Skoda Octavia is a car that has become famous for its reliability, unpretentiousness and high comfort of movement. During the history of the model, which has 20 years, three generations of cars have come out, each of which is better and more technologically advanced than the previous one. Today we will talk about the rarest and most exotic Skoda Octavia 4 × 4 combi and all its features.

General concept

The Skoda Octavia A7 station wagon is a real old-timer of the brand's lineup. The first versions of the model with all-wheel drive appeared in 1999, a year before the first restyling. The trunk volume of the station wagon with the rear seats folded reaches 1,500 liters, and the A7 combi interior is more comfortable for family trips.

For this car, a line of atmospheric and turbocharged engines is provided, which includes several diesel engines. A 1.6 diesel is provided for older versions, while a 2-liter turbocharged diesel produces 140 horsepower and a maximum torque of 320 Nm, which gives the Skoda Octavia station wagon enviable traction.

The Skoda Octavia station wagon first appeared with all-wheel drive in 2000 and has the designation Octavia Combi 4 × 4. Later, several diesel versions appeared. Unlike the front-wheel drive version, the Skoda Octavia 4×4 combi version has several key features that distinguish the all-terrain wagon both externally and internally.

First of all, the exterior of the car has a different look. Here you can note the tuning package, which aims to protect the off-road vehicle from bumps and damage when passing off-road.

Thresholds are protected in the form of overlays made of reinforced plastic. With such protection, it will be possible to avoid not only scratches, but also significant dents, which can often be found in modern crossovers.

Arches received similar protection. This type of tuning, according to the manufacturer, will allow the station wagon with all-wheel drive to avoid significant damage and corrosion.

Of course, the advent of all-wheel drive is accompanied by some suspension changes. She received reinforced elements, which for the regular version of the station wagon are supplied with the “Bad Road Package”. Thanks to the design nuances of the new system, the ground clearance was increased by 3 centimeters, even on versions with a diesel engine.

Octavia Combi 4 × 4 is recognizable by some external designations. So, on the trunk lid of the "combi" you can see the characteristic Scout inscription. Once in the cabin, you will be able to find the inscription “4motion”, which indicates the presence of an intelligent all-wheel drive system on both gasoline versions and station wagons with a diesel engine.

Sports modifications

The most famous version of Skoda with all-wheel drive is a car built on the basis of the A7 and not having the ability to install a diesel engine. However, there are still several all-wheel drive versions that are built on the A7 platform. Their examples are the sports versions of the PC and Skoda Octavia Scout Revo 4x4.

The RS version is based on the liftback, which has been produced since 2013. The PC has several unique features that make it instantly stand out from the rest of the lineup.

Moreover, changes relative to ordinary A can be found both in terms of design and technical part.

As for the appearance, the color scheme of the model is somewhat different. The PC version can be found both in a bright blue version and in a snow-white shade. On the radiator grill, which has a slightly different shape, there is a corresponding inscription. In addition, it can sometimes be found on the side of the body and doors in the form of stickers and markings. The rear of the Octavia RS 4x4 is equipped with a chrome trim that also defines the sporty version.

The interior of the Octavia RS 4×4 also has several key features. So, the steering wheel has a sporty design, and the front seats have more rigid lateral support. The PC suspension is reinforced for longer life and greater reliability.

Diesel is not available for the PC version. Instead, a two-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 220 horsepower was developed for the Skoda Octavia. Such a motor is not available for any other modification of the A7. The PC engine has increased fuel consumption, which has a predominantly 98 octane rating. Instead, the buyer receives a car that has improved dynamic performance and acceleration performance.

The gearbox offered for the Octavia RS 4×4 also has a special design. This version is the only one for modification of the PC. The unit has a robotic type and has a two-clutch system. This solution contributes to a more reliable integration of the engine with the gearbox, while carrying out faster gear changes.

Another version that has a sporty twist is the Skoda Octavia Scout Revo 4x4. This version is extremely rare, and for the most part it is used in international sports competitions.

Skoda Octavia Scout Revo 4x4 looks like the Skoda Octavia station wagon, built on the A7 platform. The technical stuffing that is installed on this car is similar to that found on the PC version, and diesel is also not available here. The fifth generation all-wheel drive system works in automatic mode and is installed on the Skoda Octavia Scout Revo 4x4 in serial order.

