The new Å koda Octavia
Page 1 - The world debut - Å koda Octavia
Page 2 - Harald Ludanek on the new Å koda Octavia
Page 3 - Four questions for Thomas Ingenlath
Page 4 - Å koda Octavia 1959-2004
Page 5 - Body
Page 6 - Equipment
Page 7 - Safety
Page 8 - Engines
Page 9 - Transmissions
Page 10 - Chassis
The world debut - Å koda Octavia
Å koda Auto held the world debut of the new Å koda Octavia at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The car is now being presented to media representatives in the beautiful and ancient city of Athens. The Å koda Octavia is the successor to the very popular model with the same name which will remain in production.
The previous generation Å koda Octavia took its name from the rich history of Å koda. The first Å koda Octavia was presented to the public in 1959. It was a new version of the Å koda 440, also called Spartak, which was manufactured until that time. The Å koda Octavia, a two-door, four-seat notchback, was extremely popular not only on the domestic market but also abroad; in addition to the European markets, the car was successfully exported to South America and New Zealand. The estate version and one of the most attractive cabriolets produced by Å koda, the Å koda Felicia, were derived from the Octavia. Å koda Octavia was manufactured until 1964 when it was completely replaced by the new Å koda 1000 MB. The estate version however, remained in production until 1971. A total of 365,000 Octavia cars were produced from 1959 to 1971.
The Å koda Octavia launched in 1996 was a significant milestone in the modern history of Å koda. It represented a new image and expression of the make and, at the same time, clearly identified its future orientation and goals. In addition to the liftback body, production of the estate version began in 1998. The entire Octavia range underwent a facelift in 2000. The Å koda Octavia has become known to the public as a reliable, solid and valuable car. With its outstanding qualities it is gaining even more popularity amongst motorists and and winning the appreciation of critics. This was naturally reflected by the successful sales that have exceeded all expectations - over one milion Octavia models have been manufactured. The Å koda Octavia has contributed to a revolutionary change in the public's awareness of Å koda and has thus significantly improved the make's image.
The new Octavia is a completely new car in which the latest technologies are used. An example is the use of petrol engines with direct fuel injection that make the car more dynamic and at the same time make it more economical. An important improvement is the DSG transmission with both automatic and manual gear changing without reducing the car's dynamism, which helps to maintain advantageous fuel consumption. Last but not least is the new chassis with a multi-element rear axle, which gives the car excellent driving characteristics and superior comfort.
As with the preceding model the new Å koda Octavia stands at the edge of the lower medium (A segment) and medium class segment (B segment). It continues the key strategy of Å koda to deliver an "extra bit of car" at a value similar to its competitors. The Å koda Octavia achieves this goal by, among other things, its ample luggage compartment. The new Å koda Octavia has a more spacious luggage compartment and in addition to its advanced design, more interior space in the rear compartment.
The new Octavia's progressive technologies and multitude of sophisticated elements make normal use of the car more pleasant. The new car comes equipped with items that have so far only been used in the upper medium-class car segment. These include two-zone air-conditioning, air distribution to the rear seats through adjustable outlets at the back of the Jumbo Box, active headrests integrated in the front seats and the TPM tyre pressure monitoring system. As standard, all Å koda Octavia cars have four airbags (on EU markets), the ABS system and the braking assistant.
The new Å koda Octavia will be introduced on individual markets from June 2004.
Source: Text & photos courtesy Å koda Auto
