Skoda is one of the few brands that offers a system all-wheel drive half of their models, excluding the very compact ones. Of course, Czechs inherited such enthusiasm from their mother's of the Volkswagen concern, as, in fact, all the technical "stuffing".
The basis for all Skoda all-wheel drive transmissions is the Haldex clutch, introduced in the fifth generation. In general, the Driving Experience event was devoted not so much to the presentation of cars, each of which we had already experienced in a mono-drive version, but to the updated 4x4 system.
Updated, because there is nothing fundamentally new in Haldex 5. This is the result of an upgrade of the previous generation system aimed at reducing weight and increasing operating speed. If we omit all the technical details, we can say that the system has become a little less hydraulics and a little more electrical.
As before, Skoda's all-wheel drive does not have a center differential, but the clutch constantly works with a slight pretension, always transferring a small percentage of torque to the rear axle. This allows Shkodovites to call their all-wheel drive models Full Time - permanent all-wheel drive.
The main advantage of the system based on the Haldex clutch is not only in the speed of torque redistribution along the axles, but also in the fact that wheel slip of the leading front axle is not the main argument for connecting the rear ones.
Electronics reads information from a huge number of sensors, starting with the level of pressing the gas pedal and ending with lateral and longitudinal acceleration. At each moment of time, it is decided whether it is necessary and in what quantity to use four-wheel drive, for example, in order to turn the car in a sharp bend, even if there is dry asphalt under the wheels.
Fully electronically controlled and cross-axle torque distribution, both on the front and on rear axle... Of course, there are no locks here, they are imitated by the ESP system, braking each specific wheel if necessary.
The most interesting thing is that this whole complex makes Skoda cars the ride is not so much more passable as it is safer, which was the first thing the organizers of the event tried to show. So, all-wheel drive Octavias and Superb's against their front-wheel drive "brothers".
At the water-flooded landfill, it was necessary to pass three tests in turn, changing every five minutes from a front-wheel drive car to an all-wheel drive one.
The first exercise is entering a gentle turn, which has a coating with a minimum coefficient of friction. In fact, an imitation of one of the most common causes of accidents on a winter track.
Everything is pretty predictable here. With a quick but smooth cornering, the front-wheel-drive Octavia immediately "floats" out of the corner with its front end. Instant gas release under the steering wheel corrective work is rather abruptly suppressed by intervention ESP systems, which, by braking the corresponding wheels, cuts off the fuel supply until the car is completely "straightened out".
A more provocative drive under a sharp opening of the throttle in a bend with a turn of the steering wheel at the last moment is immediately reflected by the skid of the stern, which is reflexively extinguished by the counter-fall of the steering wheel under the addition of hectares ... but no, the same stabilization system, this time knocking out the brakes, chokes the engine, preventing the car from being pulled out by yourself. As a result, the same steering correction for smooth deceleration and only then return to the set course.
All-wheel drive Octavia Combi behaves really more stable. Behavior on a slippery arc dispenses with sudden movements from the side of both the car and the driver. You can even gently "immerse", controlling the speed limit by the chirp of the ESP - the system intervenes here more correctly, point-wise knocking the slipping wheels. And even if it went over with speed, the all-wheel drive Octavia slides outward more slowly and with the whole "body", allowing the driver to make the choice himself ... no, there is no choice: the non-disconnectable "collar" of safety in the critical development of the demolition again takes control of everything.
The second and third exercises were similar. It was proposed to pass the "snake" first along the horizontal, then along the slippery surface to the ascent. In both cases, everything is abundantly watered with water.
The long and massive Superb, even with front-wheel drive, is reluctant to provoke. An attempt to "blab" the car on wet asphalt occurs as in slow motion - they smoothly begin to slide rear wheels, for which ESP immediately grabs. But the drive on a very slippery slope with the simultaneous detour of obstacles was given to the car hard, and to the driver - nervously.
To the stabilization system chirping along the entire length with "suffocating" dips in the reactions to the accelerator, sharp "blows" on the brakes of the driving wheels of the traction control system were added. As a result, the arrival up the mountain represented a jerky jumping with the danger of rolling back to the foot.
