Hmmm....Octavia or Corolla. How come i didn't see this topic earlier! I had exactly the same decisions when we had to get a new car for the family. I Looked at the Corolla, Optra, Octavia and Forester. I know, wide price range, but I wanted to compare them all. Since we are talking about the Octi and the Corolla, I'll restrict myself to those 2.
Basically, it all comes down to what you plan on doing with the car and how long you plan on keeping it. With the Octi., I presume you are thinking of the 1.9TDi, coz the petrol engined Octi doesn't stand up against the Corolla.
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Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] ]the Skoda is actually a VW in disguise, and VW's arent exactly high up there on the quality ladder. |
I beg to differ GTO. While JD power surveys indicate problems experienced by owners, and I totally agree that the Jap's beat everyone here. BUT, when it comes to BUILD qulaity, and by this I mean the materials used, the interiors, the buttons and the control stalks, the Jap's don't stand a chance. Step into a Corolla and an Octavia and see.
For us, the Octavia was the choice because we wanted a SOLID car that would last for about 10 years! Sorry, but the Toyota won't. I'm not talking engines here, as I have no doubt the Corolla VVti will keep running for a long time. My main concern was the body rigidity, and this is something that a Skoda has in huge quantities. For example, look at older Honda City's and Hyundai's and most of them have ripples in the body. Then look at an Astra of the same age or even older, and you will understand what I am talking about. When I sold my 8 year old astra, the interiors still looked like new and the body didn't have a dimple on it. No squeeks from the dash, no chassis movements nothing! This is something only the Germans/Europeans can do. Sure, I had some mechanical problems with the Astra, but that's easy to fix, while if your chassis gets loose, there's nothing you can do.
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Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] ]it is still using age-old regular direct Injection technology, while car makers like Hyundai have moved on to the more contemporary CRDi (Common Rail Direct Injection) technology. |
Then there is the amazing 1.9TDi engine. Forget your CRDi's and the lot. Yes, they are newer and probably a little more efficient than the direct injection of the Octi., but the 1.9TDi is the world's largest selling diesel engine in its class. It is as tough as they get, and runs great on our crappy diesel. Low sulphur diesel?? the Octi don't need none! Just drive one and you will come away impressed. I know I did, and I was a staunch diesel hater before! Horsepower alone don't count for jack. The Octavia will outhandle the Corolla hands down! And any ground lost on the straights will be made up on the turns. (thats more fun anyway!)
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Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] ]Lastly, if you pay 11 lacs for a car, the least you expect is acceptable levels of comfort, and the Octavia rear seat is not! I had a stint in the rear on a trip to Lonavla and could not wait to step out after that experience. The front seats are great, but the rear set-up is horrible. |
I agree, the rear seats are not the best out there, and that is probably the weakest link in the Octavia's armour. If you sit in the backseat and have a driver most of the time, forget the Octavia. then save your money and get a 1.6 Optra!
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Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] ] Maintenance costs for regular servicing: I am told that Octavia is very expensive. One Corolla vendor told me (I do not know if that should be believed) that for first 50000 km, Corolla will cost only Rs. 11000/- for regular servicing while Octavia will cost Rs. 45000/-. |
I don't know where this came from! AAhh...a Toyota salesman! Surprise surpsise!! 1st service for Octi- 7,500Km@Rs.5000/- and the rest are all proportional to that figure. The LAST person to believe is a car salesman!
So it all comes down to what you want:
If you want a...
petrol car - Corolla
Diesel - Octavia (duh!)
Backseat only - Corolla
Features - Skoda L&K (parking sensor, sunroof, smell that leather!)
Running costs - Skoda
Ride comfort - Skoda
Build quality - Skoda
Resale - Currently both are the same, however that could change if the new Octi. is launched next december.
Down to you now Anku. Whatever you choose though, you'll be happy with it! Just list out your priorities and maketh your choice.
peace.
rtech