Skoda Octavia 2013-2017 Zeal Elegance 2.0 TDI AT

Octavia 2013-2017 Zeal Elegance 2.0 TDI AT Review

Skoda has launched the Zeal Edition series with some added features to augment its sales further. Among these, Skoda Octavia Zeal Elegance 2.0 TDI AT is one amongst such off spring that has all the aspects that can be stuffed into a car. It impresses with numerous features and it must start with the massive 590 litre boot compartment that is standard, whereas it can be further expanded to a whopping 1580 litres, if the rear bench seat is folded. And this cannot be otherwise, cause its Skoda, and it never ceases to surprise. There are personal comfort settings for the multi functional display, which has a 5.8 inch LCD, TFT color display that can be customized with elements like, lights and vision, language, alternate speed display, winter tyres, tourist light and service interval etc.., Additionally, this display has a MaxiDot, that displays all the functional data and warning messages in a large display. Then there is Bluetooth connectivity that aids in pairing mobile phones into the audio unit for handsfree operation, while on the move. To further enhance the convenience, there are phone and call controls on the steering wheel. To have 8 speakers in the cabin itself shows what the surround sound effect will be enjoyed in the cabin. Furthermore, there are features like a rough road package and an underbody protective cover as well. The hydraulic braking system, multi collision braking and electronic stability offers better control over the vehicle while the parking sensors with speakers at the front as well as the rear give extra assistance to the driver. To sum up, it tops the list of the offerings available in its category.

Exteriors:

The entire body sits on a set of alloy wheels that are of 16 inches size. The radiator grille is broad and is painted in chrome for intensifying its appearance. The bumpers, both the outside rear view mirrors as well as the door handles are in body color. The external mirrors are equipped with turn indicators and an automatically dimming function. There are bi-xenon lights sitting in the headlamp cluster, which can be levelled from inside. The entire headlight system is adaptive and has light sensors integrated to them. A pair of fog lamps are fitted at front and the rear as well, which help in better visibility. Furthermore, the outside mirrors plus rear wind-shields have built-in defoggers that has a timer function to them. All the windows that are fitted to this sedan are tinted. There are mud guards at the rear part of the body that ensures clean look in all seasons. Follow me home and leaving home lights are affixed as well along with boarding spot lamps.

Interiors:

This Skoda Octavia Zeal Elegance 2.0 TDI AT trim has ample comfort features that are fitted into the cabin. To start with the boot, two foldable baggage hooks and six load anchoring points are fitted in the luggage compartment,which is very handy. When it comes to the seating arrangement, the seats are covered with leather that gives added comfort. And then there is a center armrest to the rear bench that has adjustable cup holders. The rear seat back rest is 60:40 split and completely foldable as well. Below the rear parcel shelf there is net storage. Under the front passenger seat, there is a storage compartment. The front glove box has a cooling system as well as illumination. Additionally, there are storage compartments to the front and rear doors, under the steering wheel, in the front and rear center console as well as on the backrests of the front seats. There are coat hooks on rear roof handles and B-pillars, while a ticket holder on A-pillar. There is a retaining clip on both the sun visors. The rear parcel shelf is removable as and when needed. Reading lamps are provided to front and rear cabin too and all the storage spaces have illumination additionally. The textile floor mats add richness to the luxury of the leather wrapped upholstery, gear shift knob, hand brake lever and steering wheel. Cabin is furbished with air circulation function along with air quality sensors. The air conditioning vents for the rear bench is attached to the front seats and the vents on the rear central console are adjustable. 

Engine and Performance:

This trim is equipped with a 2.0-litre, common rail based turbo charged direct injection mill. It has four cylinders that are laid out in a dual overhead cam shaft based valve configuration. It has a potential of displacing 1968cc. It can generate a maximum power of 141.04bhp at 4000rpm and can produce a peak torque of 320Nm at 1750 to 3000rpm. The fuel economy is about 19.3 Kmpl, under standard driving conditions. It has a six speed direct shift based automatic transmission gear box along with a FWD (front wheel drive).

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels are fitted with disc brakes with inner cooling with single piston floating caliper while the rear wheels are fixed with disc brakes. The front axle is equipped with McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser while the rear axle has got compound link crank axle. The steering system contains a direct rack and pinion type with electro mechanic power steering. It has an impressive 10.4 meters turning radius.

Comfort Features:

From what was mentioned in the interiors, there are other elements too that add to the passenger convenience. The roof is covered with panoramic electric sunroof that has a bounce back function to it. The driver seat can be adjusted in 12 different ways and additionally it has programmable memorable functions. The cabin temperature is taken care by the automatic air conditioning unit with electronic regulation, which has a dual zone facility as well. The entertainment section has Skoda audio player, whose players are touch screen enabled. The outside rear view mirrors can be electronically adjustable and foldable. The steering wheel can be height and length adjustable as well. To the front windshield, there are automatic wipers fitted that have rain sensors function. A 12V power outlet is fitted for charging any gadgets.

Safety Features:

The protection of this variant, Skoda Octavia Zeal Elegance 2.0 TDI AT is fully brimmed with features that keeps the vehicle as well as the occupants in it very safe. There is a dynamic levelling to the bi-xenon headlights and the front light system is adaptive. The automatic headlight system comes with a light sensor to them. The headlights can be cleaned with washers which are retractable. For traction, it has anti slip regulation and motor speed regulation as well. Additionally, there is an electronic differential lock. For stability, there is multi collision braking and electronic stability control as well. There is a tyre press monitoring available as an additional support for controlled driving. Airbags are fitted to the front and sides as well, while curtain air bags are fitted to the rear bench. The engine immobilizer freezes the engine, if it detects any unauthorized access to the car and therefore avoids thefts.

Pros:

1. Fully equipped with protective features.

2. Advanced technology based automated functions.

Cons:

1. Navigation system is missing.

2. Price range doesn't stand par with its competitors.