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Whether it's the case Skoda Superb Combi 4x4. Yes, the traction control also works roughly here, but due to the fact that the front wheels pull up the hill, and the rear wheels immediately push, the car moves with minimal ESP intervention, that is, smoother, smoother and ... noticeably faster. In general, the advantage is clear and obvious.
For Skoda yeti the organizers of the test prepared more serious off-road ones. Although, I must say, without our native mud mess this is somehow not off-road - so, geometric obstacles.
But first, bench tests of the Haldex 5 coupling on a roller trestle. This is where you can clearly see how the distribution of torque occurs and the speed with which the system detects a "skidding" wheel. Of course, the positive result was predictable, otherwise they would not have been driven out, but not to say that the Yeti copes with this exercise once or twice.
Already in natural conditions, Yeti easily crawled along the sloping mountains, without causing any problems to the driver. And overcoming the steepest descent, when the driver and front passenger literally hang on the seat belts, became the main attraction at all - the operation of the electronic descent system was checked. In fact, the crossover, playing with the brakes, drives off itself at the lowest possible speed - the driver only needs to decide to release all the pedals.
The most exciting task was overcoming the "snake" inside the ravine. Yeti, of course, pleased with both geometric cross-country ability and a rather successful struggle with diagonal hanging, however, when falling onto its side, it was rather frightening. The fact is that the maximum lateral tilt angle for a crossover is 45 degrees, after which there is a rollover, and of course there is no inclinometer in the car. So when the car fell from one side to another in free fall, the heart sank a little - it suddenly took more than 45 degrees.
The Yeti most uncertainly overcame the sandy ups, which again forced an unkind word to speak out about ESP operation... As soon as you start wagging the steering wheel on a shaky ascent with slipping wheels, choosing the optimal ascent trajectory, the electronics instantly perceives this as a loss of stability and immediately chokes the engine even when the Off-road system is on.
The update, or restyling, gave Octavia a new bumper and headlights, electronic systems and, perhaps most importantly, all-wheel drive (previously offered only for the station wagon). How useful it is and how it works - we'll figure it out in the course of ours.
I waited and prepared for this moment. It had to happen sooner or later - and it did. I seem to be testing a car that ... has no competitors ?! However, let's go in order.
The first point of the 7D program is the selection of competitors that are as close as possible in terms of price and technology for the tested machine, in order to put pros and cons in a virtual comparison - when the car, respectively, performs better or worse than its classmates. And now, right off the bat: can you name the cars with which an all-wheel drive Czech liftback with 180 horses and a price of 1.6 million will compete ?! It seems there are none.
Take your time. First, let's figure out the price. The base for the all-wheel drive Octavia in the Style configuration is 1,668,000 rubles. Going through the long list of packages and options and ticking the boxes far from everywhere (but not greedy either), I reached the amount of 2.1 million and stopped to take a breath. LEDs-sensors-big wheels-electronic assistants ... All I need!
And with such a price, you can already look for rivals. Since Skoda makes an application in the class of powerful and four-wheel drive, let's ask the price of the cars of those manufacturers who have been here for a long time. And let them be cars, which are usually called "premium": the main thing is technology and money, and the image will follow.
When we were discussing this choice of rivals on the air, we met with the support of the listeners. This means - meet you eminent, fast and all-wheel drive competitors, one smaller, the other larger. And he and the other in the body of a sedan, which is nevertheless closer to the Czech liftback than a kurgozny hatch. The table shows base prices, and how they can be increased - for Skoda, BMW, and Audi - I gave the example above. Let's see how the Czechs play this "hockey"!
There are more changes in the appearance of the Octavia, but the headlights and bumper are the most noticeable and, I would say, outstanding (the length of the car, by the way, has increased by 11 mm). As for the separated four headlights ... I heard the opinions of colleagues that "in the photo it really does not look very good, but in real life the car is better." So: no better.
