The New Skoda Octavia
Published: 31st May 2004
Skoda Octavia
The next version of the Skoda Octavia was introduced in 1996 and was a significant milestone in the modern history of Skoda. It represented a new image and expression of the brand and, at the same time, clearly identified its future orientation and goals. In addition to the hatchback body, an estate version was also built, beginning in 1998. The Octavia range underwent a facelift in 2000, followed in 2001 by the introductions of the rugged Octavia 4x4 and the sporty Octavia vRS. Octavia has become known to the public as a reliable, solid and valuable car. With its outstanding qualities, it has been very popular amongst motorists and appreciated by critics. Its success is reflected by its records- it was the first Skoda model to reach the one million production level, in February 2004. UK sales have totaled over 60,000 since the launch here in 1998. The Skoda Octavia has contributed to a revolutionary change in the public's awareness of Skoda and thus has significantly improved the make's image.
The new Octavia is a completely new car in which the latest vehicle technologies are used. It stands between the lower medium class (A segment) and medium class segment (B segment). Thus, it continues the Skoda’s key strategy to deliver an "extra bit of car" at prices similar to those of its competitors; that is, a B-segment car at an A-segment price, another example of Skoda’s legendary value. The Skoda Octavia achieves this goal by providing an exceptional combination of space and features. For instance, the new Skoda Octavia has a more passenger space, particularly in the rear seat, and an even larger luggage compartment than the current Octavia.
The new Octavia's progressive technologies and multitude of sophisticated elements that have so far only been used in upper medium-class car segment cars and make normal use of the car more pleasant. The new car comes is built on the Volkswagen Group’s A5 platform. It was designed and engineered at the SkodaAuto Design and Engineering Centre and will be assembled in the state-of-the-art Octavia Assembly Hall. Both are located at the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, now part of the expanded European Union.
UK Introduction
The new Skoda Octavia will be introduced in the in mid-July, making this one of the first markets to see the new car. In 2004, the brand anticipates selling some 2,800 new Octavias. In 2005 and onward, annual volumes are likely to be higher than those of the current Octavia, reaching about 15,000 per year, with potential for much higher numbers.
Customers for the new Octavia will be a mixture of private buyers and company car drivers, especially user-choosers. The spacious rear seat legroom and the “extra bit of car” touches make the Octavia a great choice for families. Competitors in the A-sector, where it sits in terms of price, include the Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 307, Renault Megane and Ford Focus.
Skoda Octavia
Our Skoda Octavia Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Octavia range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £11,135 - £20,910
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 40
We have road tested the Skoda Octavia, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Skoda Octavia Review - Nov 2004
Skoda Octavia Review - Jan 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
