Škoda Octavia G-Tec - cut your fuel costs in half!

The Octavia is Škoda’s best-selling car model and, in addition to Finland, tops the sales statistics in as many as seven European countries.

The new fourth-generation Octavia offers a wide range of powertrains and excellent interior space. The rather understated, updated exterior design is characteristic of the angular Škoda. The gas version of the Octavia surprised in many areas in the zero temperatures of southern Finland.

A greener choice and savings for your wallet

The test-driven G-Tec is the gas version of the range, with a gas-powered 1.5-litre TSI engine fuelled by either bio/natural gas or petrol. The gas tanks have a capacity of 17.33 kg and the petrol tank has a capacity of nine litres.

During the test drive, average gas consumption was close to the 3.9 kg/100km reported by Škoda. The lowest fuel consumption in quiet urban/road driving was 3.5 kg/100km.
In town and on the motorway, the corresponding figure was between 4.0 and 4.5. With an average fuel consumption of 4 kg and a full tank of gas, the car can cover a distance of just over 400 km.

The car automatically adjusts the fuel used, and the fuel used cannot be distinguished from the consumption reading on the instrument panel.

Petrol is only used in certain situations, for example when starting the engine after filling up with gas or when starting the engine when the outside temperature is below -10 degrees Celsius.

During the week’s test drive, three litres of petrol were consumed over 500 kilometres. If necessary, it is possible to drive about 150 kilometres on a full tank of petrol alone, provided there are no gas stations along the way.

Škoda reports that CO₂ emissions are up to 25% lower with a gas car than with a petrol car. Nitrogen oxide emissions are also significantly lower and particulate emissions are zero

The price of natural gas is currently between €1.1 and €1.25 per kilogram, depending on the filling station. At an average consumption of 4 kg and a price of €1.2 per kg, 100 km can be covered for just under €5 in fuel terms.

The fuel tax for the gas Octavia is €215 per year, which, for example, at 20 000 km per year, increases fuel costs by €1 per 100 km. For a comparable petrol car, fuel costs are around €10 for an average consumption of 6.5 litres.

Photo by Antti Järveläinen.

A car for the whole family

Škoda has always been known for its spaciousness, and the new Octavia continues along the same lines. The interior is spacious for a car of its size, with plenty of room in the front and rear.

The size of the boot is influenced by the power train. The boot of the all-cylinder, all-cylinder Octavia can hold up to 640 litres. The gas model has a boot capacity of 495 litres and the charging hybrid 490 litres. The equivalent figures for the saloon Octavia are surprisingly only 40 litres less.

The design of the cabin is understatedly modern. The test car’s mood lighting highlights the curved shapes of the cabin, while the centre console is adorned with a sleek and simple gear selector.
The dashboard is partly upholstered in fabric, in a departure from the mainstream, and features a 10″ touchscreen in the centre with clear functions. The intelligent climate control menu makes it easy to momentarily switch on, for example, leg warming or cooling.

There are two usb-c sockets both front and rear for charging devices, and the test car’s rear side window curtains add to the comfort of the rear seat occupants. The front and rear doors have storage racks for 1.5-litre bottles.

The Octavia comes in four trim levels: Ambition, Style, RS and Scout. When browsing through the standard equipment list of the different levels, it seems that there are more and more interesting equipment options. For the first time, the Octavia’s list of options now includes a windscreen display that shows speed, navigation, traffic signs and more.

Safety features always include Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Collision Avoidance Assist on all trim levels. The Euro NCAP crash test scores a full five stars.

Electricity also available

The new Octavia is not to be missed, at least not because of the lack of a power line, as in addition to the test-driven G-Tec gas model, there are charging hybrid, light hybrid, petrol and diesel models. In addition to the sedan and station wagon, the body styles include the sporty RS and the off-road Scout.

The Octavia iV rechargeable hybrid has a battery capacity of 13 kWh, which Škoda promises an electric range of up to 60 km. The 1.4-litre TSI and 85 kW electric motor has a combined output of 150 kW or 204 hp.

The Octavia e-Tec, meanwhile, is Škoda’s first series-production model equipped with light hybrid technology. The three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI engine is assisted by a 9 kW electric motor, with a combined output of 110 hp.

Only the CNG sticker and logo distinguish the two

The test-driven gas model only reveals its power source externally with a CNG sticker on the rear window and the G-Tec logo on the tailgate. Otherwise, there are no external differences compared to other power lines.
In driving, the gas car behaves like any other internal combustion engine model. The throttle response seems a little sticky at the normal setting, but the Sport setting quickly corrects the stickiness.

The new Octavia has a stable ride and good outward visibility. The panoramic sunroof, available as an option, adds spaciousness to the car.

The basic Octavia is not really suited to more sporty driving, but the fuel cost savings and family-friendly interior and solutions will put a smile on your face behind the wheel of the new Octavia.