I understand that after a while, as always happens with restyled cars, I will get used to it and will consider my old face obsolete. So it was with the previous generation of "Octavia". But for now - thank you, I cannot praise the appearance. This is my subjective assessment, I will not argue with a different opinion.
But Skoda has a remarkable property, which is realized thanks to its close relationship with Volkswagen, Audi and other brands of the concern. The easiest way to describe it is this: you sit in the Octavia, and you feel in the Golf or even A3. Materials, fit quality, ergonomics are at the highest level.
The only thing I will reproach for is that on the new very large (9-inch) multimedia screen, the control technology without buttons is implemented. That is, they are drawn but not clicked. This is common for smartphones, tablets and other household appliances I still consider the decision in relation to the car questionable. For me, nothing has been invented better than the old Volkswagen classic buttons around the screen. The driver needs reliability and intelligibility Feedback, which I have always envied, trying to unlock the screen of my smartphone in cold weather (most efficiently - with my nose, in my opinion. If you know a better way, tell me, please).
Skoda would not be Skoda without offering simple and simply clever solutions. The umbrella under the passenger seat is a trifle, we've seen it before. Better answer, how do you open a bottle of water while driving? Are you pinching with your knees too? And in the new Octavia, the niche for the bottle is made in such a way that it will keep the container from rotating: unscrew the tight cork with one hand. Class!
The result of the first round, when we examined and looked around in the car, will not be a plus or a minus. Somewhere yielding in small things, and somewhere winning, Skoda as a whole is quite consistent with the level of competitors, and this is a success.
When I started driving the second generation Octavia ten years ago, I noticed that I was taking the longer road home; moreover, I overstep the last bend, so that later on I should be properly driven on a wide avenue to the nearest U-turn. I liked it so much that the car sticks to the road, the way it listens - I just didn't want to stop. And every morning, leaving the entrance, I was glad that there was a trip in such a car. Not a test drive of the novelty, but the usual daily driving cheer up! Then there were other cars that could do the same, but I remember the first one best of all.
The current third "Octavia" has retained this remarkable feature, and driving in the sudden disgusting weather from Gelendzhik to Dzhubga, I was glad even for trucks that were collecting long tails of cars: we will go for a couple of minutes longer. 180 forces and four-wheel drive made it possible to use any opportunities for overtaking, despite the stormy winds and heavy rain. Directly along the stream of water, under which the asphalt has disappeared, we boldly take acceleration and confidently outrun the slow-moving ones!
I would like to note the precise and very intelligent operation of the adaptive cruise control and a very sensitive "line-assist" - the steering wheel seemed to cling even to the half-erased markings and confidently corrected the trajectory of the car. Recently it was exotic, then the lot of the premium class, and now it is taken for granted in the most mass segment!
Skoda has a wonderful navigation system, which has a lot of advantages and one, but often decisive drawback. Moreover, the disadvantage does not apply to the Czech brand, but to any car with standard system navigation: old maps. For example, a new interchange at the intersection of the M-4 and A-147 highways (turning to Dzhubga and Sochi) has been operating for a year now, and you still won't learn it, unfortunate navigators!
The result of the second round is also zero, and this is actually an indicator of the efforts of the Czechs, who are on an equal footing with very serious rivals.
If I say that in urban conditions I discovered the clear advantages of the powerful four-wheel drive Octavia, I would be wrong. Just nice car, with all the necessary auxiliary electronics, decent dynamics and ample maneuverability.
The main thing is that I finally managed to find a clearly and on business parking assistant! A year ago at the "Scout" I was glad how simple and precise it works, but here I managed to simulate a really difficult and close race, which the car coped with independently and quickly. I give up: useful parking assistants exist. An example is Skoda-Octavia.
This is not a property of the cars of this segment, it is the preferences of the audience. "Disco" fully responds to them. And this means that even though personally to me he is in the city and does not seem to be a good choice, there are no downsides: the car is on the level!
Although the repairs on the M-4 "Don" sometimes forced us to jump along the side of the road, and then, for the sake of a beautiful shot, we turned onto a rocky lane that steeply went into the mountains, let's make a reservation right away: the cars participating and mentioned in this test were made all-wheel drive for the sake of controllability. Several better cross-country ability- by-effect.
