SKODA OCTAVIA

This is the car that made Skoda in India. And eight years later, it continues to be sold, despite newer competition around. Based on Skoda’s A4 platform (think Mk IV Golf, the Octavia now has been around the world since 1996. It’s still a competent car. Ride quality is decent, while handling can be termed neat. It feels like it’s been built from a single rock, with no parts feeling low rent. Of course, some of that solid build quality has taken a hit with the localization levels increasing. It’s still decent value with the 1.9 TDI returning amazing economy with good performance to boot, while the 1.8 TPI Ambiente is a performance king for not too much money. The great RS meanwhile has been discounted, so buy a TPI can put in all the aftermarket kit you can. Legroom is cramped, but that means the boot is cavernous. It’s a nice car on the whole that has been crying for a facelift for years.
AUTODATA:
Engine: 1781cc, 1-4/ 1896cc, 1-4, TD
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power (bhp@rpm): 147@5700/ 90@4000
Torque (kgm@rpm): 21@1900/ 21@1750
Dimensions:
LxWxH (mm): 4507x1731x1431
Wheelbase: 2512 mm
What it’s got: A well built sedan with powerful engines and lots of boot space…
What it ain’t: ... that’s not very spacious for occupants
Anything else? The Civic and Corolla are contemporary. Chevy Cruze in 2009.