For The 1.4 engine may sound too small, but it's perfectly fine. Over and above SE trim, SE Plus adds 16-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, a touch-screen sat-nav system and Bluetooth.

Against If you regularly carry a car-full of people, you may well need the extra grunt you'll get from a diesel engine.

Skoda Octavia Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

We love this little engine and appreciate the extras that SE trim brings. To our mind, they make this model one of the best in the range.

What Car? readers say

4.517857


Key facts

0–60mph
9.7 secs
Top speed
126 mph
Average mpg
44.8
Tank range
542 miles
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Features

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Size

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The full Skoda Octavia review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

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.

Reader test team says:

Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS 5dr

I bought this car new and have run it for just over a year now, covering 15000 miles and I have nothing but praise for it. It is extremely well built…

Ron Macey

5 out of 5 stars

Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.9 TDI PD Elegance 5dr

I have just purchased my fourth Skoda since 2003. Two Fabias and two Octavias. The latest being a 1.9 Elegence on a 59 plate with 17K on the clock.…

bryan powell

5 out of 5 stars

Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS 5dr

This is the third Skoda I've now owned. Previously, I've had an Octavia Elegance, a Fabia Elegance, and now an Octavia VRS. I purchased the Octavia…

Dominic Kuryliw

5 out of 5 stars

Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.8 TSI Elegance 5dr

The 2nd Octavia I've had this being the latest generation version. Good stuff - equipment, build quality, drive, DSG gearbox. Can't really fault…

Paul Webb

5 out of 5 stars
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