MOTORING MOTORING SKODA
OCTAVIA Skoda sales are booming in the UK and you have only to check out its Octavia model to understand why. In size it is larger than a Focus yet smaller than a Mondeo, so when it comes to practicality, it is excellent for family or business use.
It has an elegant profile and the high standard of the interior suggests it belongs in a more premium class. There are 1.2 and 2.0 litre petrol engines available and a new and very impressive 1.4 litre too. The diesel option is 1.6 or 2.0 litres. The Octavia range starts at £15,990
and all versions have seven airbags as standard, along with stability control and anti-lock brakes. Other standard kit includes air-conditioning, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and a USB socket. The octavia also the top five-star NCAP crash test rating. There are four trim levels – S, SE, Elegance and the sporty vRS – and SE is likely to be the most popular, adding rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and rear electric windows. Elegance cars have sat-nav, part-leather seats, cruise control and auto lights and wipers, while vRS models get styling features and xenon headlights.
SMART FORTWO
The smart car was a brave venture by the mercedes-Benz group, the project having already been turned down by Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Fiat and General Motors. Mercedes ignored the decisions of others and decided that the motoring world was ready for a micro-car and in 1998, launched the smart brand, feeling the two-seater car would appeal to city folk and to young buyers who liked a cool trendy image. It was a bold but ultimately correct move, for while smart has not taken the world by storm to the extent that may have been anticipated, it has carved a strong niche and sells well in many countries, especially popular with buyers who appreciate its quirky appearance, good fuel economy and the tiny space it requires in which to park. In fact, you can get two smarts bumper-to-bumper in a standard parking slot!
ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OuR MOTORInG COluMn, By THe expeRIenCeD AnD AWARD WInnInG MOTORInG JOuRnAlIsT niCk FleTCher Helps OuR ReADeRs CHOOse THe BesT OF THe lATesT CARs.
My recent test version was the
1.4 litre TSi petrol model, priced at £20,240 in Elegance spec. This engine delivers a superb blend of performance and economy, and of the 80 or more new cars I have driven in 2012, I found this one the most enjoyable.
The 140 hp engine is smooth, quiet and very responsive. The 0-60 mph time is quick at 8.1 seconds, and top speed is 134 mph.
With refined driving dynamics and overall agility, this Octavia stands out from its class rivals
Yet fuel economy is 53.3 mpg combined. And while you often can’t get close to official fuel figures in real-world driving, I averaged 47 mpg in a varied week of town and motorway driving, without making any effort at economy. Impressive from a petrol car. Ride quality is excellent and cornering
grip and assurance commendable. With refined driving dynamics and overall agility, this Octavia stands out from its class rivals - which of course include its VW Golf stable-mate. Add the Octavia’s lower purchase price and lower running costs
than most rivals and it becomes an alluring proposition. Inside, the cabin is well designed, user friendly and functional, and the trim materials are high-quality with a top-notch standard of fit and finish. multi-adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat allow almost anyone to find their ideal driving position.
The smart fortwo is available with several variants of its 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine, ranging from a 54 hp diesel to a 101 hp ‘hot’ Brabus petrol model. Prices span £9,575 to £15,375. my test model was the 83 hp petrol version in lower-spec Pulse trim, and priced at £10,075.
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