For The Octavia is easy to drive, has a huge cabin and most versions are cheap to buy and run. It’s generally comfortable, too.

Against It's not the most exciting car in its class to drive or to sit in. Entry-level models miss out on some key equipment and there’s too much road noise.

Skoda Octavia Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

One of the most spacious cars in the class and it's great value for money. Choose carefully, though: the cheaper models miss some important equipment.

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There are 24 Skoda Octavia versions available

Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.4 16v S 5dr £13,280
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.2 TSI S 5dr £14,030
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.4 TSI S 5dr £14,565
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 MPI SE 5dr £14,945
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.2 TSI SE 5dr £15,040
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.4 TSI SE 5dr £15,575
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 MPI Elegance 5dr £16,045
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 TDI CR S 5dr £16,400
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.4 TSI SE Plus 5dr £16,535
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.4 TSI Elegance 5dr £16,675
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.8 TSI 152 SE Plus 5dr £17,120
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 TDI CR SE 5dr £17,410
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 TDI CR Greenline II 5dr £17,875
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.8 TSI 160 Elegance 5dr £18,200
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 TDI CR SE Plus 5dr £18,370
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.6 TDI CR Elegance 5dr £18,510
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 140 SE 5dr £18,650
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 110 SE Plus 5dr £18,885
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 140 SE Plus 5dr £19,610
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 140 Elegance 5dr £19,750
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TFSI vRS 5dr £20,330
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS 5dr £21,155
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.8 TSI 160 Laurin & Klement 5dr £21,170
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TDI CR 140 Laurin& Klement 5dr £22,720
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Octavia Our pick

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.

What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Read 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 1.9 TDI PD Elegance 5dr

I have just purchased my fourth Skoda since 2003.…

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. …

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…

Paul Webb

5 out of 5 stars

Skoda Octavia Hatchback 2.0 TFSI vRS 5dr

Had my race blue DSG petrol VRS for just over 1…

stephen beal

5 out of 5 stars
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