Skoda Octavia 2.0 FSI

The Skodas Second Generation Octavia 2.0-Litre FSI Could Be The Petrol Model To Have. Steve Ghosley Checks It Over

The 2.0-litre FSI is the second most powerful of the engines to be offered in the latest generation Skoda Octavia and could prove to be one of the most popular derivatives in the range. A two-litre engine in this size of car offers a good compromise between useable power and reasonable fuel economy, the FSI technology providing 150bhp maximum power output and a 35mpg average fuel consumption.

Skoda currently offer four petrol-powered Octavias; A 75bhp 1.4MPI, the 115bhp 1.6-litre FSI, the 150bhp 2.0-litre FSI unit we look at here and the range-topping 200bhp 2.

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0-litre FSI Turbo. As opposed to the entry-level engine with standard fuel injection to the intake pipe (the so-called MPI unit), the FSI direct injection engines utilise a system where the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. FSI stands for Fuel-Stratified Injection and the engine runs on two cycles, using normal combustion technology above 4,000rpm and stratified injection below 4,000rpm. Direct fuel injection engines have a similar combustion principle as standard petrol engines, but in the FSI mode, a tiny drop of petrol is injected directly onto the top of the specially-shaped piston head, where it combusts with air that is swirled into the cylinder in a precise manner.

The main advantage of this is lower fuel consumption, while normal injection is used at higher revs to provide excellent power. Petrol engines with FSI direct injection fitted in the Octavia produce more than adequate torque at low revs and, at the same time, a high output at high revs, effectively replicating the effect of a variable valve timing system with far less mechanical complexity. They satisfy the requirements of a variety of drivers - perfect for smooth, economical, swift, dynamic, and sporty driving. In addition to the advantages of higher output and lower consumption, direct injection engines are environmentally friendly with low emissions of both CO2 and NOx.

This is important in both attaining a Euro IV compliancy rating and in meeting the needs of company car drivers who arent keen on being hammered by the Chancellor.

"the FSI is a hands down winner, offering a good deal more flexibility, refinement and power"

The 2.0-litre FSI offers the best combination between power and economy within the petrol range. This all-aluminium, four-cylinder engine uses an adjustable camshaft for the intake valves and is good for a maximum speed of 130mph. It will dispatch the sprint to 60mph in 10.

5 seconds while being capable of returning a combined fuel economy figure of some 35mpg. The engine is equipped with two three-way catalytic converters a main converter and a front-end converter - two lambda sensors plus exhaust gas re-circulation with an electric valve. When it comes to its Green credentials, the Octavia 2.0 FSI doesnt do too badly either, producing around 170g/Km which should appeal to the company buyers as well as the environmentally-friendly private customers.

The engine is also offered in the 4x4 Octavia Estate and Scout derivatives, which bring greater traction without sacrificing any of the Estate models carrying capacity. With prices starting at £14,505 for an Octavia 2.0 FSI in Ambiente trim and topping out at £19,170 for the LandK estate with automatic transmission, the Octavia 2.0FSI looks to be good value for money too.

The Octavia utilises the Golf chassis, which was designed to out perform the Ford Focus in terms of driving pleasure and overall road manners. With the added power of the two-litre engine, it cant help but feel extremely capable when stitching a series of bends together. The steering feels like a good hydraulically assisted set-up but is in fact electro-mechanically assisted. Many of the early versions of this steering set-up felt unacceptably artificial but the Octavias helm feels meaty and rewarding at speed, reverting to fingertip light at parking speeds.

Impressive stuff. The multi-link rear suspension keeps the sort of bump and thump that often afflicts cars with more rudimentary torsion beam set-ups at bay. Although the new Octavia looks like a conventional three box saloon, it has been cleverly disguised as a practical five-door hatchback like its predecessor. The old Octavia was renowned for possessing one of the biggest payloads in class but the latest car comprehensively trumps it, available capacity going up by 36 litres to 560 litres with the rear seats in place.

Bear in mind that this dwarfs whats on offer from a BMW 5 Series, a Jaguar S-TYPE, a Mercedes E Class or a Volvo S80 and youll get some idea how huge it is back there. The Golf doesnt even compare. Fold the rear seats flat and youll then get a yawning 1350 litres of available space. The Octavia 2.

0FSI looks to be a star in the making. For those who want a petrol power train, it offers a good deal of muscle throughout the range and can deliver very commendable fuel economy figures along with low emissions too. With Skodas growing reputation, it is not difficult to imagine that many more Octavia 2.0FSi models will be plying our highways in the future.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Skoda Octavia 2.0FSi range
PRICES: £14,505-£19,170 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 7E-8E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 170 -190g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 130mph / 0-60mph 10.5s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 35mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, brake assist, twin front and side airbags
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4572/1769/1462mm