and, at the same time, a high output at high revolutions. They can satisfy all the requirements of a variety of drivers – they are perfect for both smooth, economical, swift driving and dynamic, sporty driving. In addition to the advantages of higher output and lower consumption direct injection engines are environmentally friendly.
The 1.4 MPI/55 kW engine is an ideal basic power unit for the new Skoda Octavia. It gives the car adequate power and advantageous efficiency. The engine is perfectly suited to those customers who plan to use their car mainly in urban and sub-urban traffic and for whom the purchase price plays an important role. The 1.4 MPI/55 kW engine is an all-aluminium, in line four-cylinder engine with 2xOHC and four-valve technology. It generates a maximum of 55 kW (75 bhp) at 5,000 rpm and torque of 126 Nm/3,800 rpm. A Skoda Octavia with this engine has a maximum speed of 170 km/h. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.5 sec, the combined consumption according to the new European driving cycle (NEFZ) is 6.9 l/100 km.
The 1.6 MPI/75 kW is the perfect option for customers who are looking for a livelier engine and an efficient operation. This engine has a favourable ratio of performance and operating parameters to price. It is an all-aluminium four-cylinder engine with OHC and two-valves per cylinder and features a variable intake pipe that gives the engine extraordinary flexibility over the whole range of revolutions. The engine develops a maximum of 75 kW (102 bhp) at 5,600 rpm, the torque is 148 Nm/3,800 rpm. A Skoda Octavia fitted with this engine has a maximum speed of 190 km/h, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.3 sec. The combined consumption of the engine according to the new European driving cycle (NEFZ) is 7.2 l per 100 km.
The progressive technology of direct petrol injection makes the 1.6 FSI/85 kW the optimum combination of excellent dynamic characteristics and advantageous fuel consumption in the new Skoda Octavia’s range of petrol engines. Drivers who like a smooth and economical drive but, at the same time want the guarantee of a sufficient power reserve will find this the ideal choice. This all-aluminium, four-cylinder 1.6 FSI/85 kW engine uses 2xOHC technology with an adjustable camshaft for the intake valves, and produces a maximum of 85 kW (115 bhp) at 6,000 rpm and torque of 155 Nm/4,000 rpm. A new Skoda Octavia with this engine has a maximum speed of 198 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.2 sec. The combined consumption according to the new European driving cycle (NEFZ) is 6.6 l/100 km.
The 2.0 FSI/110 kW engine is designed for particularly demanding customers looking for outstanding dynamics, and the smooth, economical operation of this power unit will make drivers proud of their choice. The engine will also please those who like progressive technology. A direct fuel injection system guarantees a high output and, simultaneously, advantageous fuel consumption. The incredibly quiet operation of this four-cylinder, all-aluminium engine is the result of two balancing shafts. The 2xOHC valve technology with four valves per cylinder uses a variable timing system for the intake valves. The engine produces a maximum of 110 kW (150 bhp) at 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque is 200 Nm/3,500 rpm.
Diesel engines
The new generation Skoda Octavia diesel engines are equipped with a direct fuel injection system using Pumpe-Düse System (pump nozzle system) injector units. Each cylinder has an injection unit in the cylinder head consisting of a high-pressure injection pump, an injection nozzle and a control valve, which is used to precisely control the fuel injection process. The pump-nozzle injection system uses an extremely high injection pressure of up to 205 MPa. The diesel engines in the new car are fitted with an exhaust gas turbocharger and a turbine with variable blade geometry. Before entering the engine, pressurised air is passed through an intercooler. These progressive technologies allow the TDI diesel engines for the new Skoda Octavia to produce high torque even at low revolutions and enable dynamic and swift driving without the need for frequent gear changing. The TDI engines are an ideal combination of high performance and minimum fuel consumption.
