Visited my local Skoda dealer today (Sherlodge garage) to pick up my 5.5 litre washer bottle I had ordered. While I was there the Manager (Andy Clarke) very kindly asked if I would like a test drive of the new Octavia Ambiente 1.9 TDi PD 105bhp.

On first impressions the car looked smaller than the older model, the bonnet seemed shorter in comparison but much more bulky. Looking at the front end I would have thought the CD factor would have risen quite a bit, quite good lines all the same.

Interior

Much better materials used all round. The door panels have a better grade of plastic on the top with a softer feel. The window electrics panel/arm rest taken straight from the golf. Speaker panels are now near the seats as apposed to the foot well. All of which can be seen in the new brochure. The thing that struck me the most was the layout of the dash, everything seems to be closer to hand and very refined. All the buttons are higher and you don

Nice little review Des . I have yet to see the new model, even though I drive about 6 times a day past my dealer .

My wife has the Fabia vrs (which I use when I can) and I am thinking of buying the new Octavia 140 bhp diesel later in the year. The points you made are interesting but the new Cd is good at 0.30 The explanation for this is on a link from a previous post headed "difference between old Octy and new ..."

I have sat in a new Octavia and it seemed a sturdy, well designed car.

I also test drove a 105bhp TDI... The car feels bigger and more refined..

The quality of the plastics used are far superior to the old cheap plastiky feel

of the glove box etc... The instruments and more classy.. The stereo is huge..

Lets hope this is a improvement.. legroom on the rear is improved..

Steering is better, but the most impressive point is the body control and

handling it is a MAJOR step forward, even compared with my vRS...

Yes the 1.9TDI engine was unrefined when cold,, it improved when warm,

the car was not unsettled by any rough roads of potholes..

the car felt far bigger than my vRS.... I want to try it with the 2.0TDI engine.. The boot is even bigger...

Very good.... Makes my Octavia look very square and dated..

cheers

Dazz

.... Remember what it was like removing the spare and having to balance the boot liner on your head ...

:hilarius: only too well!

I had a look at the new model today. Couldn't take a drive because it hasn't been registered. Officially it still has its cover on, but was able to get a brochure - not officially available yet! Does look very nice.

AndyC

Is this the reason for changing the vRS suspension then Des?

:hilarius: only too well!

Assumed the current hatch has this? The estate has it, latches to the top of the opening.

(learn something new every day)

Nice review btw.. avoided going to look at it as I know I will want to change!

Saw it Sunday in the flesh...and wet. So opened the hatch.

Some little water dripped onto the parcel shelf but most ran off and down the gutter created by the rear quarter and seal.

Didnt strike me as a problem...compared to the outgoing model you hatch runners have complained of.

Great review, Des.

And we have to wait until October! :(

same here :(

Popped into Merritts today (as I somehow lost my aerial rubber top covering thingie) and they had the new one in the showroom... under a cover!!!?!! Asking if they could lift it off so I can have a look they managed (just barely) to lift the front and back section off so I could have a peek at it. Strange selling tactics...

I went to All Electric in Halesowen today and they had the new model Sitting there in front of the showroom (portacabin really), no covers or anything. Strange some dealers are keeping them covered everybody who went to the Motorshow knows what it looks like.

What is the schedule for when they will launch the new model, is it 1st July, also the 2.0 litre FSI version and the latest prediction for what we are all waiting for,the vRS?

I am also curious why the lack of understeer in the new model; have they changed the front end geometry or the design as well as the rear?

Chris

I forgot to add... according to them, new shape vRS model due in 2006.