Principle of operation

At the moment, all sports modifications of the Skoda Octavia are equipped with a fifth-generation all-wheel drive system, conditionally named by the manufacturer 4motion. It is based on the Haldex clutch, which takes over the function of distributing torque between the front and rear axles.

The intelligence of the clutch operates in such a way as to constantly provide a small percentage of torque to the rear axle, which gives the manufacturer the right to call such a system of constant principle.

During sharp acceleration, the torque is distributed equally between the axles, thereby eliminating slipping on wet pavement and loss of power. What's more, the clutch is fully integrated with the stability control systems and reacts instantly to the slightest changes in speed.

The fifth generation of the clutch does not have significant design differences from its predecessor. All the efforts of the designers in its design were put into lightening the mass of parts and minimizing the amount of hydraulics.

The principle of operation of the system is based on the fact that at a certain moment the pump begins to supply high-pressure oil to the channels. Due to this, the driving and driven parts of the mechanism fit snugly against each other, and the rear axle is connected in a certain proportion. In this regard, there is a major drawback of such a system. The high-pressure pump burns out when the oil is not changed in time, and the high-pressure channels can leak and lose their tightness.

Summing up

Skoda Octavia in versions with all-wheel drive - technological and powerful cars. However, the 4motion system is imperfect and not without flaws. However, practice shows that the systems of the latest generations do not have the same shortcomings as their predecessors, and work better and more stable with each version.

The Czech giant recently completely updated the entire family of cars. The new Skoda has received more straight geometric lines, futuristic wheels for rich trim levels and many other nice improvements, including a new generation of all-wheel drive. The cars were equipped with the fifth reincarnation of the long-familiar Skoda Haldex clutch. There was no major revolution.

The node reduced in mass and began to work a little faster. There was a pretension in the work of the Haldex clutch, which constantly provides a small percentage of the moment on the rear axle - a special pride of the shkodovods. Moreover, the all-wheel drive system has always been a hallmark of Skoda, it was not installed only on budget small cars.

Production of the A7 Combi 4×4 started in 2013. The third generation Skoda Octavia quickly flooded the streets of CIS cities and is no longer something rare. The model was a success and remained among the leaders of the segment in the post-Soviet market, without losing a quantum of attractiveness for the consumer.

What's new in Skoda combi :

• Progressive design with reduced aerodynamic drag.
• Rear lights with LED strip became available as an option.
• Exhaust pipes hidden from view.
• Engines can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a proprietary DSG-7 automatic.
• It became 1.5 centimeters more headroom, significantly increased legroom.
• Body dimensions have slightly increased - 90mm longer and 45mm wider than its predecessor.
• Trunk volume was increased to 1740 liters with the rear seats folded down - a record in the class.

In the photo: Skoda "Kombi" 2014 release.

Skoda has never made such interesting and bold designs before, which did not suit many car enthusiasts, including owners. The new lines will remain relevant much longer than their predecessor. Engineers paid special attention to efficiency. The body has become lighter by as much as 102 kilograms, a seven-speed DSG dry clutch gearbox has appeared - the most economical automatic machine from the VW concern.

• According to the manufacturer, consumptionOctavia 4×4with a 1.4 TFSi engine it is 6 liters per hundred kilometers in the combined cycle, acceleration to 100 km / h takes 8 seconds - a very worthy combination of consumption / dynamics.

In the photo: 2014 Skoda Combi with all-wheel drive system.

Prices

The cost of Skoda Octavia Combi 4×4 starts from 13,880 euros. The most expensive modification - a two-liter turbodiesel with a DSG-7 box in the Style package will cost 80-100% more. There are three trim levels to choose from: Active, Ambition and Elegance.

Compared to its predecessor, the cost of Skoda body repairs will be more expensive, due to the introduction of complex metal stamping. Prices for plastic, bumpers, body kits remain at a fairly affordable level. What attracts the Skoda service policy is the fixed cost of scheduled maintenance for each specific model.

Dynamics and controllability Octavia Combi

Skoda's proprietary all-wheel drive provides the most torquey and uniform acceleration with minimal slippage. On dry pavement, a turbocharged 1.4 with a DSG gearbox accelerates the car to 100 km / h in just 8.3 seconds, according to the passport - 8.5. A similar indicator for a two-liter turbodiesel. Petrol 1.8 with DSG preselective transmission breaks down to hundreds a second faster.