The 1.9 TDI-PD/77 kW engine lives up to the reputation of the extremely popular TDI engines. An Octavia so equipped still has minimum consumption, great reliability, and is fast enough for most people. The 1.9 TDI/77 kW in line, four-cylinder engine uses OHC technology with two valves per cylinder and produces a maximum of 77 kW (105 bhp) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 250 Nm/1,900 rpm. A car with this engine can reach 192 km/h, and accelerates from 0 to100 km/h in 11.8 sec. Skoda Octavia cars equipped with the 1.9 TDI-PD/77 kW engine have low fuel consumption, which is an amazing 5.0 l/100km in the combined regime (according to the new European driving cycle – NEFZ).
The newly developed 2.0 TDI/103 kW (140 bhp) engine meets the requirement for minimum consumption and, at the same time, extraordinary performance. Its characteristics, i.e. the high output, high torque and low consumption make this power unit one of the best diesel engines currently produced in the world. Like the petrol engines, the newly developed 2.0 TDI-PD/103 kW engine complies with EU 4. This four-cylinder engine with 2xOHC technology and four valves per cylinder produces a maximum of 103 kW (140 bhp) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 320 Nm at 1,750-2500 rpm. These parameters give the car a maximum speed of 208 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 9.6 sec. The dynamic characteristics of the Skoda Octavia equipped with the 2.0 TDI-PD/103 kW are further enhanced by the incredibly low fuel consumption – only 5.5/100 km in the combined regime (according to the new European driving cycle – NEFZ).
EOBD on-board diagnostics
All Skoda Octavia cars are equipped with “On Board Diagnostics” (abbreviated as EOBD – European On Board Diagnostics). This system monitors devices and instruments that influence the composition of the exhaust gas. If the monitored values exceed the set limits, a red warning light on the instrument panel will come on, indicating to the driver that a service is needed as soon as possible. The fault will be stored in the memory thus allowing service staff to find and remedy the problem more easily.
Flexible WIV service intervals
WIV flexible service intervals (in German: Wartung-Intervall-Verlängerung) have been applied to the new Skoda Octavia. If certain set conditions are complied with, the WIV system allows up to 30,000 km between service intervals. The maximum time between inspections is two years. The intervals between service inspections depend on the actual operation of the car. The instrument panel always informs the driver in advance about the need for a service inspection. These flexible service intervals are environmentally friendly because they reduce the overall consumption of engine oil during the lifetime of the car, as well as reducing operating costs.
Transmissions
As standard, all power units come with five or six-gear manual transmission. Engines producing 75 kW and higher can be supplied with a six-gear automatic transmission as an option. This can include either the standard transmission with hydraulic torque converter for petrol engines or a newly developed DSG transmission with two clutches for diesel engines.
DSG automatic transmission
DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission is a breakthrough in passenger car transmissions because it perfectly stresses the advantages and simultaneously reduces the inherited imperfections of manual and standard automatic transmission. DSG is a transmission that allows quick and precise gear changing; it has a favourable efficiency coefficient, i.e. has only a small influence on consumption and provides great comfort and convenience.
DSG can be described as a mechanism consisting of two standard transmissions – it has two clutches joined by two input shafts. One section of the transmission is used for uneven numbered gear changes and reverse and the other for even numbered gear changes.
The functions of the transmission can be described by the following example: a car is in third gear. The intelligent transmission control identifies the next gear to be selected according to the speed and other parameters and changes to it. This, for example, fourth gear, has already been preset but is not active because the clutch that controls even gears is disconnected. The transmission control unit waits for the most suitable moment to change the gear, which it then carries out by disconnecting the clutch for uneven gears and simultaneously connecting the clutch for even gears. Changing is absolutely smooth without any juddering and quick – it takes about 3 to 4 hundredths of a second. In addition, the transmission of power from the engine to wheels is not interrupted during changing.
The DSG automatic transmission in the new Skoda Octavia has two operating regimes – fully automatic or Tiptronic manual gear changing. The regime is selected by moving the selector to the required position, i.e. on the right (manual regime) or left (automatic regime). Cars equipped with automatic transmission also have the large dot display on the instrument panel as standard, which shows, among other things, information about the gear engaged and the actual position of the selector.
