The new Octavia is available with seven engines options - five petrol and two
diesel - with power outputs ranging between 80PS to 200PS. All seven units are
transversely mounted in the front and drive the front wheels. The 4x4 and Scout
models are fitted with a sophisticated Haldex clutch four-wheel drive system which
transfers power to any of the four wheels when required.
The 1.2 engine is the entry-level Octavia power unit. Despite its modest
displacement, the all-aluminium, in-line four-cylinder powerplant develops 105PS
and is capable of returning 49.6mpg on the combined cycle.
This direct-injection turbocharged engine changes the perception that small engines
deliver small power outputs. Although its capacity is just 1.4-litres, it is both more
powerful and quicker than the 1.6 FSI engine it replaces. It is also significantly more
fuel efficient and cleaner, too.
It develops between 80-122PS and returns up to 47.9mpg on the combined cycle. Capable
of propelling the new Octavia from 0-62mph in just 9.7 seconds, its CO2 emissions are
as low as 147g/km, giving it a level of performance and running costs usually associated
with a larger-capacity petrol engine.
The mid-range 1.8 TSI also combines direct fuel injection with a turbocharger to deliver
an even sportier driving experience than the previous 2.0 FSI motor. With 160PS and a
maximum torque output of 250Nm between 1,500 and 4,200rpm, the 1.8 TSI can return a
frugal 42.8mpg on the combined cycle in manual form.
A notable characteristic of this engine is its strong mid-range - achieved thanks to
the adjustable camshaft on the intake side. CO2 emissions for this highly efficient
engine are 158g/km when fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and 155g/km with the
optional seven-speed DSG transmission.
The 2.0 TFSI 200 PS turbo engine fitted to the Octavia vRS is the most powerful ever
offered by Skoda. It’s also the most flexible with 280Nm of torque on tap from 1,700-5,000rpm.
The incredibly refined nature of this four-cylinder, all-aluminium engine is the result
of two balancing shafts that work in tandem to cancel out unwanted vibration.
The DOHC valve technology with four valves per cylinder uses variable timing for the
intake valves, which improves power delivery and torque. (The engine is fitted with a knock
regulation system with two sensors and a variable plastic intake pipe.)
Available in hatch and estate versions, the vRS is the performance flagship of the
Octavia range. Both the 2.0 T FSI 200PS and 2.0 TDI 170PS Common Rail engines are
offered with the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.
This entry level diesel model is powered by a four-cylinder 105PS engine which
produces 250Nm of torque from 1,500-2,500rpm. It comes with a five-speed manual
gearbox as standard, but can be optioned with a six or seven speed DSG gearbox
providing further fuel efficiency. The 0-62mph dash is taken care of in 12 seconds.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has punchy performance, deep reserves of torque
and coupled with the DSG gearbox, makes for an entertaining drive. The turbocharged
140-170PS unit is a smooth, free-revving gem which surges through 62mph in as little
as 9.4 seconds. It has a combined fuel economy figure of 58-47mpg and carbon dioxide
emissions from the 140PS model are as low as 129g/km.