18 June 2012
buy me a skoda?
Pros
- Based on VW mechanicals, so a degree of refinement is a given.
- Good value now, as the Skoda brand hasn't held on to value as well as its VW cousins. RS, in particular, is great buying.
- Station wagon version (including an RS wagon) broadens appeal.
- Quality feel.
- Well laid-out interior with enough room for families.
- All-wheel-drive wagon variant makes all sorts of sense.
Cons
- The brand unawareness that has made the Octavia good value second-hand has also made it something of an orphan model.
- Buyers still prefer VW.
- Suspension not tuned as sharply as some would like.
Is the Skoda Octavia the ideal family car for Australia? It?s not an idle question. (CarsGuide 2008)
Finally the RS is getting the GTI's most popular transmission. Yes, it's that same widely-imitated Direct Shift Gearbox the twin clutch jobbie which moves even quicker and runs even cleaner than a manual, but - of greater importance to the masses - has a full automatic drive mode.
also, Skoda Octavia Scout - AWD
*Scout is to Octavia Wagon what Outback is to Liberty - ie beefed up AWD version
Finally the RS is getting the GTI's most popular transmission. Yes, it's that same widely-imitated Direct Shift Gearbox the twin clutch jobbie which moves even quicker and runs even cleaner than a manual, but - of greater importance to the masses - has a full automatic drive mode.
also, Skoda Octavia Scout - AWD
skoda scout review [nrma]
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| outdoor scout badge |
Despite the upgrade it’s still a diesel-only proposition. As before, Volkswagen’s ever-popular 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (103TDi in Skoda speak) – which also sees service in VW Golf and Audi A3 Sportback – sits under the Scout’s bonnet and develops 103kW and 320Nm (from 1750-2500rpm). The engine is matched to either a six-speed manual transmission or the new Direct Shift Transmission (DSG) and the combination has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.1L/100km...In the Scout the diesel/six-speed DSG is an excellent combination and provides above average levels of performance. Having only a six-speed DSG hasn’t hampered the Scout’s performance, however – it has quick shifts during acceleration and no annoying DSG lag or clumsiness on take-off. Ride and Handling
The Scout sits 40mm higher than a regular Octavia wagon, but that hasn’t upset the Scout’s on-road manners. The extra suspension travel has also helped deliver a more compliant ride than in the regular wagon. The Scout also sits on larger diameter, low profile tyres – 17-inch verses 16-inch in the Octavia – presumably for better off-road clearance. The unsealed roads we drove on had just been hit with unseasonably heavy rain and some sections were heavily rutted as a result. The ordinary roads didn’t upset the Scout’s demeanour, with the suspension soaking up the rain filled potholes easily. Back on tarmac, the Scout is just as nicely balanced and compliant, and it feels right at home on either surface. Refinement
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| 1970s Tasmanian scout badges found in a holiday house |
The expanded Scout range is priced from $39,490, with the new six-speed DSG an extra $2300 at $41,790. The Scout Premium is an extra $4000 at $43,490 and that jumps to $45,790 with DSG. It’s worth noting the Scout is more expensive than the Volkswagen Tiguan with the same engine (but with a seven-speed DSG) by $2600. Skoda executives see the Scout wagon as a different beast and draw comparisons with Subaru and the way its Outback and Forester happily co-exist.
The Scout undercuts the class-leading Subaru Outback diesel by a small margin. Given Subaru’s status, though, that’s not a big incentive to swap brands.
All Skodas come with a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km. Looking at the running and repair costs, the Skoda is more expensive to maintain over a five-year period than a similarly specced Volkswagen Tiguan. Put that down to the more expensive 17-inch low-profile tyres – good grip comes at a price.
Quality
The Skoda brand might be third row down in the Volkswagen empire here in Australia, but that doesn’t translate to it being third-rate in terms of build quality. The Scout is put together to Volkswagen Group’s exacting standards. Safety and Security
The Octavia scores a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Scout shares the same package including six airbags, electronic stability program with hill hold assist, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake force distribution. All seating positions have three-point lap sash seatbelts and the front seats feature whiplash optimised front headrests. The Scout is fitted with an engine immobiliser and an optional alarm is available. Space
Inside there are plenty of storage options including a cooled centre console storage binnacle, and front door pockets that can store one-litre drink bottles. While not as large internally as the cavernous Superb wagon, the Scout can hold up to 580 litres of luggage, and the second row seats are 60/40 split folds that extend the capacity even further.
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| IT scout badge |
Behind the Wheel
Front seat passengers will find the front seats comfortable and supportive, and with tilt and reach steering adjustment, the Scout will suit most shapes and sizes. The Scout is only 40mm higher than the standard Octavia wagon, but that makes a difference when you get in and out of the seats and older drivers will find the higher seat base a plus. The sharply raked front ‘A’ pillars restrict vision slightly depending on your seating position, but generally all round vision is above average.
pixies, bone machine (buy me a soda)
13 June 2012
car safari
but a 3-door is just rubbish - no good for passengers in the back, or dogs for that matter, or large-ish bags and packages
so, some time, we'll be getting a different car
i've been thinking about a subaru outback for some time, but they're getting so bloated and big and wide that i'm turned off them.