Yes, "Octavia", having connected the rear wheels with a clutch, will overcome the icy rise, will not save in the winter in the mountains, wet grass is also nothing to it, and the track with liquid mud will not frighten. Only it should be very shallow. The ground clearance of 153 mm is too little to seriously argue "will pass - will not pass". By the way, prepare another 8,900 rubles for such disputes: branded engine protection will be very useful!
The opponents are no better in this respect, so there is parity in this round as well. And if you really need better cross-country ability than conventional passenger car- take a closer look at the "Scout" or "Yeti". And "Kodiak" is just around the corner.
"Octavia" is longer than competitors, has a close wheelbase, but its main advantage is the body, which is a cross between a sedan and a hatchback. Huge backdoor and an incredibly capacious 568-liter trunk, which can almost triple by folding the rear seat backs, provide an edge over rival classic sedans. All kinds of nets, hooks and clamps help organize this space in the most convenient and practical way.
Not only for luggage, there is also quite enough space for people here: the four of them cannot have any complaints, the five of them will be a little closer and lose the armrest. There are two USB ports in the back (where can we go without them today!), A 230 V socket, a shutter ...
A practical liftback celebrates a victory over a prestigious sedan: I put the first plus on Octavia!
And for future buyers I will note: if you choose beautiful 17-inch wheels (plus 15 thousand rubles), then ask for a dokatka as a spare wheel, that is, a narrow wheel, because the previous 16-inch, even though full-size, will also be in the status of a temporary one, waddle before tire fitting. Why then waste space on it?
And only in the most extreme case - 92, get to the next gas station. Fuel with octane number 98, also indicated in the diet, seems to me to be a reinsurance. Moreover, it is not found at every gas station and is not always of the proper quality.
In terms of consumption, Skoda does not stand out either for the better or for the worse: during my test drive along the seaside section of the M-4 with serpentines and ascents, it turned out about 8 liters per hundred. Coincides with the middle level.
All-wheel drive "Octavias" are offered in two bodies, in two trim levels, and in total in the range of restyled cars - three engines, three boxes, two bodies, four levels of performance, and I still do not take into account the Scout version. The range is more than wide.
The price of 1.6 million is very, very much for Skoda. But even being screwed up with options up to 2 million and above is a little against the background of competitors. And here comes the time of the main question: which is more important, name or money? Real qualities or prestige?
I answer it with one more plus, because objectively Skoda's offer looks very interesting on the market. You just need to know what to compare it with. I know.
Skoda Octavia 4 × 4 - honorably withstood the comparison with competitors that formally belong to the prestigious segment. The final score is evidence of this - not a single minus and two pluses. The result is somewhat unexpected, but therefore even more valuable.
Three hours of weather hell - and we are sitting at a table, plunging the toes of our boots into puddles of our own clothes. April Gelendzhik, from the tiny airport runway to the serpentines at the top, is soaked in a cyclone. And it seems that the local bad weather is the main topic for discussion.
How do you like the new headlights? - asks the manager of Skoda, p-o-business trying not to give out a shudder.
Ah-apchhi!
What can I say - nature intervened. It’s a shame, but by that time I hadn’t looked into the face of the liftback, who had undergone a scheduled update. Dashingly throwing bags into the trunk of the trunk (it's hard to miss) and almost getting the door open in the wind, I locked myself in the cabin and refused to go outside until the sun was brought to me.
Although there are enough changes on the other side of the Octavia's hood. The front optics, cut into four unequal lobes, became a cool reason to gossip on the Web. In fact, the restyling of the Czech liftback in the fifth year of his life coincided with the departure of its chief designer from the company. When the first living machines were introduced to us, Josef Kaban was already packing pencils and plans for the flight to Munich. Turning to Octavia, he would not have seen something radically pretentious in it.
