Of course, the 1.9 TDI engine existed in various evolutions, but all of them are still very popular today. And this is mainly due to general reliability, low fuel consumption and a characteristic powerful pull at suitable speeds.
In the case of Škoda cars, the turbocharged nineteen-cylinder diesel engine first appeared under the hood of the first generation Octavia introduced in 1996. Right from its launch, it was available with a 1.9 TDI unit in a version marked with the AGR code, which gave a maximum output of 66 kW (90 hp) in 4,000 revolutions per minute and the highest torque of 210 Nm already from 1,900 rpm.
The Liftback (a station wagon arrived later) with this engine accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds (according to other data, 13.7 s) and went up to 182 km/h. The consumption was especially great, the manufacturer’s stated appetite of 5.3 l / 100 km in combined operation basically corresponded to reality.
Later, other variants of the 1.9 TDI engine appeared in the first Octavia – and they were all popular…
But we will be interested in the first turbodiesel, i.e. the engine codenamed AGR. In a Czech advertisement, specifically on the rajveteranu.cz portal, we discovered a Škoda Octavia with this legendary unit in unusual condition.
The vast majority of cars with a 1.9 TDI engine covered large portions of kilometers, but the specimen that is currently for sale has covered only 32,500 kilometers! It is a car from the first months of production, it was produced already in 1997.
Unfortunately, the seller does not explain how it is possible that the Škoda has managed such a low number of kilometers so far, he only describes the Octavia as a “storage car” that is permanently garaged. And that she didn’t know winter. Nevertheless, he will add a winter set of wheels and a cover to it. It also mentions a valid MOT (until September 2025) or original registration marks.
Photo: Paradise of veterans
The Octavia in the GLX trim is said to have all original factory parts, interesting are the styling accessories from Milotec. In the ad, we also find a note about changing oil and filters or anti-corrosion treatment. The interior should be in top condition. The car is available for 190 thousand crowns.
