New Ford Focus & Kia Ceed vs Skoda Octavia
Our verdict
It’s hard to believe that, after so many years, the Octavia keeps on winning. But, hey, it ticks more boxes than any rival, so it fully deserves the victory. It isn’t all that exciting to drive, but it’s smartly furnished, massive inside, well equipped and nippy – all for a sensible price.
The biggest surprise is that the new Focus competes so well with the Octavia on passenger space; it’s genuinely impressive. It’s a shame that boot space isn’t similarly competitive, but, as we mentioned, you can at least improve that aspect by choosing your options wisely. And there is now a real reason to buy a Focus over any other car in the class: it’s simply delightful to drive.
The Ceed comes last but is by no means disgraced. It’s competitive in lots of areas; it’s just that it doesn’t stand out in any – except perhaps PCP finance. So if it’s the only one of these family hatches that falls into your monthly budget, you won’t be disappointed.
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1st – Skoda Octavia
For Biggest boot; most head room; best interior quality; best infotainment; nippy performance
Against Unsettled ride around town; noisy suspension; wanders around on the motorway
Recommended options Remote rear seatback releases (£95); blindspot monitors (£390)
Rated 5 out of 5
Read our full Skoda Octavia review
Find a great Skoda Octavia deal
2nd – Ford Focus
For Sweetest handling; best town ride; great driving position; well equipped; most economical
Against Cheapest interior feel; smallest boot; so-so performance
Recommended options Height-adjustable boot floor (£75); blindspot monitors (£400)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Ford Focus review
3rd – Kia Ceed
For Strong engine; cheapest PCP repayments; smart and solidly made interior
Against So-so handling; road noise and fidgety ride at speed; tightest rear seats; least fuel efficient
Recommended options Premium paint (£550)
Rated 3 out of 5
Specifications: Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium X
Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
List price £22,820
Target Price £21,240
Power 123bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 125Ib ft at 1400-4500rpm
Gearbox Six-speed manual
0-60mph 10.2sec
Top speed 124mph
Gov't fuel economy 57.6mpg
Test MPG 45.1mpg
CO2 emissions 111g/km
Specifications: Kia Ceed 1.4 T-GDi 138 3
Engine 4cyl, 1353cc, turbo, petrol
List price £21,505
Target Price £20,679
Power 138bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 179Ib ft at 1500-3200rpm
Gearbox Six-speed manual
0-60mph 8.8sec
Top speed 130mph
Gov't fuel economy 48.7mpg
Test MPG 40.2mpg
CO2 emissions 132g/km
Specifications: Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI 150 SE L
Engine 4cyl, 1495cc, turbo, petrol
List price £22,460
Target Price £20,457
Power 148bhp at 5000rpm
Torque 184Ib ft at 1500-3500rpm
Gearbox Six-speed manual
0-60mph 8.4sec
Top speed 136mph
Gov't fuel economy 56.5mpg
Test MPG 44.8mpg
CO2 emissions 114g/km
Read more: The best family cars >
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