irishcar.com - Skoda Octavia 1.4

In travelling to the launch of a new Skoda last week I had the pleasure of driving a stunning silver Audi TT Roadster which, quite simply, is well capable of taking the breath of anyone who has even a modicum of enthusiasm for beautiful cars.

Not since I walked to primary school past Doyle’s sweet shop in Trim during the season of Lent had temptation been so great to throw caution to the wind.

There I was, driving in beautiful bright, dry and sunny surroundings along the Clonee Bypass dreaming about letting this beauty out of her stall. Instead, I drove a car clocked for 160 mph at sedentary 60, 61, 62 mph. The odd time I sneaked into the outside lane something always arrived on my rear bumper at a rate of knots anxious to pass.

Cars that would never make it to an NCT test centre, never mind pass the test itself, zoomed by as if I was a piece of dog dirt on the Nurburgring. So fast was one Fiat Seicento going I’m sure it lapped me before we reached the Blanchardstown roundabout!

I allowed myself a wry smile as I approached the end of the dual carriageway, though, when my attention was drawn to three Gardai surrounding a radar gun mounted on a tripod. In spite of severe provocation, I was relieved that willpower paid off for this time at least.

At the Skoda launch I found a car to suit all my needs and, I’m sure, the needs of many more without causing this type of frustration to set in. The introduction of a new 1.4 litre engine to the Octavia’s new styling and specification fixtures is ideally suited in today’s ‘on-the-spot fine’ environment.

A short drive showed that the 1.6 valve 75 bhp Octavia was no snail yet, unlike the TT, it was not going to get one into trouble all of a sudden. In fact, so capable was this 1.4 litre engine for the substantial Octavia that most of my colleagues were very pleasantly surprised at the car’s performance.

Match this to very competitive pricing, low road tax and insurance costs and Skoda’s loyal following is sure to grow further.

Unlike the starting models of years past - all of which had small engines - Skoda’s latest Octavia has capability. The new 1.4 engine joins a line-up that consists of a 1.6 litre 102 bhp, 1.8 litre 150 bhp 20 valve turbo, and a 2.0 litre 115 bhp Sdi and 1.9 litre 90 bhp Tdi.

External changes to the latest Octavia consist of new front and rear bumpers with the front bumper housing three dominant air vents in the spoiler section, new clear glass headlamps, a modified radiator grille which has a wide chrome rim, new wheel trims, side guard rail and new tail lights.

Inside, a redesigned instrument panel and new trim cloths have been introduced. Rear passenger space has been increased by 22mm without any reduction in the car’s huge luggage capacity. Colour choice extends to 11 shades, including a number of new metallic options, and a carrying bin for loose equipment is now provided in the luggage area.

New safety elements include improved driver information systems, a third rear seat belt and headrest, front ‘door open’ reflectors, immobiliser, improved side impact protection with reinforced B-pillars and an automatic fuel cut-off facility which is triggered in the event of a serious impact. Other features include oil level and brake pad wear indicators.

While all engines comply with EU3 (diesel) and EU4 (petrol) emission standards, service intervals are extended up to 20,000 miles/two year (petrol) and 30,000-miles/2 year (diesel).

The Octavia is now offered in three equipment lines - Classic, ambiente and Elegance. Specifications available across the range, depending on model choice, include ABS, EDS and ASR, a ‘fasten seat belts’ warning, alloy wheels, top-tinted windscreen and new upholstery fabrics. an electrically operated driver’s seat, xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers complete the additional options on offer.

Prices start at £12,725 for the 1.4 litre Classic and £13,550 for the 1.4 Ambiente which has further equipment such as electric mirrors, outside temperature display, radio-CD eight-speaker stereo, engine immobiliser, multifunction trip computer, height-adjustable seats, front and rear electric windows, front fog lights and split rear seating.

Never mind a flash TT; try a Skoda for size!	October 2000
In travelling to the launch of a new Skoda last week I had the pleasure of driving a stunning silver Audi TT Roadster which, quite simply, is well capable of taking the breath of anyone who has even a modicum of enthusiasm for beautiful cars. Not since I walked to primary school past Doyle’s sweet shop in Trim during the season of Lent had temptation been so great to throw caution to the wind. There I was, driving in beautiful bright, dry and sunny surroundings along the Clonee Bypass dreaming about letting this beauty out of her stall. Instead, I drove a car clocked for 160 mph at sedentary 60, 61, 62 mph. The odd time I sneaked into the outside lane something always arrived on my rear bumper at a rate of knots anxious to pass. Cars that would never make it to an NCT test centre, never mind pass the test itself, zoomed by as if I was a piece of dog dirt on the Nurburgring. So fast was one Fiat Seicento going I’m sure it lapped me before we reached the Blanchardstown roundabout! I allowed myself a wry smile as I approached the end of the dual carriageway, though, when my attention was drawn to three Gardai surrounding a radar gun mounted on a tripod. In spite of severe provocation, I was relieved that willpower paid off for this time at least. At the Skoda launch I found a car to suit all my needs and, I’m sure, the needs of many more without causing this type of frustration to set in. The introduction of a new 1.4 litre engine to the Octavia’s new styling and specification fixtures is ideally suited in today’s ‘on-the-spot fine’ environment. A short drive showed that the 1.6 valve 75 bhp Octavia was no snail yet, unlike the TT, it was not going to get one into trouble all of a sudden. In fact, so capable was this 1.4 litre engine for the substantial Octavia that most of my colleagues were very pleasantly surprised at the car’s performance. Match this to very competitive pricing, low road tax and insurance costs and Skoda’s loyal following is sure to grow further. Unlike the starting models of years past - all of which had small engines - Skoda’s latest Octavia has capability. The new 1.4 engine joins a line-up that consists of a 1.6 litre 102 bhp, 1.8 litre 150 bhp 20 valve turbo, and a 2.0 litre 115 bhp Sdi and 1.9 litre 90 bhp Tdi. External changes to the latest Octavia consist of new front and rear bumpers with the front bumper housing three dominant air vents in the spoiler section, new clear glass headlamps, a modified radiator grille which has a wide chrome rim, new wheel trims, side guard rail and new tail lights. Inside, a redesigned instrument panel and new trim cloths have been introduced. Rear passenger space has been increased by 22mm without any reduction in the car’s huge luggage capacity. Colour choice extends to 11 shades, including a number of new metallic options, and a carrying bin for loose equipment is now provided in the luggage area. New safety elements include improved driver information systems, a third rear seat belt and headrest, front ‘door open’ reflectors, immobiliser, improved side impact protection with reinforced B-pillars and an automatic fuel cut-off facility which is triggered in the event of a serious impact. Other features include oil level and brake pad wear indicators. While all engines comply with EU3 (diesel) and EU4 (petrol) emission standards, service intervals are extended up to 20,000 miles/two year (petrol) and 30,000-miles/2 year (diesel). The Octavia is now offered in three equipment lines - Classic, ambiente and Elegance. Specifications available across the range, depending on model choice, include ABS, EDS and ASR, a ‘fasten seat belts’ warning, alloy wheels, top-tinted windscreen and new upholstery fabrics. an electrically operated driver’s seat, xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers complete the additional options on offer. Prices start at £12,725 for the 1.4 litre Classic and £13,550 for the 1.4 Ambiente which has further equipment such as electric mirrors, outside temperature display, radio-CD eight-speaker stereo, engine immobiliser, multifunction trip computer, height-adjustable seats, front and rear electric windows, front fog lights and split rear seating.
by Tony Conlon

Never mind a flash TT; try a Skoda for size!