2001 Skoda Octavia Comfort 1.9 TDI (110 bhp)

Summary:

Eat your heart out, Audi

Faults:

Light behind the heater panel went - that's it.

General Comments:

Comfy, engine has loads of "oomph" throughout the rev range, and incredibly economical - to the point where filling up becomes something you have to remember how it's done (every 1100 km's or so).

As a lover of Brit motors, one has to get used to the somewhat 'efficient' interior, where black and drab grey set the tones. I owned a Rover 600 (petrol engined) before getting the Octavia. The Rover handled better, had a more intuitive engine, was loads comfier, even more reliable (in four years and 140.000km, NOTHING went wrong with this car), made a wonderful sound when pushed hard, was generally brilliant, and made the impression to not only take me from A to B, but to love doing it as well, and the Skoda doesn't do emotions. What it does do is efficiency, low running costs - and more space than you can shake a stick at. Plus it out-Audi's the A4, without the (bland) Audi image and the corresponding price sticker.

I have to admit that, if Rover would still have done the 600, I would've bought one without thinking twice. I loved the car, and it loved me.

But for the want of a 600, the next car (company car, due in July) will be yet another Octavia - an Elegance 1.6 FSI this time. Annual miles have gone down considerably, so diesel isn't economical for me anymore - and I like the lightfooted feel of a petrol engine better than the somewhat slower stomp of the TDI.

Unless I crack, forfeit the company car scheme, and get me a secondhand 620 Si in British Racing Green. Aaargh... decisions, decisions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2005

26th Jul 2006, 13:54

I too went from a Rover to an Octavia.

My Rover however had a 2.0l L Series type engine and blew loads of head gaskets.

I agree that the Octavia interior is so bland and efficient - the new one looks better, and I am thinking of a Superb next.

2000 Skoda Octavia GLX 1.9 TDi

Summary:

Is that a Lancia, a SAAB or a BMW?

Faults:

None whatsoever.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable car.

Huge boot (550 liter).

Good build quality.

The new model is not as budget-friendly as this one. I guess I would have to advise to get a secondhand one, because I see no point in buying a new one, since it is so reliable.

Fuel consumption is great. Fast car too...

Nice: people think it's a BMW, SAAB or a Lancia.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th December, 2000