August 2003

Every so often, a car will completely transform its maker's image. The Octavia is one such machine. It forced people to rethink their prejudices and realise premium quality does not necessarily mean a premium price tag.
Launched in 1998 as either a five-door hatch or useful estate, it was the first Skoda designed entirely by the Volkswagen Group. It shared many components, including engines, interior trim and the floorpan from the Golf, but it was kept cheap by virtue of varied models and value-led prices.
The Octavia is a cracking used buy. It's affordable, largely because Skoda's badge still carries an unfounded stigma for some, but is also reliable, well engineered and supremely capable.
Checklist
* All engines are from VW and are tough. Avoid sluggish 1.4s and 1.9 SDIs. Also, check 1.8s and 2.0s have had recall work carried out on the ignition coil pack.
* The basic Octavia trim levels are often thrashed as pool cars, so look for signs of neglect such as scraped bumpers, cracked mirrors and shabby paint repairs.
* Avoid minicabs. Diesels make popular taxis, so look for wear to the back seats and avoid anything with a huge mileage.
* There's an exhaust system design flaw which traps water behind the back box, causing the silencer to rot prematurely. If the car hasn't had a new exhaust in three years, expect a bill soon.
* It's a Skoda, honest! That means the Octavia won't pass much muster with the criminal fraternity, making this model cheaper to insure than most rivals. Even the vRS is only group 16.
Driving Impressions
Don't expect dynamic miracles (unless you opt for the scorching vRS). Underneath that sober yet elegant exterior lies the heart of a VW Golf. It's perfectly competent, plus has a fairly good ride and safe, if uninspiring handling characteristics. The most impressive attribute is the car's amazing sense of quality. It feels hewn from solid metal, while inside, the chunky controls and hard-wearing fabrics add further to the Czech's appeal as a used buy.
Glass's View
Despite winning the approval of the media, there are still some doubters who need to be convinced of the merits of the Skoda brand. As the mid-range model, the Octavia has an improving image, but there is some way to go until potential buyers are completely won over. As a result, it's a bargain for those in the know. Turbodiesels are the most sought after, especially the punchy 110bhp model. We expect the Octavia to hold its value for the foreseeable future. Jeff Paterson, Snr Cars Editor, Glass's Guide
Life With An Octavia
I needed a large diesel estate for work that wouldn't cost too much and would double as a family car at weekends. Three months on, I am more than happy with my 70,000-mile Octavia 1.9 TDI. Dave Smith, south London
I chose a new Octavia vRS over a used Subaru Impreza Turbo, and my mates took the mickey... until I let them drive it! I had the last laugh. Jason Redding, Mickleover, Derbyshire

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