From Skoda press release 27-01-2005:

The new Škoda Octavia Estate 4x4 will be available in the UK from March 2005, the perfect answer to the ‘4x4 backlash’ as it offers all the advantages of a four-wheel drive system in a normal-sized estate car. ‘Normal’ by Škoda standards is still larger than average, as this new Škoda offers an exceptionally roomy interior and luggage compartment – not losing any capacity because of the 4x4 system. With the seats in place, carrying capacity of 580 litres is top in its class, rising to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded.

With two engine choices, this is the first time that the Estate 4x4 will be available in a diesel engine. Those preferring more economical performance are likely to choose the flexible and economical 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp, priced at just £16,150, whilst the powerful new 2.0 FSI 150bhp is available at £16,745, yet more proof of Škoda’s great value.

The Octavia Estate 4x4 owes its off-road capability to the permanently available four-wheel drive with automatic torque distribution which is achieved (as with the last generation Škoda 4x4) through Škoda’s Haldex coupling. This results in better handling in bad weather and poor road conditions.

The Haldex coupling system offers several advantages over other typical four-wheel drive concepts as it has front-wheel drive characteristics under the majority of driving conditions. The system works by near-instant evaluation of road conditions, fed from sensors in the car through the CAN-Bus system to the rear differential. Full integration with traction and braking systems such as ABS, EDL & ESP means there is less stress in the drivetrain when parking or manoeuvring.

The 4x4 is a stand-alone trim level that offers a number of additional features to Octavia’s Ambiente trim, including Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning, leather steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter, ESP and front fog lamps.

Raised suspension and sump guard are standard too, as are the 15" alloy wheels. Both engine options have six-speed manual transmission.

The new Škoda Octavia Estate offers an extraordinary package – high build quality, excellent handling and performance, and fantastic space and comfort. The new Estate 4x4 delivers all this and more; satisfying off-road capability that doesn’t compromise the excellent value for money one expects from Škoda – yet another "extra bit of car".

15" wheels - yummy! :(

sump guard are standard too

Proof they do read Briskoda

Proof they do read Briskoda

HeHe, whats with the flerkin pop up?

Steve

HeHe, whats with the flerkin pop up?

Guess some of those images must be linked from a secure area of the Skoda site!

Rob.

Anyone have the user name and password then 'cos i cant see anything!

Steve

OOps , sorry guys, I got these pictures (or lack of them) from the Skoda press website. I didn't realise they would be protected. Doh!

I could give you the password to access them, but then a highly trained Czech 'operative' would take me out using a high powered rifle from the tall building opposite.

You could join the site yourself if you go to the links site on Skoda UK and masquerade as a journalist as, er, a friend of mine once did. It takes about 3 days for your password to come through.

According to my mate....

Please can one of the mods delete that picture post before I am shot???

1.9 TDI PD 105bhp

Do you suppose that the author of this was dyslexic? *surely* they mean 150bhp?

:( I think I'm going to cry.

Looks like I won't be buying another Skoda :( :(

(Unless they offer a 4wd 150 bhp diesel vRS as part of the new lineup?)

After a bit of jiggery pokery, I'll try again. Can you see these?

Nice to see they've retained the "ground clearance" of the previous 4x4 :P

15" wheels - yummy! :(

Indeed.

Seems odd that they aren't going to offer a higher spec 4*4 with the 2.0 TDI

Indeed.

Seems odd that they aren't going to offer a higher spec 4*4 with the 2.0 TDI

Aparently they will be doing a L&K Version but unfortunately no bigger Diesel Engine yet

Hey, you can't complain: specs-wise it's a copy of the previous 4x4 - an Alpine mover - with only the Hatchback and 2.0 versions missing. Power outputs are the same as before, it's just that the 150hp petrol engine isn't quite as tunable now...

Let's face it, "our" 4x4 turbo was just a lucky coincidence with the 1.8T and its RS/K03sport internals. It was never meant to be a racer, we (a very select group) just happened to see that potential.

Let's face it, "our" 4x4 turbo was just a lucky coincidence with the 1.8T and its RS/K03sport internals. It was never meant to be a racer, we (a very select group) just happened to see that potential.

Let's face it, "our" 4x4 turbo was just a lucky coincidence with the 1.8T and its RS/K03sport internals. It was never meant to be a racer, we (a very select group) just happened to see that potential.

It does seem to be quite a well kept secret!

Don't dismiss smaller alloys out of hand. Evo magazine said that the TVR T350 handled far better on the standard 16" wheels than on the optional 18" wheels that almost everyone specs. They might not look as good, but if the setup has been designed for that size of wheel, you might be surprised at how good it is.

I was never impressed by the images of the estate Octy II i saw. But these images.......:rubchin:

Having driven the 105bhp TDI in hatch form (minus the 4x4, natch) I *think* I might have found my next chariot...........with potential assistance from Jabba.........

Where's my pennies?

Don't dismiss smaller alloys out of hand. Evo magazine said that the TVR T350 handled far better on the standard 16" wheels than on the optional 18" wheels that almost everyone specs. They might not look as good, but if the setup has been designed for that size of wheel, you might be surprised at how good it is.

Will also give a nicer ride...generally the only reason cars have big alloys on them these days is because it's what people expect...

Rob.

The car is designed as a sort of semi off road car therefore more tyre depth absorbs more undulations in the surface you are travelling over & keeps the rims clearer of stones that might damage them I guess

What Car seems to think Octy II rides better on 15" wheels. They were comparing an 1.6FSI on 15s with a 105 TDI on 16s. The FSI lump is much lighter than the TDI, but you'd think the heavier one might smooth things out a bit. I thought the 1.6FSI on 16s rode and handled nicely. Have yet to try a TDI.

Noticeable that in quite a few european markets the Elegance comes on 15s as standard

Excellent... I can just see that sat on my drive replacing the Fabia Combi!

And the combination of 4x4 and TDi at last... which is ideal for the wifey with her 25,000 mls per year commute across the Pennines each day (Traction Control is good but 4x4 is better!)

Excellent... I can just see that sat on my drive replacing the Fabia Combi!

And the combination of 4x4 and TDi at last... which is ideal for the wifey with her 25' date='000 mls per year commute across the Pennines each day (Traction Control is good but 4x4 is better!)[/quote']

I doubt you will be disapointed, the 4x4 IMO is a great system, I also think the 105 is quite tuneable, I think its where I will end up !!

I doubt you will be disapointed, the 4x4 IMO is a great system, I also think the 105 is quite tuneable, I think its where I will end up !!

Even better then... We were originally looking at the Octavia 4x4 Combi when we bought the Fabia Combi but at that stage it was only available with the 1.8t which, with the mileage she does, was out of the question!

She also decided that the Fabia Combi was a better size for here and didn't lose out much on interior space. By the looks of things though the Octy 2 has moved things on again and, now we have a 7 month old sproglet, is probably the way to go!

If the 'new' vRS doesn't make an appearance, then the 4x4 has to be the next best thing IMHO. The combi would be ideal for SWMBO's wheelchair....

Hmmmmm :rubchin:

Even better then... We were originally looking at the Octavia 4x4 Combi when we bought the Fabia Combi but at that stage it was only available with the 1.8t which' date=' with the mileage she does, was out of the question!

She also decided that the Fabia Combi was a better size for here and didn't lose out much on interior space. By the looks of things though the Octy 2 has moved things on again and, now we have a 7 month old sproglet, is probably the way to go![/quote']

Re tuning potential, also talk to Lloyd at Allards, bit of a wizard with Diesels !!

http://www.allardturbosport.co.uk/