Skoda Octavia – Laurin & Klement

Name Laurin & Klement received octavia with the highest standard of equipment, in which modern and reliable engines are mounted: petrol with 5 valves in the cylinder (3 Sucking) and turbocharging and diesel with direct fuel injection into the cylinders and turbocharging. Equipped with Octavia L&K is located everything, what a car user can dream of. Headlight washers not forgotten, heated front seats, on-board computer, electrically opening roof window and leather upholstery. It is tactless to mention the manufacturer about the power steering, airbags, ABS system, automatic air conditioning, audio system or height-adjustable front seats. According to the marketing assumptions, the L&K is to be characterized by the highest class comfort and convenience of use, while ensuring high driving dynamics and driving confidence. A short test of this car confirms the assumptions made.
Skoda Octavia is seen by users as a comfortable family car of the middle class. Belonging to this segment determines the size of the vehicle, and in particular the wheelbase (2512 mm) allowing you to assess the spaciousness of the interior.
The body of the Octavia has an elongated and strongly accentuated rear part, in which there is a very large trunk. Its size (528 dm3 sedan version) meets the requirements of the functionality of the family vehicle, it will fit holiday luggage for five people. The trunk is closed with a lid connected to the rear window, which makes packing easier. The interior of the Octavia has a size typical of its class. Four adults travel comfortably, there are three seats in the rear seat, but it's better not to go a long way in such conditions. Tall people will rest their knees against the backrests of the front seats, but they could endure the long journey in good shape. Good driving conditions are also guaranteed by the soft suspension and effective soundproofing of the interior. In terms of speed limits on main roads and highways, the interior is not disturbed by any noise, and the changed sound of rolling tires informs about the change of the surface quality. It is surprising that the gasoline engine is noisier than the diesel engine in the higher speed range.
Driving Octavia is easy. The power steering makes it easier to maneuver in the parking lot, gives a feeling of the road and full control over the vehicle while driving at high speed. The driving characteristics are variable. Driving in an empty car, understeer is felt. The increase in load makes, that Octavia becomes neutral.
Both proposed for Octavia L&K motors guarantee above-average performance. Particularly dynamic is the 4-cylinder, turbocharged, 20-valve unit with capacity 1,8 dm3, reaching maximum power 110 kW. The car accelerates easily and without any restrictions. The flexibility of the drive is also very good and allows you to drive in the highest gears at very low speeds. In this respect, the 110-horsepower diesel is better, which additionally consumes small amounts of fuel. The average of urban traffic is 6,3 dm3/100 km, from longer, fairly fast road riding – 5,2 dm3. Similar results for the 20-valve gasoline engine had the following values: Urban – 9,8 dm3 on 100 km, the average of the road is 8,1 dm3. At full load or continuous use of air conditioning, the consumption for both engines increases by approx.. 10%. This favorable assessment of the Octavia's traction properties is somewhat "spoiled" by the braking system. Works precisely and quite efficiently, but with fast driving with full load and vigorous braking, its low resistance to overheating is visible.
Octavia L&K is made very carefully and surprises with its rich equipment. However, there is a small number of compartments, nowhere to put soda bottles or cans, a lockable compartment in the instrument panel has a small capacity, access to the spare wheel is also difficult, located at the bottom of the deep boot. A good idea, however, is the possibility of removing the stiff shelf covering the trunk and placing it vertically, right behind the rear seat backrest. This way, the luggage compartment capacity is easily increased, the shelf is not damaged and does not need to be kept in the basement. To the strengths of the Skoda Octavia L.&K also includes easy adjustment to any silhouette of the driver's seat. This is due to the steering column, which is adjustable in two planes (change of angle and distance from the instrument panel) and a large range of chair position adjustment, including the possibility of changing the height of the seat.
Skoda Octavia L&The K is a luxury vehicle, which will suit people who do not like to show off their financial status. Fully equipped, which are not always offered in such a set by cars from the upper class. It is carefully made, and its components (Engines, suspension, ABS, passive safety systems) have a good recommendation and come from a leading and respected European manufacturer (VW). All this the buyer receives for the sum, what you have to pay for the basic model of a car from a higher segment.