Octavia's main competitors currently are the following models from other automakers − Audi A3, Citroen C4, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Kia cee'd, Lada Samara, Lada Vesta, Lifan Breez, Nissan Almera, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda 3, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Renault Fluence, Opel Astra, Subaru Impreza, SEAT Leon, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf.
First generation (1U, 1996-2004)
Production of the first generation was started in November 1996 at a modernized plant «Skoda Auto» in the Czech city of Mlada Boleslav. The car is based on a universal platform «Volkswagen Group A4» (PQ34), which was also used for «Audi A3», «Audi TT», «SEAT Leon», «SEAT Toledo», «Skoda Roomster», «Volkswagen Golf», «Volkswagen Bora» and some others of his time. The body was a five-door liftback sedan (length 4507 mm, width 1731 mm, height 1431 mm) and five-door station wagon (length 4513 mm, width 1731 mm, height 1448-1457 mm). The wheelbase was 2512 mm, curb weight 1175-1205 kg. The car was assembled in the Czech Republic, India, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. In eight years, more than 1.4 million copies were produced.
The following four-cylinder gasoline engines were installed on the first generation car:
- 1.4 liters (1397 cm3, AMD, 8V, OHV, 59 hp)
- 1.4 liters (1390 cm3, AXP/BCA, 16V, DOHC, 74 hp)
- 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, AEE, 8V, SOHC, 74 hp)
- 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, AEH/AKL, 8V, SOHC, 99 hp)
- 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, AVU/BFQ, 8V, SOHC, 101 hp)
- 1.8 liters (1781 cm3, AGN, 20V, DOHC, 123 hp)
- 1.8 liters (1781 cm3, AGU/ARZ/ARX/AUM/AUQ, 20V, DOHC, turbo, 148/178/190 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1984 cm3, APK/AQY/AZJ/AZH, 8V, SOHC, 113 hp)
Diesel engines were four-cylinder, all 1.9 liters (1896 cm3, SOHC, TDI) with codes «AGP/AQM» 67 HP, «AGR/ALH» 89 HP, «ATD/AXR» 99 HP, «AHF/ASV» 108 hp. And «ASZ» 128 hp. The gearbox was set to a five- or six-speed manual, as well as a four- or five-speed automatic.
The first generation was updated in 2000 and was still sold in some markets even after the second generation was introduced in 2004. The main improvements are an independent rear suspension and an improved interior in terms of space, design and material quality. An all-wheel drive version with a clutch was also introduced «Haldex Traction».
In 2001 the European Committee «Euro NCAP» conducted crash tests to determine the safety of the model, the results of which you can see in the table.
Second generation (1Z, 2004-2013)
In March 2004, the second generation of the Skoda Octavia was introduced. The design was developed by German automotive designers Thomas Ingenlath and Peter Wouda. Based on a new platform «Volkswagen Group A5» (PQ35), which is also used for cars of the same time «Audi A3», «Volkswagen Golf», «Volkswagen Jetta», «SEAT Leon» and so on. The body was the same as in the first generation - a five-door liftback sedan and a five-door station wagon. The dimensions of the car increased, which led to an increase in interior space and they amounted to - length 4572 mm, width 1769 mm, height 1462 mm, wheelbase 2578 mm and curb weight 1230-1245 kg. The ground clearance has also been slightly increased to reduce the risk of bottom impact on steep slopes or curbs. The car was assembled in the Czech Republic, Angola, India, Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine. In total, the second generation Octavia produced more than 2.6 million cars.