A live car looks more interesting than on the Web, and this freshness is painted by a few, but new body folds. The controversial jumper between the headlight sections, which has not yet been seen on modern Skodas, is a thing that has been given too much importance: in fact, the multi-eyed car is not so striking. But a more interesting grille and a new bumper are noticeable, which, in tandem with white LED eyelashes in the headlights, forces attention. There is also a contrasting roof and LED lights - any restyling must end at the modified tailgate. It's a pity, from drizzling rain and drops of food it looks like a pimpled red film. Yes, talking about details is best done indoors. I reach under the passenger seat cushion and pull out a new Octavia feature, a folding umbrella, from the niche. The coolest thing to be found under the chair.
So a new suspension?
No, it has been updated.
Indeed, correcting its facade in the middle of Octavia's life, the engineers suddenly delved into the structure rear suspension... Why, after all claims to it (as to the base beam reinforced by the "Russian package", as to the advanced multi-link) were not recruited for something serious? Perhaps to unify the liftback and the large Kodiaq in part - by expanding the track by 20 mm (with a multi-link - by 30 mm) and introducing new bearings. Or maybe it's just a desire to push the wheels out of the arches for added design.
Anything else? The motors (including the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI) remain the same, the gearboxes - 6- and 7-speed DSG robots are also not "breakin news", but a new thing in Russia called "four-wheel drive" will definitely wind up Skoda points.
Four-wheel drive (paired with 180-horsepower "one-and-eight") is available to both the station wagon and the liftback, making the latter generally a unique thing that "has no direct competitors" - as the guys from Skoda immediately emphasize.
And yes, both of these versions will be more expensive: they do not get to Russia from a neighboring Nizhny Novgorod(they will continue to assemble the available front-wheel drive Octavias), and straight from the Czech Mlada Boleslav.
The demand for Octavia 4x4 is unlikely to be frenzied, but the company believes that the image itself is important: both in the golf class and in general in relation to non-premium passenger cars, the fifth generation Haldex is a strong trump card.
The updated Octavia comes with new options. For example, three of the four available multimedia complexes (the coolest with 9.2 inches in diagonal) have touch keys. For monitoring "dead" zones and recognizing pedestrians on the move (for more expensive cars), electronic tracking and braking assistants are now in charge,
and ERA-GLONASS - it is also in the GLONASS database. It's funny that with all this, the most basic Octavia in its 110 atmospheric forces after restyling has risen in price by only 2 percent. HM?
TEXT: KONSTANTIN NOVATSKY
The car has almost everything from the options, except for navigation (columbus), electric trunk, webasto and some other insignificant trifles. I took 4900 km with mileage, the car even retained the smell of factory novya. At the moment, the mileage on the odometer is nearly 10 thousand km. Now, in order, I will periodically draw an analogy with the previous generation Skoda, which I owned earlier.
In general, I can say that this is a completely different car than it was before. It has both good and bad changes. Appearance, in my opinion, has changed for the better - it looks more collected or something more solid. The interior is simple, restrained and unassuming in Shkoda style, but the most important thing is that, as always, everything is clear, informative, in its place and nothing superfluous. The space has become noticeably more in comparison with the same A5 scout, both in front and in the back. Unfortunately, they began to save even more on finishing materials, for example, plastic on the doors and in some places the dashboard leaves much to be desired. On the lift, I also lifted the car, there I also noticed a lot of interesting things, on which the Czechs saved money, again, I have something to compare with. What, what, and all sorts of options, the A7 family on the new MQB platform was rewarded with dignity: what is only a full-fledged panoramic roof, from which you get the feeling that you are driving in general in a convertible. But even here it was not without tar laying - it periodically creaks and crackles when driving on rough rocky asphalt (we will figure it out at the first MOT). There is also a cool