Octavia 4×4 behaves quite predictably and confidently in corners, which is facilitated by a lightweight body and MacPherson type independent front suspension with triangular wishbones. Comfort in versions 1.8, which are equipped with a rear multi-link, is at a high level. The remaining modifications are equipped with a torsion beam, which is quite rigid and ineffective, but very reliable.

Characteristics Octavia

In the diagram: a new generation of all-wheel drive in the Skoda Octavia A7.

The main advantage of the geometry of the Octavia 4×4 Combi is the ground clearance, which is 155 mm, which allows you to confidently overcome light off-road conditions. Body dimensions: length - 4659mm, height - 1465, width - 2017. Wheelbase - 2686mm.

The maximum speed ranges from 193–216 km/h on 1.2 TSI–2.0 TDI engines, respectively. 1.6 MPI, the most voracious, consumes 9.6 liters of high-octane gasoline per hundred kilometers in urban mode. The curb weight of the Skoda Octavia station wagon is 1247–1367 kg, depending on the configuration.

• The volume of the fuel tank is 50 liters, which is enough for an average of 850 kilometers. Electronic four-wheel driveSkoda redistributes torque as needed to save fuel.

Octavia Scout 4×4 - a little more off-road

The main difference between the Scout is the ground clearance of 171mm, compared to 155 for the Combi. All the same four-wheel drive with electronic torque correction for each wheel, similar dimensions. To protect against gravel, grass and branches, a plastic unpainted pad on the thresholds and fenders has been added, which can not be spared when passing through difficult sections. All-wheel drive works through a 5th generation Haldex 4 × 4 clutch and is capable of delivering 85% of the torque to one of the wheels and up to 90% to the rear axle.

More differences Skoda Octavia Scout :

• For Russia, only one version is available with a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder eight and a DSG-6 box.
• At the rear, a multi-link suspension is installed instead of a beam.
• A package of bad roads.
• Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are available as standard.
• Full crankcase and bumper protection.
• More energy-intensive shock absorbers with extended springs were used.
• To reduce the weight of the car, engineers reduced the amount of hydraulics in the 4x4 clutch.

In the photo: Skoda Octavia "Scout" with a four-wheel drive system.

Prices

Prices for Skoda Scout have grown along with the capabilities of the car and the charge. The cost starts from 17 thousand euros. This amount includes six airbags, adaptive fog lights, full power accessories, native multimedia with a touch screen, fabric seat upholstery, bi-xenon light, active cruise, dual-zone climate control, a glass sunroof overhead.

• UsedOctavia Scoutthe previous generation in good condition can be purchased for 10 thousand euros.

Dynamics and controllability

As already mentioned, only 1.8 petrol with a six-speed DSG automatic will be supplied to Russia, which will be discussed. In sport mode, the accelerating dynamics are very noticeable and allow you to break away from the city traffic or boldly overtake.

A hundred Skoda is gaining in 7.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 216 km / h. The stiffer work of the shock absorbers compensates for the high ground clearance and the car enters the turns like a glove. Good handling is characteristic of all generations of the Skoda Octavia. Four-wheel drive makes acceleration smoother, none of the axles tends to skid, slip is minimal.

In the diagram: the all-wheel drive system distributes the moment when the wheels hit different types of coverage.

Characteristics

As in the usual Skoda Octavia station wagon, long luggage up to 3 meters can be placed here. Body dimensions: length - 4685mm, width - 1814, height - 1531. Five people can comfortably accommodate in the cabin. The volume of the trunk with the rear seats folded down is 1740 liters, with the unfolded ones - 610.

• Consumption in the combined cycle - 6.9 liters / 100 kilometers. The recommended brand of gasoline is AI-95.

In the photo: the new Skoda Octavia "Scout" with a ground clearance increased by 31 millimeters, compared to the configurationcombi 4×4.

conclusions

Octavia 4×4 is ideal for family trips to the country house, forest, lakes or the sea. This is facilitated by the high level of safety achieved by both active systems and body rigidity. Both models are designed for young people with an average income who value a healthy lifestyle. Trunk volume and stiff suspension allow you to transport a small amount of building materials, and the interior contributes to comfortable trips over long distances.

