For This is the cheapest model with this frugal, refined and torquey engine. It's well-specced, too, with a CD-changer and height-adjustable front seats on top of air-con and ESP.

Against The main trouble is that this is an expensive engine to buy, and unless you do a lot of miles, a petrol unit may make more sense in the long term.

Skoda Octavia Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The Octavia is a fine all-rounder, and it works well with this engine. However, we reckon it works even better with one of the cheaper engines.

What Car? readers say

4.517857


Key facts

0–60mph
9.5 secs
Top speed
131 mph
Average mpg
58.9
Tank range
713 miles
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Features

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Size

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View the whole Skoda Octavia Hatchback range

Cheaper

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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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