2005 Skoda Octavia Ambiente review from UK and Ireland

The silver trim on the centre of dash storage unit door started to flake off within 6 months of new. This was replaced under warranty with no issues.

As it neared it's 30K service (which is it's first full service) the car started to struggle a bit at lower revs & when starting from cold wouldn't always bite first time. Running fine since service which was only last week.

A great car for a nice price. The octavia is a large car for its price bracket in the market. Its running costs are very reasonable with extended service intervals of 30K or 2 years (apart from oil change which is needed every 15K or 1 year). It is also very economical returning near 40MPG on regular driving & over the 40MPG on longer runs. It has a massive boot with excellent access to it due to the lift back design. The interior design is much improved in this newer model of the Octavia & it has superb build quality. The dealers have been a pleasure to deal with to date. The only fault I can find is that the 1.4 is a little underpowered for such a big car. I regret not going for the 1.6. This is my 3rd skoda to own having previously had a Fabia & a Felicia, & I can truly say that Skoda are going from strength to strength.