Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4

Introduction to the Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4

The Skoda Octavia, a cornerstone of the Czech automaker’s lineup, has long been celebrated for its exceptional blend of practicality, value, and robust engineering, largely thanks to its integration within the Volkswagen Group. The third generation, known internally as the A7, debuted in 2012, further cementing the model’s reputation as a formidable contender in the compact family car segment. This particular variant, the Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4, represents a highly specific and particularly well-suited offering for the European market, where diesel engines, station wagons, and all-wheel drive capabilities hold significant appeal.

Produced from May 2013 to 2017, the Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4 combined a fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine with a versatile station wagon body and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. While Skoda vehicles are not traditionally sold in the United States, their global impact, especially in Europe and Asia, is substantial. The Octavia, in particular, is often lauded as a benchmark for spaciousness and functionality, offering a near-mid-size package at a compact car price point. This specific configuration aimed to provide drivers with enhanced traction and capability in challenging weather conditions or on unpaved roads, without compromising on the impressive fuel economy expected from a modern diesel powertrain. It embodied Skoda’s philosophy of “Simply Clever” solutions, delivering a highly functional and dependable vehicle for a wide array of customers.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4

At the core of the Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4 lies a proven 1.6-liter (1598 cm³ or 97.52 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, known by its internal codes EA288, CRKB, CXXB, or DBKA. This unit is mounted transversely at the front of the vehicle, a common configuration for front-wheel-drive-based platforms, even when equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine delivers a respectable 110 horsepower (Hp) at a broad range of 3200-4000 rpm, providing a good balance of power for daily driving and highway cruising. More critically for a diesel, it produces a robust 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque, available early in the rev range, specifically between 1500-3000 rpm. This low-end torque is crucial for effortless acceleration, especially when carrying a full load or towing.

The powertrain benefits from a sophisticated Diesel Commonrail fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel delivery and optimal combustion efficiency. Coupled with a turbocharger and intercooler, the engine’s performance is boosted while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The valvetrain utilizes a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, promoting efficient airflow. The engine’s compression ratio stands at 16.2:1, typical for a modern diesel.

Power is channeled through a precise 6-speed manual transmission, offering drivers direct control over the vehicle’s dynamics. The defining characteristic of this variant is its all-wheel-drive (4×4) architecture. This system is a front-wheel-drive biased setup, meaning the internal combustion engine permanently drives the front wheels, and the rear wheels are engaged as needed via an electrically or mechanically operated clutch. This “on-demand” system, typically a Haldex-type coupling within the VW Group, provides enhanced traction and stability in slippery conditions without the continuous fuel consumption penalty of a full-time 4×4 system.

In terms of performance, the Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 10.9 seconds, with a top speed of 118.68 mph (191 km/h). These figures highlight its capability as a competent and versatile family vehicle rather than a performance-oriented machine. Fuel efficiency is a strong suit, with a combined (NEDC) rating of 4.6 liters per 100 km, which translates to an impressive 51.1 US mpg. CO2 emissions are kept in check at 121 g/km, meeting the stringent Euro 6 emission standard, thanks in part to features like a Start & Stop System and a Particulate Filter.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Modernity

The Skoda Octavia III Combi, or station wagon as it’s known in the U.S., embodies a design philosophy focused on functionality and understated elegance. Its exterior styling, developed under the leadership of Jozef Kabaň, featured crisp lines, a prominent grille, and a clean, modern aesthetic that resonated well with European buyers. The Combi body type, with its five doors and five seats, is particularly popular in markets prioritizing cargo capacity and family utility.

Measuring 183.43 inches (4659 mm) in length, 71.42 inches (1814 mm) in width (79.41 inches or 2017 mm including mirrors), and 57.68 inches (1465 mm) in height, the Octavia III Combi offers substantial interior space. The wheelbase of 105.75 inches (2686 mm) contributes to a stable ride and generous legroom for rear passengers. However, its most compelling feature remains its cargo volume. With the rear seats in place, the trunk provides an expansive 21.54 cubic feet (610 liters) of space. Folding the rear seats down expands this to a cavernous 61.45 cubic feet (1740 liters), making it one of the most capacious vehicles in its class and ideal for everything from family vacations to hauling equipment.

The chassis and suspension setup are designed for comfort and predictable handling. The front suspension employs an independent McPherson strut system with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, a common and effective design for front-wheel-drive-based vehicles. The rear suspension utilizes a coil spring torsion beam setup, which is compact and cost-effective, allowing for maximum cargo space. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety.

Steering is managed by an electric power-assisted rack and pinion system, providing light steering effort at low speeds for easy maneuvering and more feedback at higher speeds. The vehicle’s minimum turning circle of 36.25 feet (11.05 meters) ensures good agility in urban environments. The 4×4 variant also boasts a ground clearance of 5.51 inches (140 mm), and while not an off-road specialist, this, combined with approach and departure angles of 13.9° and 12.2° respectively, offers a degree of capability for rougher tracks or snowy conditions. The permissible trailer load with brakes is 3747.86 lbs (1700 kg), further underscoring its utility.

Technical Specifications: Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4

Legacy and Market Impact of the Skoda Octavia III Combi 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4

The Skoda Octavia III generation, including the specific 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) 4×4 Combi, played a pivotal role in solidifying Skoda’s position as a respected and highly competitive brand within the European automotive landscape. This model, like its predecessors, benefited immensely from its Volkswagen Group parentage, sharing platforms (specifically the MQB platform), engines, and technologies with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, but offering them in a more spacious and often more affordably priced package. This value proposition, combined with robust build quality and reliability, fostered a strong reputation for the Octavia