little thing - a parking attendant from 12! parking sensors I have never experienced problems with parking cars, but here, having tried once to provide this opportunity to the computer, I really really liked how it performs its function, parks as exactly as possible relative to nearby cars and in the least possible number of receptions, my wife is generally very delighted with this fitch. Now I often use it, especially when it is necessary to cut into a small gap, or to leave when some ram is pinned down. Leather / Alcantara seats with electric adjustments and memory look rich, always dreamed of such, really very cool and comfortable thing! True, the seats lack lateral support, and in general it is very comfortable and there are a lot of different adjustments. I also really liked the option of a keyless lock "Kessy" with an engine start button - that's really a nice little thing, I forgot when I took the key out of the bag for the last time. Established adaptive bixenon - to be honest, I did not expect that VAGovtsy would save so much on headlights and plug in Chinese crap, before, simple xenon shone much nicer and brighter, then I was disappointed. I have heard more than once already that people are looking at ignition blocks, it is understandable made in China, on previous generation I don't remember any problems with the light. The Canton music system with subwoofer has become the perfect addition to the new Bolero audio system with a built-in trip computer and a bunch of different settings. The sound is far from ideal, but in comparison with the Sound System, which was in the previous generation, just heaven and earth, by the way, you can also reflash for a richer sound. It is a pity that the previous owner did not order multimedia system Columbus, because in the new generation it was completely redesigned and now it has an 8-inch screen in HD resolution. Unfortunately, it is still problematic to equip the car with this system - the Russian "kulibins" have not yet figured out how to outwit the navigation coding, it is stupidly cut off during an abnormal installation, although there is one very advanced solution to this issue, but it will cost a pretty penny.
Now I'll tell you a little about the transmission, engine and chassis of the car. As everyone knows, on front-wheel drive A7 is equipped with a 7-speed DSG gearbox with "dry" clutches, which still continues to cause trouble with its jambs (unfortunately, there have already been cases of warranty replacement of both mechatronics with clutches and the entire unit), therefore, I'm even thinking I did not keep buying 1.8 with 7 step, as well as before. With DSG6 on all-wheel drive, in fact, not everything is as rosy as we would like. On RS FL it worked a little differently than on the current 1.8, most likely due to the electronic "stranglehold" and environmental standards. Periodically, there is a strong dullness when switching to downshift, and sometimes, when the pedal is pressed smoothly, it can shoot sharply like from a cannon, when it is not needed. This problem was partially cured by flashing the electronic gas pedal through the Odis system, but only firmware from third-party eminent tuning offices can completely cure the problem, so we are waiting for the software. In the previous generation, the owners could not get enough of after changing the DSG control program, the box began to behave completely differently, while there were no problems with the hardware after reflashing. One thing I can say - it definitely became smoother than the previous one and there is no jerking, which happened on the RSke in traffic jams. As for the new generation of EA888 Gen3 engines, this is a completely different song. The engine has been completely redesigned, and has a very good potential. By the way, for 10 thousand runs, I did not gobble up a single gram of oil! I check the dipstick out of habit every week. Once I topped up 200 grams of antifreeze on a run of 6000 km, now everything is normal. By the way, on the A7 with front-wheel drive, the engine control program is somewhat different from the all-wheel drive version, the manufacturer threw another 30Nm of torque on it and became like on the RS FL 280Nm. Many owners of front-wheel drive vehicles have long rummaged this topic and are uploading firmware from the all-wheel drive version, rejoicing at the slightly increased dynamics. In the future, firmware should come out with more serious indicators, since the new engine allows it to be done with interest. The acceleration dynamics feel very similar to the previous generation RS.