"What car should I buy" Drive reviews
Summer wagon ... [they are] looking for something economical, safe, classy and practical enough to fit a surfboard in the back but do not want a 4WD, so have set their sights on a used wagon of some kind...[contenders are] a 2006 Mazda 6 wagon, 2005 Subaru Liberty wagon and 2005 Volvo V50 but ... which is best or [are they] ...better served by something else.
The budget Up to $27,000
The budget Up to $27,000
Used Euro wagon -
Alfa Romeo 156 vs. Audi A4 vs. Citroen C5 vs. Peugeot 307 vs. Saab 9-5 vs. VW Passat but
Alfa Romeo 156 vs. Audi A4 vs. Citroen C5 vs. Peugeot 307 vs. Saab 9-5 vs. VW Passat but
Soft-roader
Roomy work wagon (2007)
Subaru Outback 2.5i, from $36,990 vs Mazda 6 wagon, from $35,205
Roomy work wagon (2007)
Subaru Outback 2.5i, from $36,990 vs Mazda 6 wagon, from $35,205
whirlpool discussion (April 2010) - subaru liberty/outback v mazda6 - wagons
Subaru Liberty Wagon v Outback
What do you get?
They're essentially the same vehicle, with similar trim levels, but the entry-level 2.5i Liberty starts at $35,490 (plus onroad and dealer costs) while the 2.5i Outback is priced from $38,990 (plus costs).
Both offer AWD but the Outback's beefed-up suspension makes it sit noticeably higher than the Liberty. Bulkier, hard exterior plastics and body cladding give the Outback a more rugged look.
The same seven airbags and stability control are offered on both.
What's inside?
Both vehicles offer identical load space and leg/headroom, with a roomy rear seat that offers plenty of space for youngsters and perhaps even the occasional smaller adult. Cargo space is a handy 490 litres with the seats up — folded down, that jumps to a double mattress-friendly 1690 litres.
Under the bonnet
Both come with the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine but the Liberty misses out on Subaru's new 2.0-litre manual-only diesel engine (priced from $40,490 in the Outback).
The Liberty's range-topping GT Premium model borrows its 2.5-litre turbocharged 195kW engine from the WRX. The top-end Outback offering is the six-cylinder 3.6R Premium model.
On the road
Because the Outback sits eight centimetres higher, it tends to feel less stable than the Liberty when pushed hard and exhibits more body roll around tight bends. The Outback's ability to handle serious terrain is commendable and, despite being heavier than the Liberty, it shares the same thirst. Both can tow up to 1800 kilograms (braked).
The Liberty offers a more willing (and able) drive on sealed sections, with AWD traction giving it that "glued to road" feeling, even in the wet. The Liberty is probably the more convincing car to drive but if you're someone who enjoys a dirty weekend away, the Outback will offer more
from hereModern Wagon: Subaru Outback
Raising the body of an already good wagon by a few inches for added ground clearance and adding some cladding and meatier tires for a rugged look was a stroke of genius, and Subaru's best move ever. More than a dozen years on, the Outback stands alone as the elegant, practical, comfortable, solidly built and reliable forebear of crossovers. The base model is powered by Subaru's ubiquitous 2.5-liter 170-horsepower boxer 4-cylinder engine with the added attraction of a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating, second only to ZEV (pure electrics) as the most environmentally friendly. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a 4-speed auto box is optional. And if you need or want more oomph or muscle, check out the 2.5 XT Limited's 243-horsepower turbocharged engine.
Mazda6 Wagon v CX-7
What do you get?
The most basic CX-7 is the Classic model (starting from $33,990 plus costs). The front-wheel-drive-only model is the highest seller, claiming 41 per cent of CX-7 sales. It's cheaper than the more family-focused Mazda6 wagon (starting at $35,050). AWD CX-7s start from $38,990.
All Mazda6 and CX-7 models come with six airbags and stability control. CX-7s also get a reversing camera but miss out on Bluetooth in the base models (it's standard for all Mazda6 wagons).
What's inside?
The 6 wagon is longer than the CX-7. Boot space drops from 519 litres in the Mazda6 to just 400 litres in the soft-roader and with the rear seats down, the 6 still has the advantage.
The CX-7 may look the bigger vehicle but feels considerably smaller inside and that swooping roofline impedes rear headroom. Legroom is also tight.
The 6 wagon is roomy in the front and rear but storage falls a bit short in the back. Comfort, though, is excellent.
Under the bonnet
Entry-level models of both share the 2.5-litre four-cylinder but due to the soft-roader's bigger, heavier body, it tends to drink slightly more across all models.
Both offer a diesel engine version but the CX-7's weight offsets the fuel savings of the oil-burner compared with the 6 wagon (7.6L/100km against 5.9L/100km).
There are two turbocharged CX-7 petrol models and both have received red marks for thirst but big ticks for fun.
On the road
Both are above par on the road when stacked up against their competitors, though both do suffer from road noise. The CX-7 feels sporty enough to handle curves and climbs without hassle, though its weight can hinder progress. The 6 drives much the same but with enough vigour to please the more enthusiastic driver.
The CX-7 is (and looks) more adventure friendly . But the roomy 6 wagon, even if a bit conservative in its appearance, does hold it over its soft-roader sibling when it comes to utility value.
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| a white car would be okay, but only if painted like a zebra |
12 June 2012
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