2010 Skoda Octavia Review
Price
RM139,900
Installment
RM1,334/mth
2010 Skoda Octavia at a glance
Look past the relatively high pricing, poor image and potentially high depreciation, and there is the comfortable, well-built and roomy 2010 Skoda Octavia that gives class-leaders something to think about.
2010 Skoda Octavia quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Skoda Octavia ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2010 Skoda Octavia's rather pedestrian styling will not win it many fans, not when rivals are more modern, more distinctive and generally nicer to look at. Sure, the Skoda front end looks instantly familiar, but is the 2010 Skoda Octavia's styling going to attract buyers? We think unlikely so.
Handling
The Skoda Octavia shares the same basic platform as many Volkswagen models, giving it the same well-adjusted ride-handling balance. The handling is competent overall, with ample grip, decent body control and good composure. However, the 2010 Skoda Octavia is not the most involving or fun to drive, as it lacks the agility of smaller rivals and the steering could be more communicative.
Comfort
The 2010 Skoda Octavia offers a smooth, comfortable ride along with a reasonably refined cabin. At cruising speeds, road and wind noise are noticeable but not in an intrusive manner. The well thought-out cabin comes with a simple, logical dashboard, excellent all-round visibility, and plenty of steering column and driver's seat adjustments. The seats, while adequately supportive, may be too hard for some people.
Quality + Reliability
The 2010 Skoda Octavia's cabin feels classy and appears well-built. The solid fit-and-finish coupled with the quality materials match what class-leaders are offering. The switchgear, mostly shared with Volkswagen models, works with precision and tactility. Skoda is not well-known in Malaysia, but it is overseas. Under Volkswagen's watchful guidance, Skoda has revamped itself with a series of mechanically dependable models including the Octavia.
Performance
Giving the 2010 Skoda Octavia plenty of urge whether for city driving or highway cruising is an in-line four 16-valve 2.0-litre FSI engine. With 148 bhp at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm at 3500 rpm, the engine is strong and flexible. The standard six-speed automatic transmission complements the engine well, shifting smoothly and decisively under all scenarios.
Roominess
The 2010 Skoda Octavia is right up there with the best in terms of interior room and cabin space. Tall adults enjoy more than enough head- and leg-room, both in the front and rear. The boot is not only large at 560 litres, it is well-shaped with no suspension intrusions too. Split-fold rear seats can further extend the loading space to an impressive 1350 litres.
Running Costs
The engine strikes a fine balance between performance and fuel economy; if driven with consideration, the 2010 Skoda Octavia should be reasonable to run. Servicing and repairs should be affordable, too. Depreciation is the biggest concern, however; the Skoda brand is far from established or desirable in Malaysia, which makes maintaining strong resale values hard, however a good car the 2010 Skoda Octavia really is.
Value for Money
The 2010 Skoda Octavia has some established rivals in the Honda Civic, Toyota Altis, Ford Focus and the like. But even against such accomplished competition, the Skoda Octavia holds its own, particularly in the areas of ride comfort, cabin quality, engine performance and interior room. However, the 2010 Skoda Octavia is relatively pricey and, like all Skoda models, it suffers from a poor image and potentially high depreciation.
Equipment
Standard equipments include alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, rear parking sensors, cruise control, 6-disc CD/MP3/radio audio system, electric door mirrors and remote central locking. Safety kit includes airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Environment
Thanks to modern technologies like FSI, the engine is quite frugal and clean for its 2.0-litre capacity. The only blemish is that the 2010 Skoda Octavia is fully imported and would cause more pollution in the process of transportation compared to locally assembled rivals such as the Honda Civic.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Ride comfort
Classy cabin
Class-leading interior room
Relatively pricey
Poor brand image
Potentially high depreciation
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