"Debuted in September 1996. The car was created on a single platform with the Volkswagen Golf IV. Since 1998, in addition to the sedan, a station wagon has also been produced. Gasoline engines 1.4; 1.6; 1.8; 2.0 liters and three 1.9-liter diesel engines (atmospheric and two supercharged) of varying degrees of forcing.Transmission - mechanical five-speed or automatic.There is an all-wheel drive modification.

Sergey VOSKRESENSKY, Anatoly KARPENKOV

It would be illogical if Skoda, successfully trying on all the advanced Volkswagen technologies, abandoned the all-wheel drive transmission with the latest Haldex clutch (it recently appeared on the fourth generation Golf).

By the will of the strategists, it was the Octavia Combi, that is, the station wagon, with a modest ninety-horsepower 1.9TDi diesel engine that was the first to inherit this all-wheel drive scheme.

Outwardly, the Octavia 4x4 does not stand out in any way among its relatives adapted to Russian conditions. The same body, the same tires of dimension 195/65R15, and only a modest nameplate on the fifth door betrays its “all-wheel drive”. Of course, if you put a car next to it on a “low”, European suspension (in Russia, most “octaves” are “high”, adapted), you will immediately notice that the body is raised and the ground clearance is increased. There are also no noticeable differences in the cabin - only a bright 4x4 inscription on the head of the gear lever.

The first features are in the luggage compartment. The cargo compartment of the Octavia 4x4 is clearly smaller, because under the body floor there is a multi-link suspension and an impressive differential box, combined with a multi-plate clutch, which distributes the torque along the axles.

Well, some loss of useful volume for an all-wheel drive is forgivable, but for a station wagon ... Let's see if this is compensated by the capabilities of the car.

The diesel engine readily responds to the turn of the ignition key, filling the cabin with an unexpectedly loud monotonous rumble. Vibrations are very noticeable on the steering wheel, clutch pedal and even door upholstery. I remember that we did not notice such “musicality” on the front-wheel drive diesel 110-horsepower Octavia. We add a little speed - the vibrations disappear and the station wagon immediately becomes friendly and cozy.

The capabilities of the engine are clearly modest for the all-wheel drive version of the Octavia. His "inflated" ninety horses is enough only for the quiet movement of the car in space. It is worth asking more from the car, as you are faced with a lack of torque "on the bottom", quite noticeable due to the stretched gear ratios of the transmission. So it turns out that up to 2000 rpm you are looking forward to the “turbo” pickup, and by 4000 rpm the diesel noticeably loses its activity. There remains a rather narrow operating range, requiring frequent gear changes both in the city and on the highway.

The all-wheel drive suspension is also very peculiar. On smooth asphalt roads, it even seems unnecessarily hard: the impression that all small bumps are transmitted to the body. But as soon as a gently sloping wave, traditional for our roads, appears, body vibrations suddenly alert with increased amplitudes.

On a dry and even surface, the reactions of our ward are simple, understandable and ... front-wheel drive. This is not surprising, because in fact the Octavia 4x4 is a car with an automatically connected rear axle. Therefore, when driving without slipping and slipping, almost all 100% of the torque is transmitted to the front axle of the car.

We turn onto a slippery road. The very first starting off allows you to taste all the advantages of the four drive wheels. The front ones have time to turn a little, and then the clutch activates the rear axle. "Octavia", as if forgetting about a modest engine, like a spring-loaded breaks away. On muddy snow and ice, the reactions of the car are surprisingly stable and reliable. As if on rails, it rebuilds from row to row when overtaking, confidently keeps the road on a straight line and in gentle turns. But do not cross the line of what is permitted. A surprise awaits at the very first emergency braking - under the displeased chirp of the anti-lock braking system, we rush past the desired denouement - the tires are summer!

Finally we turn onto a special winding track. Alas, Octavia does not like extreme driving. In fast corners, it first slips out of the turn “in a front-wheel drive”, sluggishly reacting to the corrective actions of the driver, and then, as if remembering the rear drive axle, it suddenly falls into a deep skid. To correct it with thrust, the engine’s capabilities are no longer enough and you have to pretty much work with the steering wheel ...

