Skoda Octavia Pre Model S 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £17,660
Tax Band: D
Insurance Group: 14
MPG: 60.1
CO2: 123
0-62 Mph: 12.0 secs
BHP: 104 BHP
Range: 727 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
As a large family car with an affordable price tag and low running costs, the Skoda Octavia S 1.6 TDI CR DSG is a great option for families on a budget. The 1.6 litre engine offers a more impressive power output than the 1.4 litre petrol model alongside better efficiency and therefore lowers running costs – making it a wiser investment.

PROS:  Great efficiency and higher performance than the 1.4 petrol model combine to make this model great value for money.

CONS:  The trim level lacks some of the luxuries expected in modern cars and this could be seen as a disadvantage by some motorists.

Behind the Wheel

The engine’s power output of 104 bhp at 4400 rpm is a great improvement on the lowly figures of the 1.4 petrol model and torque figures are also improved, offering 184 lb-ft at 1500-2500 rpm. The top speed of 118 mph is great for a car of this class and the acceleration offered is better than some other models with the car taking 12.0 seconds to travel from 0-62 mph.

The 1.6 TDI CR DSG model achieves a great 60.1 mpg on a combined cycle and this means its higher performance credentials are not offered at the sacrifice of efficiency. On top of this, carbon emissions are also lower than some models at 123 g/km, putting the car into a fairly low tax band (D).

Noise disturbance from the engine is fairly limited and this petrol model works quietly. Road noise is fairly high however, especially on coarse road surfaces, and there can also be a high volume of disturbance from wind noise when travelling at speed.

The handling is stable and the car grips the road well, which makes it comfortable to drive. The steering does lack some feel, but this is unlikely to impact on the driving in any major way.

Looks & Equipment

As an S model, this car comes with a decent selection of basic equipment. A number of luxuries are not available or incur an additional cost but for those after a budget car this is unlikely to be a problem.

Standard equipment which comes with the model includes power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows and an advanced stereo system with CD connectivity.

Bluetooth connectivity, leather seats, rear parking sensors and climate control are all unavailable and options such as cruise control can be obtained for an additional cost – in this case, £225.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The 1.6 TDI CR DSG has roomy boot capacity even with the seats in place and serves as a practical hatchback. With the rear seats in place storage space totals 585 litres, expanding to 1,455 litres when they are folded down. There is plenty of adjustment available in the seats and this allows both passengers and drivers to be comfortable, making the space within the cabin even more practical. The driver also benefits from plenty of movement within the steering column and this gives them the optimum driving position.

The advanced safety kit comes with the car as a standard feature. This offers driver, passenger and front side airbags all as standard features with an immobiliser also included as a standard feature. However, those who want the additional security of a fitted alarm will be expected to pay an additional £285.

The arrangement of internal instruments is logical and well organised, allowing drivers to operate controls whilst driving with ease. The visibility from the car is also high, which means the car feels safe to drive.

Reliability is expected to be a strong point of the car and it comes with a three year warranty for 60,000 miles to give customers increased assurances.

Value for Money

Attractively priced at £17,560, the 1.6 TDI CR DSG should offer great value for money. The resale values are also pretty strong within this range and that means that these cars are a wise investment for long term ownership.

Running costs are even cheaper than in some models with the impressive fuel economy of 60.1 mpg combining with low road tax and insurance costs under groups D and 14 respectively. This makes this model great value for money, offering buyers the perfect combination of performance and efficiency.

Skoda Octavia Pre Model S 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
All Skoda Octavia Reviews
Skoda Octavia Pre Model S 1.4 16v 5dr - March 2012
As a large family car with an affordable price tag and low running costs, the Skoda Octavia S 1.4 16v is a great option for buyers. Unfortunately the performance credentials are lacking in this mod...
Skoda Octavia Pre Model S 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Pre-Model - March 2012
As a large family car with an affordable price tag and low running costs, the Skoda Octavia S 1.6 TDI CR DSG is a great option for families on a budget. The 1.6 litre engine offers a more impressiv...
Skoda Octavia Pre Model SE 2.0 TDI CR 5dr Pre-Model - March 2012
As a large hatchback with good performance credentials and low running costs, the Skoda Octavia SE 2.0 TDI CR is a great option for families. The only disadvantage is that there are not more in-car...
Skoda Octavia Pre Model Greenline 1.6 TDI CR 5dr - February 2012
In comparison with other cars in its range the Octavia Greenline 1.6 TDI is head and shoulders above its rivals when it comes to value for money. Skoda’s excellent reputation for customer care also...
Skoda Octavia Pre Model SE Plus 1.8 TSI 5dr - March 2012
The Skoda Octavia offers big car value without the added cost. Families looking for a spacious car that handles well and gives decent performance may want to consider this model. Competitive pricin...
Comments
Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Skoda Octavia. Here are some popular Skoda Octavia alternatives:

NEW RELEASE
Jeep Avenger revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
Ferrari Purosangue revealed
NEW RELEASE
Ford Mustang revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update