For the Paris Auto Show and 2009 model year, Volkswagen subsidiary Skoda has updated its Jetta-based Octavia sedan. The refreshed car gets new headlights and tail lights; engineering changes are unlikely, even though this generation was introduced in 2004. This means it continues to be much cooler than the Jetta, by being cheaper (though having tragically bad resale value), offering the same engines and transmissions, and coming only in 5-door hatch and wagon configurations. I have argued for a news-cycle-eternity that VW should be selling the Octavia in the US with a VW logo right on the grill. This won’t happen, first and foremost because Volkswagen hates freedom and liberty. But also because … I’m not sure why. Have a look at the refreshed Octavia, and here’s to hoping the next gen Jetta (probably out in about a year) looks better than the current Corolla wannabe.
I dunno…it kind of looks Chinese.
Not sure I dig it…OTOH, the Skoda Superb is WAY better than the current Passat.
But this one, I agree with Buick61–definitely looks like a Chinese or Korean “emerging market” car (moreso than Skoda already is)
Has some good cues, though.
Love that wagon!
And I agree that the Octavia looks better than the current Jetta. If you can get the same parts in a better looking car, for cheaper, it’s a win-win-win!
I drove this car when I was on vacation. They use it as taxis in some countries because they are cheap diesels. The car I had was equipped with an automated manual (I assume it is the same one that VW uses). It was a very nice driving car, drove similar to a Jetaa TDI.
Buick 61’s right — I think it’s the vertical bars in the grille that make it look “Chinese”, and I’m not even sure why- sort of like the grilles on the last gen Hyundais being my least favorite aspect of their styling.
Oh, and the sedan/hatch is “sneaky” like the ’07 Mazda 6 – the rear wiper gives it away…
I love the Octavia. I rode in several of them that were taxis on my last trip to Europe and I think they are terrific machines, much better than the Jetta. I would love to see them bring it over here in its current config; the sneaky-hatch is a really appealing feature.
They do indeed make great taxis, even with the nasty loud 1.9 TDI engine. BUT I will say that the real king’s ride is in the back of a Superb taxi. That long wheelbase makes for TONS of legroom.
@Justin
The new Superb has more legroom than a A8.
However… the engine lineup is not identical with the Jetta’s. You can’t get the 1.4 twincharged engines in in, instead it’s available with a 1.8 TFSI.
The new 170hp common rail TDI is already available in the Octavia, but not yet in the Jetta.
I disagree with Buick61 (first comment). I think it looks like a lineal descendant of British saloons of the late ’50s and early ’60s. Got a little bit of Hillman Minx, and various others. I think it’s ugly, although it does have a little character.
Volkswagen hates freedom and liberty
Huh?? No, it is just that the entire staff of VWOA are complete morons and their dealer network are rapacious criminals.
I say this as a loyal VW customer whose owned seven of their cars over the last 30 years. I love their cars – but hate the company’s American division and their dealers.
I’d buy a Skoda if I could. Especially if it had the 1.9 TDI in it.
–chuck
I like it…
I like it… Can I get one directly from the factory and skip the whole VWoA dealer network please?