Having run over, we turn into a deep rut. "Octavia" confidently moves forward, despite the summer tires and not so high ground clearance, especially since the engine protection is steel, strong, not afraid of contact with the road. Of course, the Octavia 4x4 is not for outright off-road, but this car still allows you something.

It's time to summarize the impressions. Perhaps, the all-wheel drive "Octavia" in a similar design is well suited to the concept of a family station wagon. It costs $22,400 on the SLX with climate control and heated seats. There is only one “but”: it is very crowded behind - the heavy legacy of the fourth Golf, to which the Octavia is the closest relative.

(manufacturer's data)

General data: number of seats - 5; curb weight - 1420 kg; gross weight - 1950 kg; maximum speed - 173 km / h; acceleration time 0–100 km / h - 15.2 s; fuel consumption in conditional suburban and urban cycles - 4.9 / 7.3 l / 100 km. Engine: diesel, with direct fuel injection and turbocharging; location - front transversely; number of cylinders - 4; working volume - 1896 cm3; cylinder diameter and piston stroke - 79.5x95.5 mm; compression ratio - 19.5; power - 66 kW / 90 l. With. at 4000 rpm; maximum torque - 210 N.m at 1900 rpm. Transmission: all-wheel drive with torque distribution along the axles through the Haldex clutch; gearbox - mechanical; gear ratios: I - 3.78; II - 2.06; III - 1.31; IV - 0.92; V - 0.72; reverse gear - 3.6; the main pair is 3.65. Suspension: front - type "MacPherson" with anti-roll bar, rear - longitudinal and transverse levers with anti-roll bar. Brakes: ventilated disc with vacuum booster and ABS. Steering: power rack and pinion.

Reliable behavior on snowy, slippery, wet roads, efficiency, the makings of off-road qualities, a comfortable driver's workplace.

Modest engine capabilities, cramped rear seat, handling in extreme conditions leaves much to be desired.

This is not at all the "quattra"

on which the "driver" (that is, the driver) will be able to satisfy his driver's ambitions. For this all-wheel drive Octavia, a completely different engine is needed. For the role of a family crew, perhaps, it will fit, however, with a reservation about tightness in the back.

The car was provided by Pelican-Auto.

Photo by Vladimir KNYAZEV

Skoda is one of the few brands that offers an all-wheel drive system for half of its models, excluding the very compact ones. Of course, the Czechs inherited such enthusiasm from the parent concern Volkswagen, as, in fact, all the technical “stuffing”.

The basis for all Škod all-wheel drive transmissions is the Haldex coupling, introduced already in the fifth generation. In general, the Driving Experience event was dedicated not so much to the presentation of cars, each of which we had already experienced in a two-wheel drive version, but to the updated 4x4 system.

Updated, because nothing fundamentally new has appeared in Haldex 5. This is the result of upgrading the previous generation system, aimed at reducing weight and increasing speed. If we omit all the technical details, we can say that the system has become a little less hydraulics and a little more electrics.

As before, Skoda's four-wheel drive is without a center differential, but the clutch constantly works with a slight preload, always transferring a small percentage of torque to the rear axle. This allows Skoda to call their all-wheel drive models Full Time - with permanent all-wheel drive.

The main advantage of the system based on the Haldex coupling is not only in the speed of redistribution of torque along the axles, but also in the fact that the wheel slip of the driving front axle is not the main argument for connecting the rear ones.

Electronics reads information from a huge number of sensors, starting with the level of pressing the gas pedal and ending with lateral and longitudinal acceleration. At each moment of time, it is decided whether and in what quantity it is necessary to use the all-wheel drive, for example, in order to turn the car in a sharp turn, even if there is dry asphalt under the wheels.

Under the full control of electronics and cross-wheel torque distribution, both on the front and rear axles. Of course, there are no locks here, the ESP system imitates them, slowing down each specific wheel if necessary.

The most interesting thing is that this whole complex makes Skoda cars not so much more passable as safer, which was the first thing the organizers of the event tried to show. So, all-wheel drive Octavia and Superba against their front-wheel drive "brothers".

At the water-filled training ground, three tests had to be passed in turn, changing every five minutes from a front-wheel drive car to an all-wheel drive one.

The first exercise is the entry into a gentle turn, which has a coating with a minimum coefficient of friction. In fact, an imitation of one of the most common causes of accidents on a winter track.

