View (design) car body Octavia completely created by stylists "ŠKODA - JSC Automobile Plant". The structural layout was also developed in the pilot production center using the CAD / CAM computer system from VW and other companies. The bodywork satisfies high aesthetic requirements as well as the highest requirements for impact safety and torsional rigidity. The bottom of the body was developed within the framework of a strategic concept jointly with the VW concern and for the bodies of the Škoda Octavia it is even more optimized, especially in terms of spars and attachment points related to the chassis.
The mentioned decision of the body, chassis and engines in the cars of the Octavia series achieved a high design level, high use value of the car, environmental friendliness, as well as a high level of production and repair technologies and, most importantly, the overall quality at a level comparable to the European standard.
A number of vehicle parts are, of course, manufactured by specialized well-known supplier firms, local and foreign. It must be emphasized that all the data given in the following chapters are for informational purposes only. I hope they will be useful to readers interested in getting acquainted with the device and the design solution of Skoda Octavia cars. For maintenance and repair, you must use exclusively the Škoda service department.
Description and main technical data
It should be borne in mind that all the subsequent information given in the book was obtained in the process of establishing mass production, i.e. during 1996. The manufacturer will gradually change and expand the specified range of types and modifications, both bodies and engines, and gearboxes.
Skoda Octavia cars have a load-bearing body made of steel stampings. The engine is located in front across the body and drives the front wheels. This concept, in line with global trends, allows you to expand the range of bodies at minimal cost for changes in production technology and the range of spare parts.
In the process of becoming, i.e. in the second half of 1996, the production of cars with a unified sedan type body in three modifications was started: LX, GLX and SLX. At this time, three engines were offered for production services: two gasoline (1.6-55 kW and 1.8-92 kW) and one diesel (1.9 TDI - 66 kW). All engines in the exhaust tract have an exhaust gas catalyst. Gearboxes - mechanical with manual control; in vehicles equipped with a 1.8–92 kW engine, an automatic transmission can be installed.
An overview of the equipment of unified modifications is given in the following sections of this chapter. The main technical parameters are summarized in tables. Therefore, only a brief indicative description of the vehicle is given here.
The body has wedge-shaped lines that form surfaces with very smooth rounding, favorable from the point of view of aerodynamics. The front end is dominated by an optically lowered hood with a well-drawn radiator grille reaching to the headlights, combined with front direction indicators extended to the side surfaces. Windshield glass is glued, windshield washers are standard. Four doors with safety locks and sliding windows. The rear part of the body under the window is lengthened. To make access to the luggage compartment easier, the cover is extended up to the top of the body and is integral with the rear window. The electrically heated rear window glass is also glued in. In general, the glazed surface of the car is quite large and allows you to have a good view and, therefore, drive safely.
Characteristic lines of the body are emphasized by powerful plastic bumpers merging with the body. The rear group lamps are recessed into the side surfaces of the car, which increases the safety of operation. The bodywork causes minimal aerodynamic noise. Its rigidity and impact resistance are high and more than exceed international safety requirements. The tightness of the cabin is perfect. The interior of the car is very elegant, the color scheme is harmonious. All controls are easily accessible, indicators are clearly visible. Both have corresponding international designations. The steering wheel is adjustable. Anatomical seats are very comfortable, while the front one can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction (at the driver and in height) and smoothly tilt the seat back. Sitting does not cause fatigue even during a long trip. All seats have adjustable head restraints and seat belts. The vehicle may be equipped with airbags. The mat and insulation elements prevent noise from entering the cab. The luggage compartment is transformable, closed from above by a shelf behind the rear seat supports.
Cabin heating and ventilation are excellent. Air conditioning can be ordered. The above description refers to the equipment variants of the LX. The deluxe version has richer equipment, but it can also be enriched with an additional order. The range of equipment for unified modifications and additional equipment is given in subsection 1.8.
The chassis of Octavia cars is also made at a high technical level. The front axle with McPherson-type wheel suspension is supplemented with a transverse stabilizer. The rack and pinion steering is power assisted as standard. Rear suspension crank with traction consoles. The rear torsion carrier is reinforced with an integrated transverse stabilizer bar. Suspension is good thanks to the action of hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Very effective brakes can be optionally supplemented with ABS equipment. The chassis allows you to ride calmly, comfortably and precisely control the car.