AUSTRALIAN NEW CAR & SUV BUYER’S GUIDE | 133Skoda Octavia prices start at
$23,890 for the 110TSi sedan.
Based on Golf VII’s modular
platform, with a 46mm longer
wheelbase, the Octavia also
runs Golf drivetrains and
other mechanicals. Octavia is
available as a sedan or wagon,
the latter carrying a $1500
premium in all model grades.
The 110TSI’s 1.4-litre
turbopetrol engine produces
a handy 110kW of power and
250Nm of torque. Whether
paired to the light six-speed
manual or fast but occasionally
erratic seven-speed DSG dual-
clutch automatic (a $2500
option), this outstandinglysmooth and quiet turbo four
feels remarkably lively. Sport
110TSi sedan is $31,490.
Genuinely sporty RS models
include the 2.0-litre turbopetrol
RS180 (as in kW) TSi from
$39,990 and the RS245 hotrod,
which starts at $45,490.
It’s got the same drivetrain as
RS180, plus adaptive dampers
and a fl asher cabin.
If you have one or two kids, the
Skoda Octavia, is a value-focused,
safe and practical family car.
All models get radar cruise,
automatic emergency braking,
and a multi view rear camera
system, plus dual-zone air and
voice control infotainmant.
Resale values are weaker than
equivalent VW Golf models and
other rivals such as the Mazda3.By Byron MathioudakisThe 2.0-litre boxer BRZ costs
$34,520 (manual) and $36,280 for
the auto. It’s a twin under the skin
with the Toyota 86.
Subaru’s 2.0-litre horizontally-
opposed, naturally aspirated
four-cylinder was signifi cantly
overhauled in 2017 and now
produces 152kW of power
when matched with a six-speed
manual, or 147kW with the
optional six-speed automatic.
In the manual variant, this 5kW
power increase plus a lower fi nal
drive ratio improved its 0–100km/
h acceleration by 0.2 seconds.
However compared with any
comparably sized turbo engine,
the Subaru 2.0-litre is weak in the
bottom half of the rev range.
It also received the same 2017
facelift as the 86, with a restyled
front end plus LED headlights,
taillights, and new 17-inch alloys.
Inside the BRZ you will fi nd
more premium materials, a
sporty new steering wheel, a newinstrument panel and 6.2 inch
infotainment touchscreen.
On the road, we are talking
extremely subtle points of
difference here between two
superb handing pieces of
machinery.
What transcends any differences
between the BRZ and 86, and
defi nes both, are those svelte
1282kg–1304kg numbers in the
spex box, a circa 80kg increase
over the original model, mainly
due to extra equipment and some
extra body reinforcement.
Light weight, rear wheel drive
and a 55:45 front/rear weight
distribution, is the purist’s idea of
a perfect sports car recipe.
A TS variant, priced at
$40,434/$42,434, further sharpens
the car’s dynamics, adding Sachs
dampers, STi springs, Brembo
brakes and 18-inch alloys with
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
What it needs now is the WRX’s
197kW 2.0-litre turbo engine.S SKODA OCTAVIA FROM $23,890
SafetyANCAP
Green Vehicle
GuidePerformanceHandlingQuality and
reliabilityComfort and
refi nementValue for moneyOverallSTARS
THINGS WE LIKE
Spacious cabin
Super-effi cient VW drivetrains
Outstanding safety
Wagon practicality
Confi dent handlingTHINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
Jittery ride on big-wheeled
non-IRS models
VW reliability issues
Rear cushion too low for taller
passengers
Weak resale values
SPEX (110TSI DSG)
Made in Czech Republic
1.4-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/
seven-speed dual-clutch DSG/
front-wheel drive
110kW of power at 6000rpm/250Nm
of torque from 1500–3500rpm
0–100km/h in 8.2s (claimed)
4.6L/100km highway; 6.3L/100km
city; 95 octane premium; CO 2
emissions are 121g/km
Warranty: Five years/unlimited
kilometres
Standard: Seven airbags, stability
control, 17-inch alloys,
full-size spare, automatic
emergency braking, dual zone air,
multiple view rear camera, radar
cruise, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto, voice control, rear
parking sensors
Redbook future values: 3yr: 49%;
5yr 32%compare with ...
Holden Astra, Hyundai Elantra,
Mazda3, Subaru ImprezaSUBARU BRZ FROM $34,520
THINGS WE LIKE
One of the best-handling cars
on the road, at any price It’s a Subaru, so it’s well made and
it won’t break
Strong resale values
Comfortable driver’s seat and
driving positionTHINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
Engine is weak in the bottom half of
the rev range, and also feels strained
at the top end
It would be even better with a set
of premium performance tyres
Prefers 98 octaneSPEX (manual)
Made in Japan
2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol/six-
speed manual/rear-wheel drive
152kW of power at 7000rpm/
212Nm of torque at 6400–6800rpm
0–100km/h in 7.4 seconds
6.4L/100km highway; 10.4L/
100km city; 98 octane; CO 2
emissions are 194g/km
Warranty: Three years/100,000km
Standard: Seven airbags, stability
control, limited slip diff, 17-inch
alloys, Bluetooth, Data Dot security,
dual-zone air, aluminium pedals
and scuff plates
Redbook future values: 3yr: 52%;
5yr: 40%Safety
ANCAP
Green Vehicle
GuidePerformanceHandlingQuality and
reliabilityComfort and
refi nementValue for moneyOverallSTARS
compare with ...
Mazda MX5 RF, Toyota 86 GTSS