It's all pretty predictable. With a quick but smooth entry into a turn, the front-wheel drive Octavia immediately “floats” with its limber out of the turn. The instantaneous release of gas for corrective work by the steering wheel is quite abruptly suppressed by the intervention of the ESP system, which, by braking the corresponding wheels, cuts off the fuel supply until the car is completely “straightened up”.

A more provocative drive under a sharp throttle opening in a turn with a turn of the rudder at the last moment is immediately reflected by a skid of the stern, which is reflexively extinguished by a counter-lunge with the rudder to add ha ... and here it is not, the same stabilization system, and this time knocking out the brakes, strangles the engine, without giving the opportunity to pull the car on their own. As a result, all the same steering adjustment for a smooth deceleration and only then return to the set course.

All-wheel drive Octavia Combi behaves really more stable. Behavior on a slippery arc does without sudden movements from both the car and the driver. You can even gently “sink”, controlling the speed limit by the chirp of the ESP – the system intervenes here more correctly, pinpointing the slipping wheels. And even if it went over at a speed, the all-wheel drive Octavia slides out more slowly and with the whole “body”, allowing the driver to make the choice himself ... no, there is no choice: the unswitchable “collar” of safety during the critical development of the demolition again takes everything under its control.

The second and third exercises were similar. It was proposed to go through the "snake" first on a horizontal, then on a slippery surface on the rise. In both cases, everything is plentifully watered.

The long and massive Superb, even with front-wheel drive, reluctantly lends itself to provocations. An attempt to “blab” the car on wet pavement is like in slow motion - the rear wheels begin to slip smoothly, for which the ESP immediately grabs. But the arrival on a very slippery slope with a simultaneous detour of obstacles was difficult for the car, and nervously for the driver.

To the chirping throughout the stabilization system with "suffocating" failures in the reactions to the accelerator, sharp "blows" on the brakes of the drive wheels of the traction control system were added. As a result, the ride up the mountain was a jerky jump with the danger of rolling back to the foot.

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Whether business Skoda Superb Combi 4x4. Yes, traction control here also works rough, but due to the fact that the front wheels are pulled uphill, and the rear wheels are immediately pushed, the car moves with minimal ESP intervention, that is, smoother, more even and ... noticeably faster. In general, the advantage is clear and obvious.

For the Skoda Yeti, the organizers of the test prepared more seriously - off-road. Although, I must say, without our native mud mess, this is somehow not off-road - for example, geometric obstacles.

But first, bench tests of the Haldex 5 coupling on a roller rack. This is where you can clearly see how the distribution of torque occurs and the speed with which the system determines the “spinning” wheel. Of course, the positive result was predictable, otherwise they wouldn’t have driven them, but it’s not to say that the Yeti copes with this exercise once or twice.

Already in natural conditions, Yeti easily crawled along the slopes of the mountains, without causing any problems to the driver. And overcoming the steepest descent, when the driver and front passenger literally hang on the seat belts, became the main attraction at all - the work of the electronic system for descending the mountain was checked. In fact, the crossover, playing with the brakes, moves out on its own at the lowest possible speed - the driver only needs to decide to release all the pedals.

The most exciting task was to overcome the "snake" inside the ravine. Yeti, of course, pleased with its geometric cross-country ability and a fairly successful struggle with diagonal hanging, but when it rolled over on its side, it was not weakly scary. The fact is that the maximum lateral tilt angle for a crossover is 45 degrees, after which there is a rollover, and, of course, there is no inclination in the car. So when the car fell from one side to the other in free fall, the heart skipped a little - it suddenly took more than 45 degrees.

Yeti was the most hesitant overcoming sandy climbs, which again forced him to speak unkindly about the work of ESP. As soon as you start to wiggle the steering wheel on an unsteady climb with slipping wheels, choosing the optimal climbing trajectory, the electronics instantly perceive this as a loss of stability and immediately choke the engine even with the Off-road system turned on.

The update, or restyling, gave the Octavia a new bumper and headlights, electronic systems and, perhaps most importantly, all-wheel drive (previously only offered for station wagons). How useful it is and how it works - we'll figure it out in the course of ours.

I have been waiting and preparing for this moment. It had to happen sooner or later - and it did. I think I'm testing a car that... has no competition?! However, let's go in order.

