The appearance (design) of the Octavia car body was created entirely by stylists of "ŠKODA - AO Automobile Plant". The design layout was also developed in the pilot production center using the CAD/CAM computing system of the VW concern and other companies. The body meets high aesthetic requirements, as well as the highest requirements for impact safety and torsional rigidity. The floor of the body was developed within the framework of a joint strategic concept with the VW concern and is even more optimized for the ŠKODA Octavia body, especially in terms of the side members and attachment points related to the chassis.
The mentioned solution of the body, chassis and engines in the Octavia series of cars achieved a high design level, high consumer value of the car, environmental friendliness, as well as a high level of production and repair technologies and, most importantly, overall quality at a level comparable to the European standard.
A number of car parts are, of course, manufactured by specialized well-known supplier firms, local and foreign. It should be emphasized that all data provided in the following chapters are for informational purposes only. I hope they will be useful to readers interested in learning about the design and construction of Skoda Octavia cars. For maintenance and repair, use only Skoda service centers.
Description and main technical data
It should be taken into account that all subsequent information provided in the book was obtained during the process of establishing serial production, i.e. during 1996. The manufacturer will gradually change and expand the specified range of types and modifications of both bodies and engines and gearboxes.
Skoda Octavia cars have a monocoque body made of steel stampings. The engine is located at the front across the body and drives the front wheels. This concept, in line with global trends, allows for an expansion of the range of bodies with minimal costs for changes in production technology and the range of spare parts.
During the formation process, i.e. in the second half of 1996, the production of cars with a unified sedan body in three modifications was started: LX, GLX and SLX. At that time, three engines were offered for production services: two petrol (1.6–55 kW and 1.8–92 kW) and one diesel (1.9 TDI–66 kW). All engines have an exhaust gas catalytic converter in the exhaust tract. Gearboxes are mechanical with manual control; in cars equipped with a 1.8–92 kW engine, an automatic transmission can be installed.
An overview of the equipment of the unified modifications is given in the following sections of this chapter. The main technical parameters are summarized in tables. Therefore, only a brief indicative description of the car is given here.
The body has wedge-shaped lines, forming surfaces with very smooth rounding, favorable from the point of view of aerodynamics. The front part is dominated by an optically lowered bonnet with a well-drawn radiator grille, reaching the headlights, combined with front direction indicators, extended onto the side surfaces. The windshield glass is glued in, windshield washers are standard. Four doors with safety locks and lowering windows. The rear part of the body under the window is extended. To facilitate access to the luggage compartment, the lid is extended all the way to the top of the body and is one piece with the rear window. The electrically heated rear window glass is also glued in. Overall, the glazed surface of the car is quite large and allows for a good overview and, therefore, safe driving.
The characteristic lines of the body are emphasized by powerful plastic bumpers that merge with the body. The rear group lights are recessed into the side surfaces of the car, which increases the safety of operation. The body causes minimal aerodynamic noise. Its rigidity and impact resistance are high and more than cover international safety requirements. The cabin is perfectly sealed. The interior of the car is very elegant, the color scheme is harmonious. All controls are easily accessible, indicators are clearly visible. Both have the appropriate international designations. The steering wheel is adjustable. The anatomical seats are very comfortable, the front one can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction (at the driver and in height) and smoothly set the tilt of the seat back. The seat does not cause fatigue even on a long trip. All seats have adjustable headrests and seat belts. The car can be equipped with inflatable airbags. The mat and insulating elements prevent noise from entering the cabin. The luggage compartment is transformable, closed from above by a shelf behind the rear seat supports.
Cabin heating and ventilation are excellent. Air conditioning can be ordered additionally. The description given applies to LX equipment options. The luxury version has richer equipment, but it can be enriched even more by ordering additionally. The range of equipment of standard modifications and additional equipment is given in subsection 1.8.
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The chassis of the Octavia cars is also made at a high technical level. The front axle with McPherson wheel suspension is supplemented with a transverse stabilizer. The steering mechanism with a toothed rack has a booster as standard. The rear suspension is crank with traction consoles. The rear suspension support, working on torsion, is reinforced with a built-in transverse stabilizer. Suspension is good due to the action of hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Very effective brakes can be optionally supplemented with ABS equipment. The chassis allows for a calm, comfortable ride and precise control of the car.