For This 1.4 engine may sound too small, but it's fine. Elegance is as luxurious as you can get with this engine, with standard kit including cruise control and dual-zone climate control.
Against If you regularly need to carry a car-full of people, you may well need the extra grunt you'll get from a diesel engine.
We love this little engine, but reckon that Elegance trim adds unnecessary luxury - and cost - to what is really a family workhorse. The SE car seems much better value.
The Octavia is one of the best all-round small family cars, combining Volkswagen build quality and engineering with Skoda practicality and value.
Our favourite version is SE trim with the great 1.2 TSI petrol engine. That may not sound like much in such a big car, but it manages to give an impressive blend of performance and economy.
The Octavia is built on the same platform as the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf, which is why it strikes a fine balance between stable handling and a comfortable ride.
All materials feel solid, and the interior shames those of many more expensive models for its fit and finish. All models are very spacious, too, with more rear legroom than most rivals. Equipment is generally good, although the cheapest versions miss key items of safety kit.
The exterior styling might look a bit staid, but the Octavia is very capable and comes at a great price to boot.
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