The following positions can be selected in the automatic operating regime:
P – parking,
R – reverse,
N – neutral,
D – drive, economical gear changing regime,
S – sporty gear changing regime.
With the sporty gear changing regime the transmission changes between individual gears at higher revolutions and thus allows the full output of the engine to be used. In the economical regime on the other hand, the transmission changes earlier and thus keeps consumption at a low level.
In the Tiptronic manual gear changing regime a higher or lower gear is engaged by moving the selector forward and backward, as appropriate:
Direction “+” – change to a higher gear,
Direction “-” – change to a lower gear.
With manual gear changing the electronic systems of the transmission monitors the way gears are changed and thus prevents engine damage that could result from an inappropriate change to a lower gear. In addition to monitoring, the control electronics makes operation easier, e.g. it changes to first gear after stopping at a junction.
As a result of the quick gear changing, the DSG transmission has better acceleration than a manual transmission. The electronic control of the transmission and engine enables it to achieve a favourable consumption with DSG transmission because it selects the most appropriate gear and keeps the engine in the optimum-operating regime in the economical driving mode. Moreover, its excellent driving characteristics and easy control places the DSG transmission firmly at the top of automatic transmissions. And last but not least, it can provide a so far unknown driving experience for a sporty driver with its extremely quick gear changing without having to lift your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Manual transmissions
The new Skoda Octavia is fitted as standard with five or six-gear fully synchronised, manual transmissions. The connection between the gearbox and the gear lever is via two gearshift cables, which makes it easy to position the gear lever smoothly and precisely with short movements and reduces the transmission of vibrations from the engine. The clutch is a dry, single-disc, with hydraulic control.
Six-gear transmissions have an aluminium (with the 2.0 FSI/110 kW engine) or magnesium (with the 2.0 TDI/103 kW engine) alloy box to reduce their weight.
Automatic transmission
The new Skoda Octavia equipped with petrol engines (except the 1.4 MPI/55 kW) can be supplied with six-gear automatic transmission as an option. This is a newly developed planetary gearbox with a hydrodynamic torque converter, which can be deactivated according to the actual driving situation. The large number of gears and, in particular, their overall range allows the optimum gear to be selected for the specific driving situation, which results in improved dynamic characteristics, economy and reduced noise.
The transmission is controlled by an electronic control unit with a sophisticated programme using “Fuzzy Logic” that adapts the gear-changing regime to the actual traffic situation (driving up a hill, towing a trailer, etc.) and the driving style of the driver. In addition to the automatic driving regimes (economical D and sporty S) the transmission allows the use of the Tiptronic manual sequential selection of gears.
Chassis
The new Skoda Octavia upholds the concept of the current model, i.e. it is a car with a transversely mounted engine in the front and front wheel drive. Like the whole car, all chassis units have been newly designed. The new chassis has been designed to achieve the optimum combination of maximum comfort and the best possible driving characteristics. This has been achieved by using steering with a new electromechanical booster in addition to new axles.
Axles
The front axle consists of the proven McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and transverse stabiliser. The new mounting of the axle results in higher transverse rigidity and improves the driving characteristics of the car when turning. The shock absorbers have been optimised to guarantee both a comfortable ride and the best possible driving characteristics. A transverse torsion stabiliser reduces the tendency of the car to bank in corners.
The multi-element rear axle of the new Skoda Octavia has been designed using one longitudinal and three transverse stabilisers. This sophisticated design significantly contributes to getting the best driving characteristics and, simultaneously, a high level of comfort. As a result of their perfect synergy, the newly developed front and rear axles are less likely to bank in turnings.
