Skoda Octavia Combi
Skoda Octavia Combi Skoda Octavia Combi
When at dinner a Czech from the development team of the new Octavia asked if the Russians really could not live without vodka, I could hardly resist the sharpness about the cap with earflaps, nesting dolls and bears walking in the streets. Imagine what they think about us in the rest of the world, even if the Slav brothers believe in the cliche? To such misconceptions, I also attribute the opinion of the Russian man’s commitment to sedans. Do not believe? Look out the window. From my own, I counted only six parked four-doors. As well as a dozen hatchbacks, three crossovers and five station wagons. On the market of the latter, one more noteworthy option has now been registered.
LITTLE GIANT
For those who have already seen the third "Octavia" in the back of a liftback, the design of the "Combi" is hardly a surprise. It seems that the car simply extended the roof line and added a sheer back door, but against the background of the source the station wagon looks even more harmonious. Many admirers of classic forms, this machine will fall in love with its appearance alone. But the main bait should be practicality, which is elevated to the absolute.
For an extra charge, the Octavia sofa will be equipped with heating
For an extra charge, the Octavia sofa will be equipped with heating. For an extra charge, the Octavia sofa will be equipped with heating.
In relation to its predecessor, the novelty added literally in all directions: the length increased by 90 mm, the width - by 45 mm, and the wheelbase - by as much as 108 mm, automatically stretching the length of the cabin to a record in the class of 1782 mm. The trunk also swelled up a bit - up to 610 liters, and with it the number of "chips" in the spirit of the latest corporate trend increased. Remember the ice scraper that appeared on the Rapida in the gas tank flap? And the garbage containers on the front door pockets? The luggage compartment of the Octavia Combi is replete with such decisions.
Firstly, in its design, a transformable double floor is realized for the first time, capable of accepting up to six different positions, and a tier below is a place to store the curtains and a removable roof rack. Secondly, when transporting boxes and boxes, you can use a fastener that secures the load with a Velcro. And thirdly, the transformation process is maximally simplified thanks to the levers that make it possible to fold the backrest out of the trunk, and the folding front passenger seat frees up space for long meters (up to 2.92 m). Is this not enough? Add a double-sided luggage mat: rubber-pile, pile-rubber.
The double boot floor is capable of taking up to six different positions. Pleasant little things like four folding hooks, two lights and a 12 V outlet are standard
The double boot floor is capable of taking up to six different positions. Pleasant little things like four folding hooks, two lights and a 12 V outlet are standard. The double boot floor is capable of taking up to six different positions. Pleasant little things like four folding hooks, two lights and a 12 V outlet are standard.
HEART SUFFICIENCY
Since I tested the station wagon with the same gasoline supercharged engines (1.4 liters, 140 hp and 1.8 liters, 180 hp), which my colleague met at the presentation of the liftback (ЗР , 2013, No. 3), I will not go into long discussions. I can only say that I liked both engines, but more - 140-horsepower. In combination with a 6-speed manual, it is enough for frisky accelerations on the autobahn, and the speedometer needle on the allowed sections quickly rests in a considerable 215 km / h. At the same time, the station wagon perfectly holds a straight line and pleases with acoustic comfort.
You expect more from 180 horses and a DSG. Subjectively, such a machine is only slightly faster, besides, I did not notice any qualitative differences in handling, despite the different design of the rear suspension (1.4 l - elastic beam, 1.8 l - multi-link).
The fifth-generation Haldex coupling is installed on all-wheel drive versions of the station wagon: it is able to respond to coating changes in thousandths of a second. The novelty is 1.4 kg lighter, but the principle of its operation has not changed: torque is supplied to the rear axle only in case of loss of adhesion.
Assessing the stock of space in the back row, one involuntarily recalls the Superb
Assessing the stock of space in the back row, one involuntarily recalls the Superb. Assessing the stock of space in the back row, one involuntarily recalls the Superb.
In Europe, the Octavia Combi 4 × 4 is available from June and is offered with two diesel (1.6 TDI, 105 hp and 2.0 TDI, 150 hp) and one gasoline engine (1, 8 TSI, 180 hp). Regardless of the selected unit and configuration, the station wagon is equipped with an electronic differential lock (EDL). But the clearance remained the same as in the regular version, so I recommend that fans of road asphalt wait for the Scout version.
To summarize: the third generation of Octavia Combi was a success. The car has become more spacious, faster and quieter than its predecessor - no less than last year’s owner of the title of the most popular station wagon in Europe! Given the Czechs' continued pricing policy, I see no reason that could prevent the new product from defending this title this year.