The first point of the 7D program is the selection for the tested machine of rivals that are as close as possible in price and technology, in order to put pros and cons during a virtual comparison - when the machine, respectively, shows itself better or worse than classmates. And now, right off the bat: can you name the cars that the all-wheel drive Czech liftback with 180 horsepower and with a price of 1.6 million will compete with ?! It seems there are none.

Don't be in a hurry. First, let's look at the price. The base for the all-wheel drive "Octavia" in the Style package is 1,668,000 rubles. After going through a long list of packages and options and ticking far from everywhere (but not being greedy), I reached the amount of 2.1 million and stopped to take a breath. LEDs-sensors-big wheels-electronic assistants... All this I need!

And with such a price, you can already look for rivals. Since Skoda is making an application in the class of powerful and all-wheel drive, let's look at the cars of those manufacturers that have been here for a long time. And even if these are cars that are commonly called "premium": the main thing is equipment and money, and the image will follow.

When we discussed this choice of opponents on the air, we met with the support of the listeners. This means that you will also meet eminent, fast and all-wheel drive competitors, one smaller, the other bigger. Both the one and the other in the back of a sedan, which is still closer to the Czech liftback than the curvy hatch. The table shows the base prices, and how they can be increased - for Skoda, and for BMW, and for Audi - I gave an example above. Let's see how the Czechs play this "hockey"!

There are more changes in the appearance of the Octavia, but the headlights and bumper are the most noticeable and, I would say, outstanding (the length of the car, by the way, has increased by 11 mm). As for the divided four headlights ... I heard the opinions of colleagues that "in the photo it really does not look very good, but in real life the car is better." So, it's not better.

I understand that after some time, as always happens with restyled cars, I will get used to it and consider the old face obsolete. So it was with the previous generation of Octavia. But for now - thank you, I can not praise the appearance. This is my subjective assessment, I will not argue with a different opinion.

But Skoda has a remarkable property, which is realized due to its close relationship with Volkswagen, Audi and other brands of the concern. The easiest way to describe it is this: you sit in the Octavia, and you feel like you are in the Golf or even A3. Materials, quality of fit, ergonomics - at the highest level.

The only thing I can reproach for is that on the new very large (9 inches) multimedia screen, a control technology without buttons is implemented. That is, they are drawn, but not pressed. I still consider this decision, generally accepted for smartphones, tablets and other household appliances, as applied to a car, to be doubtful. For me, they didn’t come up with anything better than the old “Volkswagen” classic buttons around the screen. The driver needs reliability and intelligible feedback, which I have always envied when trying to unlock the screen of my smartphone in the cold (the most effective way is with the nose, in my opinion. If you know a better way, please tell me).

Škoda wouldn't be Škoda without offering simple and ingenious (simply clever) solutions. The umbrella under the passenger seat is a small thing, we have seen this before. Better answer, how do you open a bottle of water while driving? Are you kneeling too? And in the new Octavia, the niche for the bottle is made in such a way that it keeps the container from rotating: unscrew the tight cork with one hand. Class!

The result of the first round, when we examined and looked around in the car, there will be neither plus nor minus. Somewhere in the details yielding, and somewhere winning, "Skoda" as a whole is quite consistent with the level of competitors, and this is a success.

When I started riding the second-generation Octavia a decade ago, I found myself taking the longer route home; moreover, I skip the last turn, so that later I can give it properly on a wide avenue to the next turn. I liked it so much that the car sticks to the road, how it obeys - I just didn’t want to stop. And every morning, leaving the entrance, I was glad that there was a trip in such a car. Not a test drive of a novelty, but an ordinary daily ride cheered me up! Then there were other machines that could do the same, but I remember the first one best of all.

The current third Octavia has retained this wonderful feature, and driving in suddenly disgusting weather from Gelendzhik to Dzhubga, I was glad even for trucks that gathered long tails of cars behind them: we’ll drive a couple of minutes longer. 180 horsepower and four-wheel drive made it possible to use any opportunity for overtaking, despite the storm wind and heavy rain. Right along the stream of water, under which the asphalt disappeared, we boldly take acceleration and confidently get ahead of the slow-moving ones!

I would like to note the precise and very intelligent work of the adaptive cruise control and the very sensitive "line assist" - the steering wheel seemed to cling even to the half-erased markings and confidently corrected the trajectory of the car. Recently it was exotic, then the lot of the premium class, and now it is taken for granted in the most massive segment!

