Used test: Seat Leon vs Skoda Octavia costs

Buying and owning

Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security

The Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia have are both worth around £17,000 at two years old. That means they've lost a similar amount in value, but if we're being more specific, the Leon has lost around £1000 more. It was £23,515 when new, while the Octavia was £22,640. 

Both cars will cost £165 per year to tax, but fuel economy proved better in the Octavia during our testing. It averaged 48.5mpg, beating the Leon's 46.3mpg. The Leon will be slightly cheaper to insure, though; it sits in insurance group 16, resulting in a cost of around £522, compared with the Octavia's group 18 and £562. 

Seat and Skoda have fixed price service plans. The former's costs £405 and encompasses two services, while the latter's is £342 for the same number of services. 

You'll find front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights and keyless start came as standard on both cars from new. The Leon also got wireless phone charging and metallic paint at no extra cost, while they would've cost the Octavia's original owner £325 and £595 respectively. On the other hand, at least the Octavia could be had with the option of a reversing camera – the Leon has never been offered with one. 

The Octavia hasn't proven itself to be especially reliable in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey. It came a disappointing 35th out of 37 cars in the family car class. The Leon didn't feature, though Seat as a brand placed 15th out of 32 manufacturers featured. Skoda ranked 13th, so (if we look on the bright side) you can take some solace in that result. 

Both models were awarded five-star safety ratings during crash testing conducted by Euro NCAP. 

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