 |  | | FSi engine has direct fuel injection for higher output. 2.0-litre all-aluminium DOHC 16-valve engine also has variable intake valve timing and balance shafts |  | | 6-speed tiptronic transmission offers best of both worlds with automatic and manual shifting | Most Malaysians would know that European brands like Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot go back to the beginning of the last century but they are not the only ones which have been around that long. There are also other smaller ones around Europe, some of which faded away while others remain till this day. Of those that are still around, perhaps Skoda, from the Czech Republic, is the one that has achieved significance because of its advancement since the late 1990s. Skoda had long been a respected brand in Europe but when Czechoslovakia ended up behind the Iron Curtain of the communists, the company’s progress was stifled and it remained in a technological time-warp. Product development was almost non-existent and the models it exported (some of which ended up in Malaysia in 1982) were hardly worth considering. Then came Volkswagen after the Berlin Wall came down and the country was again in the ‘free world’, able to accept investments and to change go down the road of capitalism. VW bought over Skoda from the Czech government, upgraded its factories and provided modern designs and technology for new products which could be affordably priced. As many of the platforms were shared with VW models, buyers in the know came to regard Skodas as lower-priced VW clones (which was good for Skoda but not so good for VW!). Since the late 1990s, Skoda has charted impressive growth and export sales have become so significant that it accounts for at least 9% of the country’s GDP. It has exploited the handful of platforms supplied by VW and even adapted them to create unique models that have been priced attractively. The latest of these is the new Octavia, the midrange model between the Fabia and the Superb. Though looking like the original one launched in 1996, the new one actually has dimensional increases and more importantly, higher levels of build quality are claimed (eg tighter gaps between panels and higher-strength sheet steel). Now available in Malaysia with prices starting from RM151,139 (without insurance), the new Octavia comes in two bodystyles – a fastback sedan and a Combi (stationwgon). Only one engine is available and that is the all-aluminium 2.0-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC unit which not only has continuously-variable intake valve timing and balance shafts but also FSi, which stands for Fuel-Stratified Injection. This is VW technology and refers to a direct injection system of fuel delivery whereby fuel is sprayed right into the combustion chambers – in precise amounts - rather than mixed with the air upstream. Furthermore, an electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) provides quicker response to pedal depressions.  |  | | European ambience is apparent throughout cabin | Rear accommodation should be provide good comfort for Malaysian adults | With FSi (which is also found in some engines of the latest Audi models sold here), the compression ratio has been boosted to 11.5:1, way beyond the usual ratios that are below 10:1. This means that higher octane petrol is needed and the factory requirement is RON98 – which is not available in Malaysia as our highest octane at the pumps in RON97. Realising that not all countries may have RON98, the engine has been tuned to accept a minimum of RON95 and to ensure that there is no damage due to knocking, there are knock sensors which will detect any pre-ignition conditions and adjust the ignition timing accordingly. The engine delivers 110 kW (almost 150 bhp) of power at 6000 rpm with 200 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. Thanks to the variable valve timing, high end and low end performance are optimised. Only one transmission is offered but no one is likely to complain since it offers both manual and automatic shifting. It’s a 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with adaptive programming as well as a sports mode. The default shift program is oriented towards economy while the sports mode initiates downshifts more quickly and delays upshifts for stronger acceleration. Of course, this mode means that fuel consumption will be higher.  | | A touch of luxury – air-conditioner vents for rear passengers |  | | Bootlid for sedan extends to the roof, making for a larger opening that is easier when loading | For those who are really into cars, the chassis layout will be recognisable as that also found in the latest 5th generation Golf. So it would be a very competent one but for the Octavia’s purpose, suspension settings have been adjusted to suit the different weight distribution compared to the Golf, which is a hatchback. While the front suspension has MacPherson struts, the rear axle looks quite sophisticated with a ‘multi-element’ arrangement which consists of one longitudinal and three transverse links. Having more links means that the different forces exerted can be efficiently absorbed for better geometric retention of the suspension layout which, in turn, enhances handling. The new Octavia also has an electro-mechanical rack and pinion steering system. The electro-mechanical system provides a boost when needed to lighten steering effort, usually at low speeds or when parking. At higher speeds, the assistance is low so that road feel is maintained. Interestingly, a slight ‘back force’ is applied to the steering wheel to give a better feeling of centralisation so the driver gets a more positive feedback. In the stopping department, the Octavia has a potpourri of systems that combine to give superior braking power to the car. ABS is standard and works on the disc brakes of all four wheels, and then there electronic brake distribution, a mechanical braking assistant, engine drag control and an anti-skid feature. Of course, this does not mean that you cannot have an accident with the Octavia since the laws of physics still apply and if you go way too fast round a corner, you will still crash! The interior of the new Octavia has the same familiar European ambience as before with a strong functional character merged with a touch of luxury. Storage space is generous and even with the sedan, the ‘bootlid’ extends to the roof so it is more of a fastback style. This makes loading a lot easier as the bootlid lifts up high. With the Octavia Combi, the cargo area is more impressive with up to 580 litres of space – said to be larger than most other cars in its class. Fold both rear backrests flat and the capacity can go up to 1,620 litres, as much as most people would ever need. Priced as it is, Auto Praha, the franchise holders, expect the new Octavia 200FSi to provide a European alternative to the established executive saloons of the Japanese. True, models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are formidable to challenge but the company is counting on there being a segment of buyers who simply prefer a European feel in their cars. The Octavia could also be considered as an ‘in-between’ model for those who want to leave the Japanese brands but do not have the financial resources to get into the premium European segment. For more information or to find the nearest dealer, visit the Skoda Malaysia website. | 
When I was a lad there were a lot of jokes about Skoda. One of them went something like this: What do you do if a Skoda overtakes you? Walk a bit faster. Not very witty that one, but it certainly captured the public feeling towards Skoda vehicles in the '70s and '80s.