The multi-element rear axle concept of the new Skoda Octavia allows the impact of side and longitudinal forces to be eliminated independently of each other. The force of a side impact is absorbed by three transverse supports. Their length, location and the rigidity of their mounting have been designed to keep the wheel in the optimum position on the road when loaded which directly influences the car’s behaviour when turning. The longitudinal dynamic characteristics are especially influenced by a longitudinal trailing arm where the location and the rigidity of its mounting play an important role. The arm is located as high as possible, which induces an “anti-pitch effect”, i.e. prevents the car pitching forward when braking. With its progressive characteristics the mounting of the trailing arm can absorb even high longitudinal impact forces. The design of the rear axle also includes a torsion stabiliser.
The rear axle of the Skoda Octavia has been designed with a slight direction effect that helps the understeer, which increases the directional stability of the car. The steering effect has been produced by the sophisticated design of the kinematic and the elasto-kinematic design of the axle, and it also depends on the load of the car – the steering effect of the axle increases when the car is carrying a heavier load. This results in excellent directional stability irrespective of whether there is only the driver or the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage.
Electro mechanical steering booster
The new generation Skoda Octavias utilise rack-and-pinion steering with a electro mechanic steering booster. The booster is programmed so that its effect decreases with increasing speed so that it is always easy to turn the steering wheel when parking and safe contact with the road is maintained at high speed. The steering box with closer gear ratios provides not only a feeling of safety but also makes driving the car more enjoyable. The advantages of the electro mechanic steering booster include reduced fuel consumption because it is used only when needed.
Great attention has been paid to emphasising the “central position” which involves a slight back force on the steering wheel produced even during a small turning angle. This is also helped by the standard automatic return of the steering wheel to the straight direction. Thus, it is easy for the driver to keep straight when driving, e.g. on a cambered road or in a crosswind.
An important requirement for the new Skoda Octavia included having a uniform steering unit irrespective of the model specification. The steering unit has therefore been created for all possible model specifications. Taking into account the front axle load which depends on the engine, transmission, equipment, etc., the relevant programme is selected and activated during the car’s assembly.
Braking system and electronic chassis systems
The braking system of the new Skoda Octavia excels with its quick response time and easy distribution of the braking effect. This is mainly due to the new vacuum brake booster with “progressive characteristics.” All wheels have disc brakes with a single-piston floating calliper. The front brake discs have inner cooling.
As standard all Skoda Octavia cars are equipped with the ABS Anti Lock Braking system as well as other functions. The basic version of the Skoda Octavia thus comes with the following systems:
ABS – Anti-Lock Braking System,
EBV – Electronic braking effect distributor between the axles,
MBA – Mechanical braking assistant,
MSR – Engine Drag Control,
ASR – Anti-Skid System -this version only influences the control of the engine and does not help to brake slipping wheels.
The Skoda Octavia can be supplied with ESP system as an option. This option also includes the following driving stability systems:
ABS – Anti-Lock Braking System,
EBV – Electronic braking effect distributor between the axles,
HBA – Hydraulic brake booster,
MSR – Engine Drag Control,
EDS – Electronic Differential Lock,
ASR – Anti-Skid System,
ESP – Electronic Stability Programme
TPM – Tyre Pressure Monitoring.
The ESP control unit analyses all the relevant data (steering angle, the angle of the car’s turn around the vertical axis, acceleration in the transverse direction, the actual condition of the regulation, etc.) and thus provides accurate and timely system responses. To make it even more reliable, the AFM function (Adaptives Fahrzeug Modell) has been integrated into the ESP. The AFM analyses any available data and optimises the responses from the ESP. Therefore the ESP system can adapt to any driving style and the actual load of the car.
The optional equipment of the Skoda Octavia includes the TPM (Tyre Pressure Monitoring) system that monitors the pressure of all tyres. The system uses data from the ABS revolution sensors on individual wheels (if the tyre pressure falls, its radius changes as well as the revolutions compared to other wheels). If the pressure in a tyre is lower than the other tyres, a warning light on the instrument panel indicates this.
[source: skoda-auto.com]
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