With regards to the suspension, all-wheel drive and brakes. Everyone knows that cars come to Russia already with the so-called PPD (package of bad roads), which many are unhappy with. It is understandable why to rejoice when breakdowns and crashes constantly occur on the bumps. Previous owner my shed decided to get rid of this problem practically without leaving the salon. True, he also overdid it and shoved the springs of the Eibah Pro Kit with an understatement of -40mm, and even changed the wheels (installed standard Skoda Alaris R18 wheels with a 40m rubber profile). I can say that the handling became just excellent, in any turns the car fell as if on rails with practically no heels, but ... for me such a clearance (about 120mm) was just critical, that's why I found the golden mean- put the springs from the new wagon octavia RS, in the future I will wave the shock absorbers on the Bilstein B6. Now the clearance is normal and the controllability is at the same level and there are no breakdowns, at the same time I changed the steering control under the RS settings, so that the excessive "cottoniness" in the taxiing would disappear and rutting would not be felt when the same driving along the Moscow Ring Road. As for the all-wheel drive on haldex5, I still cannot understand what is its difference from the 4th generation. But on wet road and in the rain, the car even on a slipper to the floor starts without the slightest delays and slippage (I tried the "launch control" with two pedals once (DSG6 allows it) - not even a hint of axle boxes), which cannot be said about the same octavia RS, which is barely drizzling rain turns into a sander even in full drain. In general, I'm waiting for winter, and there it will be seen what differences 5 Haldex have and whether they exist at all (by the way, ESP has already reflashed it for the opportunity complete shutdown"choke"). The brakes are quite enough, because in the new generation they finally thought of sticking discs and pads of an increased size than that of the same Scout A5 FL. The new RS was equipped with brakes similar to the previous generation Golf R MK6.
In general, I can say I am satisfied with the car and do not regret that I even took a used one (if I can call it that). Hopefully, it won't let you down, like the same scout, which, by the way, I sometimes miss a lot (especially its hurricane dynamics after serious improvements - both in hardware and software). The new scout did not wait for the reason that there was no point in it. Firstly, it will be at least 70 thousand more expensive in a similar configuration, and secondly, I really do not like its painted plastic body kit, which in the previous generation often peeled off and rubbed off. The differences will be in this body kit, Scout nameplates everywhere and in the dimensions of the wheel tires, otherwise this is the same shed as mine.
Good luck to everyone and beaver! ;)
"debuted in September 1996. The car was created on a single platform with Volkswagen Golf IV. Since 1998, in addition to the sedan, a station wagon has also been produced. Gasoline engines 1.4; 1.6; 1.8; 2.0 l and three 1.9-liter diesels (naturally aspirated and two supercharged) with varying degrees of boost. Transmission - mechanical five-speed or automatic. There is an all-wheel drive modification.
Sergey VOSKRESENSKIY, Anatoly KARPENKOV
It would be illogical if Skoda, successfully trying on all the advanced Volkswagen technologies, abandoned the all-wheel drive transmission with the latest Haldex clutch (it has recently appeared on the fourth generation Golf).
By the will of the strategists, Octavia Combi was the first to inherit this all-wheel drive scheme, that is, a station wagon with a modest ninety-horsepower 1.9TDi diesel engine.
Outwardly, "Octavia 4x4" does not stand out in any way among its relatives adapted to Russian conditions. The same body, the same tires of dimension 195 / 65R15, and only a modest nameplate on the fifth door gives it "all-wheel drive". Of course, if you put a car next to it on a "low", European suspension (in Russia, most "octaves" are "high", adapted), you will immediately notice that the body is raised, and the ground clearance is increased. There are also no noticeable differences in the cabin - only a bright 4x4 inscription on the head of the gearbox lever.
The first features are in luggage compartment. Cargo compartment"Octavia 4x4" is clearly smaller, because under the floor of the body is hidden multi-link suspension and an impressive size differential box, combined with a multi-plate clutch, which distributes torque along the axles.
Well, some loss of useful volume for an all-wheel drive is forgivable, but for a station wagon ... Let's see if this is compensated by the capabilities of the car.
Diesel readily responds to the turn of the ignition key, filling the cabin with an unexpectedly loud monotonous rumble. Vibrations are very noticeable on the steering wheel, clutch pedals and even door upholstery. I remember that we didn’t celebrate such “musicality” on the front-wheel drive 110-horsepower diesel Octavia. We add a little revs - the vibrations disappear and the station wagon immediately becomes welcoming and comfortable.
The engine's capabilities are clearly modest for the all-wheel drive version of the Octavia. His "inflated" ninety horses are enough only for the quiet movement of the car in space. It is worth demanding more from the car, as you are faced with a lack of torque "at the bottom", which is still quite noticeable due to the stretched gear ratios of the transmission. So it turns out that up to 2000 rpm you are looking forward to a "turbocharged" pickup, and by 4000 rpm the diesel loses noticeably in activity. The operating range remains quite narrow, requiring frequent gear changes both in the city and on the highway.
