SKODA OCTAVIA cars

About the Skoda Octavia

The Octavia first launched in the UK in the '90s as a rival to the Ford Mondeo, and did a very good job. Outliving the Mondeo, the Octavia today is available as either a saloon or an estate car.  

It offers great fuel economy, high levels of practicality and a comfortable ride – meaning it is pretty much the only car you’d ever need in the family.  

Each generation of Octavia has seen incremental but important changes, producing what might just be the best family-daily on the roads. 

You also get the reputation for reliability and value for money that comes with owning a Skoda – there’s a reason why some motorists are so loyal to the brand. 

In the Octavia range, there’s a real choice of models. Not only do you get two body styles to pick from, there’s also a wide range of trims. That includes the sporty Octavia vRS model, but even the entry-level offerings are a top choice.  

What features does the Skoda Octavia have?

Ever since the third-generation Octavia came out in 2012, the interior has been as good as can be. While it may not be as luxurious as a Rolls-Royce, it offers simplicity and high levels of tech across the range.  

In newer models, standard equipment includes an eight-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system, a DAB radio, and Bluetooth.   

A used Octavia SE L model is ideal for pushing the boat out with even more features. You'll get the standard kit, plus keyless entry, voice control sat-nav, and front parking sensors.  

One of the car's main selling points is its amazing boot space. The saloon’s boot measures in at an astonishing 590 litres, with the estate boasting 610 litres. These can be expanded to 1,580 litres and 1,740 litres respectively when the rear seats are folded flat.   

What's the Skoda Octavia like to drive?

Octavia models in recent years have been available with the choice of petrol, diesel engines or a hybrid powertrain option.  

Kicking off the range is a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 110hp, followed by a larger 1.5-litre option that offers 150hp and is more suited to those wanting a bit more of a kick.  

Sitting at the top of the petrol range is the Octavia VRS’s 2.0-litre TSI engine that produces a whopping 245hp, making it the perfect rival to the Ford Focus ST or Volkswagen Golf GTI.  

As for diesel engines, there is the 2.0-litre diesel that offers great pulling power, making it perfect for a towing vehicle.  

On newer models, there's the option of a plug-in hybrid system that's ideal for someone who drives mostly around towns or cities. It’s also much quicker off the line.  

Before these engine options, there were some others including a 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel. Both are still great engines but just aren't available on nearly-new models.