Skoda Octavia Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
We’d ignore the underpowered basic 1.4 and go for one of the turbocharged petrols, all of which have plenty of punch. There’s the 1.2 TSI (which is superb value), 1.4 TSI, two 1.8 TSIs and the 197bhp 2.0 TFSI engine in the vRS hot hatch. Diesels are a 104bhp 1.6, a 2.0 with 108 or 138bhp, and the 168bhp 2.0 in the vRS.
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Ride & Handling
Most models are comfortable, although those with larger wheels don’t ride so smoothly. It handles well and there's plenty of grip, but the Octavia's sheer size means it's not as nimble as some rivals. The steering is also a little short of feel. The vRS performance model has firmer suspension for sharper handling, but comfort doesn't suffer unduly. It's not as rewarding to drive as the best hot hatches, though.
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Refinement
The Octavia’s petrol engines are smooth and quiet, although the 1.2 and 1.4 TSIs can sound a little gruff when revved hard. The same can be said of the diesels. There’s little suspension or wind noise on the motorway, but road noise can be an issue on coarse surfaces.
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Buying & Owning
The Octavia is cheap to buy and run - you won't need deep pockets to own this small family car. Decent discounts are available and yet it holds its value better than many mainstream European rivals. Go for the Greenline II model and you'll also be able to average more than 70mpg, while its sub-100g/km emissions keep down the rates of company car tax and road tax.
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Quality & Reliability
The Octavia's cabin shames those of many more expensive cars for its fit and finish. All the materials feel solid, while the gaps between panels are tight and regular. Skoda's reliability record isn't sensational, but the Octavia performed very well in the 2011 JD Power survey.
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Safety & Security
All Octavias have twin front and side airbags, but curtain airbags are an option for all but top-spec cars. Other standard safety features are ISOFIX child-seat mounts and electronic brakeforce distribution. You'll have to pay extra for electronic stability control on most versions, though. Security provision is good, although the entry-level trim doesn't have an alarm.
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Behind The Wheel
Masses of adjustment for the steering wheel and driver's seat allows people of all sizes to get comfortable. The seats are supportive, too, although some may consider them to be overly hard. The dashboard is simplicity itself and all-round visibility is good.
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Space & Practicality
The Octavia is one of the biggest small family cars. Six-foot adults can comfortably sit behind similar-sized front occupants with room to spare. The boot is enormous and suffers from no suspension intrusions, although when the rear seats are tipped forward there's a step in the floor.
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Equipment
There are S, SE, SE Plus, Elegance and Laurin & Klement models, as well as the Greenline eco model, all-wheel-drive 4x4 and Scout, and the vRS hot hatch. The cheapest cars have air-conditioning and electric front windows, while stepping up to SE adds alloys, a CD multichanger and rear electric windows. SE Plus brings sat-nav, Bluetooth, and rear parking sensors, Elegance has dual-zone climate control and cruise control, and Laurin & Klement gets leather seats and xenon headlights.
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Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.2 TSI SE 5dr
If you want a petrol small family car with as much space as possible and tiny running costs, look no further. The 1.2 TSI engine is a gem, and doesn’t feel significantly hampered by the Octavia’s size.
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