The suspension of the all-wheel drive is also very peculiar. On flat asphalt roads, it seems even too tough: the impression that all the small irregularities are transmitted to the body. But as soon as a gentle wave, traditional for our roads, appears, body vibrations suddenly alert us with increased amplitudes.
On a dry and even surface, the reactions of our ward are simple, understandable and ... front-wheel drive. This is not surprising, because in fact "Octavia 4x4" is a car with an automatically connected rear axle. Therefore, when driving without slipping and sliding, almost all 100% of the torque is transmitted to the front axle of the machine.
We turn on slippery road... The very first start off allows you to taste all the advantages of the four-wheel drive. The front ones have time to turn a little, and immediately the clutch is triggered, activating rear axle... "Octavia", as if forgetting about the modest engine, like a spring-loaded one breaks off. On soggy snow and ice, the car's reactions are surprisingly stable and reliable. As if on rails, it rebuilds from row to row when overtaking, confidently holds the road on a straight line and in gentle turns. But you shouldn't cross the line of what is permissible. A surprise awaits at the first emergency braking- under a disgruntled chatter anti-lock braking system brakes we rush past the desired junction - the tires are summer!
Finally, we turn onto a special winding track. Alas, extreme driving Octavia doesn't like it. In fast corners, it first slips out of the corner “in front-wheel drive”, sluggishly reacting to the driver's corrective actions, and then, as if remembering the rear driving axle, suddenly falls into a deep skid. To correct it with thrust, the engine's capabilities are no longer enough and you have to work pretty much with the steering wheel ...
Having run over, we turn into a deep rut. "Octavia" confidently moves forward, regardless of summer tires and not such a large ground clearance, especially since the engine protection is steel, strong, not afraid of contact with the road. Of course, "Octavia 4x4" is not for outright off-road, but this car still allows you to do something.
It's time to summarize the impressions. Perhaps the all-wheel drive "Octavia" in a similar design meets the concept well family station wagon... In a complete set SLX with climate control and heated seats, it costs $ 22,400. A sort of calm, reliable and solid car to drive. There is only one "but": the back is very cramped - the heavy legacy of the fourth "Golf", to which "Octavia" is the closest relative.
(manufacturer's data)
General data: number of seats - 5; curb weight - 1420 kg; full weight - 1950 kg; maximum speed- 173 km / h; acceleration time 0–100 km / h - 15.2 s; fuel consumption in conventional suburban and urban cycles - 4.9 / 7.3 l / 100 km. Engine: diesel, direct injection and turbocharging; location - in front transversely; number of cylinders - 4; working volume - 1896 cm3; cylinder diameter and piston stroke - 79.5x95.5 mm; compression ratio - 19.5; power - 66 kW / 90 hp with. at 4000 rpm; maximum torque - 210 N.m at 1900 rpm. Transmission: all-wheel drive with torque distribution along the axles through Haldex coupling; transmission - mechanical; gear ratios: I - 3.78; II - 2.06; III - 1.31; IV - 0.92; V - 0.72; reverse gear- 3.6; the main pair is 3.65. Suspension: front - type "McPherson" with stabilizer lateral stability, behind - longitudinal and wishbones with anti-roll bar. Brakes: ventilated disc with vacuum booster and ABS. Steering: rack and pinion with amplifier.
Reliable behavior on snowy, slippery, wet roads, economy, makings off-road qualities, convenient workplace driver.
Modest engine capabilities, close backseat, handling in extreme modes is poor.
This is not the same "quattra"
on which the "driver" (that is, the driver) will be able to satisfy his driver's ambitions. For this, the all-wheel drive Octavia needs a completely different engine. For the role of a family crew, perhaps, it will fit, however, with the proviso about the tightness in the back.
The car was provided by the "Pelican-Auto" company.
Photo by Vladimir KNYAZEV