Skoda has an excellent navigation system, which has a lot of advantages and one, but often a decisive drawback. Moreover, the disadvantage does not apply to the Czech brand, but to any car with a standard navigation system: old maps. For example, a new interchange at the intersection of the M-4 and A-147 highways (turning to Dzhubga and Sochi) has been working for a year now, and you won’t learn it all, unfortunate navigators!

The result of the second round is also zero, and this is actually an indicator of the efforts of the Czechs, who are on an equal footing with very serious opponents.

If I say that in urban conditions I discovered the clear advantages of the powerful all-wheel drive Octavia, I will sin against the truth. Just a good car, with all the necessary auxiliary electronics, decent dynamics and ample maneuverability.

The main thing is that I finally managed to find a clearly and to the point working parking assistant! A year ago, on the Scout, I was glad how simple and clear it works, but here I managed to simulate a really difficult and tight race, which the car coped with on its own and quickly. I give up: useful parking assistants exist. An example is the Skoda Octavia.

This is not a property of the cars of this segment, these are the preferences of the audience. "Disco" fully answers them. And this means that even though he personally doesn’t seem like a good choice to me in the city, there are no minuses: the car is on the level!

Although repairs on the M-4 Don sometimes made us jump along the side of the road, and then for the sake of a beautiful shot we turned onto a rocky country road that steeply went into the mountains, let's make a reservation right away: the cars participating and mentioned in this test are made all-wheel drive for the sake of handling. Somewhat better permeability is a side effect.

Yes, the Octavia, having connected the rear wheels with a clutch, will overcome the icy climb, will not save in the winter in the mountains, it will not care about wet grass either, and the rut with liquid mud will not frighten. Only it should be very shallow. The ground clearance of 153 mm is too small to seriously argue "it will pass - it will not pass." By the way, prepare another 8900 rubles for such disputes: branded engine protection is very useful!

Opponents are no better in this respect, so in this round - parity. And if you really need better cross-country ability than an ordinary passenger car, take a closer look at the Scout or Yeti. Yes, and "Kodiak" is not far off.

The Octavia is longer than its competitors, has a close wheelbase, but its main advantage is its body, which is a cross between a sedan and a hatchback. A huge tailgate and an incredibly capacious 568-liter trunk, which can be almost tripled by folding the rear seat backs, provide an advantage over competing classic sedans. All sorts of nets, hooks and clamps help to organize this space in the most convenient and practical way.

Not only for luggage, there is also quite enough space for people: there can be no complaints with the four of you, the five of you will be a little cramped and lose the armrest. There are two USB ports at the back (where would we be without them today!), a 230 V socket, a curtain ...

A practical liftback celebrates a victory over a prestigious sedan: I give Octavia the first plus!

And for future buyers, I’ll note: if you choose beautiful 17-inch wheels (plus 15 thousand rubles), then ask for a spare wheel, that is, a narrow wheel, because the former 16-inch, despite being full-size, will also be in the status of a temporary one, hobble to tire fitting. Why waste space on it then?

And only in the most extreme case - 92, get to the next gas station. Fuel with an octane rating of 98, also indicated in the diet, seems to me to be reinsurance. Moreover, it is not found at every gas station and is not always of proper quality.

In terms of consumption, Skoda does not stand out either for better or for worse: during a test drive along the coastal section of the M-4 with serpentines and climbs, I got about 8 liters per hundred. Matches the average.

All-wheel drive "octaves" are offered in two bodies, in two trim levels, and in total in the range of restyled cars - three engines, three boxes, two bodies, four performance levels, and I still do not take into account the Scout version. The range is more than wide.

The price of 1.6 million is very, very much for Skoda. But even being wound up with the help of options up to 2 million and above, this is a little compared to competitors. And here comes the time of the main question: what is more important, the name or money? Real qualities or prestige?

I answer it with another plus, because objectively, the Skoda offer looks very interesting on the market. You just need to know what to compare it to. I know.

Skoda Octavia 4 × 4 - has withstood the comparison with competitors who formally belong to the prestigious segment. Evidence of this is the final assessment - not a single minus and two pluses. The result is somewhat unexpected, but therefore even more valuable.