The range of gasoline engines was presented very widely and consisted of the following models:
- 1.2 liters (1197 cm3, I4, CBZB, 8V, OHC, turbo, 104 hp)
- 1.3 liters (1289 cm3, I4, 8V, OHV, 67 hp)
- 1.4 liters (1390 cm3, I4, BCA, 16V, DOHC, 74 hp)
- 1.4 liters (1390 cm3, I4, BUD, CGGA, 16V, DOHC, 79 hp)
- 1.4 liters (1390 cm3, I4, CAXA, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 120/128 hp)
- 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, I4, BGU, BSE, BSF, CCSA, 8V, SOHC, 101/104 hp)
- 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, I4, BLF, 16V, DOHC, 113 hp)
- 1.8 liters (1798 cm3, I4, BZB, CDAB, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 158 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1984 cm3, I4, 16V, DOHC, 118 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1984 cm3, I4, BLR, BLX, BVX, BVY, 16V, DOHC, 148 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1984 cm3, I4, BWA, CCZA, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 197 hp)
The diesel engines, all turbocharged, had the following characteristics:
- 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, I4, CAYC, 16V, DOHC, 104 hp)
- 1.9 liters (1896 cm3, I4, BJB, BKC, BXE, BLS, 8V, SOHC, 104 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1968 cm3, I4, BMM, 8V, SOHC, 138 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1968 cm3, I4, BMM/BKD/AZV, 16V, DOHC, 138/134 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1968 cm3, I4, CBAA, CBAB, CBDB, CFHC, 16V, DOHC, 138 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1968 cm3, I4, BMN/CEGA, 16V, DOHC, 168 hp)
The transmission was a six- or five-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, and a six- or seven-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic «DSG». There are two all-wheel drive versions: «4x4» and «Scout», each of which is equipped with an all-wheel drive system «Haldex Traction», based on a computer-controlled central clutch.
All models come with four airbags, power front windows, air conditioning, central locking and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
In 2004, crash tests were carried out by the European committee «Euro NCAP», to determine the safety of the vehicle. See the table for detailed results.
In 2008, the updated Octavia 2009 model year was presented at the Paris Motor Show. The headlights, both bumpers, some interior elements, engines and gearboxes have undergone a change.
Third generation (5E, 2013-present time)
The third generation was shown in December 2012 at the Skoda Museum, located in the city of Mlada Boleslav. The car went on sale in February 2013. Designed by Czech auto designer Jozef Kabay. Based on a new automotive platform «Volkswagen Group MQB», which also applies to «Audi A3», «SEAT Leon», «Volkswagen Golf» and others. The body is still a five-door liftback sedan or station wagon. Its dimensions have increased compared to the previous generation. The length of the car reached 4659 mm, width 1814 mm, height 1461 mm, wheelbase 2686 mm and curb weight 1250-1287 kg. Thanks to this, the legroom for front and rear passengers has increased by 30-40 mm. Production was carried out in the Czech Republic, Algeria, India, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. As of the end of 2018, the third generation Octavia had produced more than 1.8 million vehicles.
Gasoline engines are represented by the following modifications:
- 1.0 liter (999 cm3, I3, CHZD, 12V, DOHC, turbo, 113 hp)
- 1.2 liters (1197 cm3, I4, CJZB/CJZA, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 85/103 hp)
- 1.4 liters (1395 cm3, I4, CPWA, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 109 hp)
- 1.4 liters (1395 cm3, I4, CHPA, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 138 hp)
- 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, I4, CWVA, 8V, SOHC, 107 hp)
- 1.8 liters (1798 cm3, I4, CJSA, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 177 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1984 cm3, I4, CHHB, 16V, DOHC, turbo, 217 hp)
Diesel engines all four-cylinder turbocharged and fuel system «Common Rail»: 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, I4, CLHB/CLHA, 16V, DOHC, 89/103 hp) and 2.0 liters (1968 cm3, I4, CRVC/CKFC/CUPA, 16V, DOHC, 141/148/181 hp). Transmission 5- or 6-speed manual or 6- or 7-speed automatic robotic «DSG».
«Octavia» third generation is the first car «Skoda», equipped with a forward radar and a multifunctional camera. The radar in the front bumper monitors the area in front of the car and constantly evaluates the distance, direction and speed of all nearby objects. It provides data for two driver assistants − «Front Assistant» (forward collision warning and emergency braking) And «Adaptive Cruise Assistant» (adaptive cruise control). A multifunctional fixed focus camera is mounted on the windshield in front of the rear view mirror and allows you to perform functions «Lane Assistant» (lane keeping system), «Intelligent Light Assistant» (automatic high beam control) and recognition of road signs.
In 2013 the European committee «Euro NCAP» determined the safety of the car for adult passengers and children, as well as pedestrians. See the results in the table.
In January 2017, an updated third generation Octavia appeared in showrooms, the main visible difference of which is split headlights, and a new predictive pedestrian protection system is also presented.