Used Skoda Octavia 2020-present review

What's the used Skoda Octavia like?

The Skoda Octavia is surrounded in the brand's range by a variety of popular SUVs but it's still the Czech firm's keystone model, and its best-selling one, too.

It's not just the public who love it – we've always admired this clever and classy family car for its space, all-round competence and general affordability.

Overview

The Skoda Octavia is a practical and spacious family car with a cosseting ride. Unfortunately, reliability has proven to be an issue.

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Enormous boot
• Plenty of rear-seat space

Cons

• Ride can sometimes be a little too floaty
• Fiddly touchscreen
• Some rivals are more refined

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Skoda OCTAVIA

2.0 TDI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,750

Skoda Octavia

1.5 TSI ACT SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Skoda OCTAVIA

2.0 TDI SE First Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,999

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Skoda Octavia

1.5 TSI ACT SE L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,795

Skoda OCTAVIA

2.0 TDI SE L First Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,499

Skoda Octavia

1.4 TSI iV 13kWh SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,690

Skoda OCTAVIA

1.4 TSI iV 13kWh SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,695

Skoda Octavia

1.0 TSI e-TEC MHEV SE First Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

See all available cars

This is the fourth-generation model, and, like the previous versions of the Skoda Octavia, it moved the Octavia by gentle degrees upmarket. It's sharper to look at and plusher inside than the third-generation 2013-2020 Skoda Octavia it replaced, and also more aerodynamic, for greater efficiency.

The Octavia has also grown larger and more refined, with more technology than ever before, but it still majors on being good value compared with its closest rivals.

Engines: As ever, there's a decent selection of engines to choose from. The range kicks off with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (badged 1.0 TSI 110) with 109bhp, then moves up to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (badged 1.5 TSI 150) with 148bhp, followed by 2.0-litre TDI diesels with either 113bhp or 148bhp.

There's also a vRS version with a choice of engines. The 2.0 TDI diesel produces a respectable 197bhp, the standard 2.0 TSI petrol has 242bhp, and the plug-in hybrid vRS iV has 242bhp with CO2 emissions of just 26g/km thanks to a decent all-electric range.

Trims & equipment: Trim-wise, you'll find SE, SE Technology and SE L, as well as the sporty vRS. SE gives you 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, heated door mirrors, keyless start and even an umbrella in the door.

SE Technology trim is barely any more expensive than SE trim new, despite gaining voice control, floor mats and more distinctive alloy wheels, plus front parking sensors and an infotainment upgrade. There’s a bit of a price jump to SE L, but you do get plenty of extra luxuries and some useful kit for your money.

Ride & handling: On the road, the 2.0 TDI 150 diesel-engined car is an impressive performer, polishing off the 0-62mph dash in a very respectable 8.7sec. The 1.5-litre petrol is similarly quick. The only caveat is that you need to work it a bit harder than you do the diesel. The manual gearbox is precise and the optional dual-clutch automatic delivers impressively swift shifts.

On motorways, the Octavia can waft along on its softly sprung suspension for mile after mile. The consequence of this soft set-up, though, is that it feel a little floaty over crests. Despite the softness of its suspension, it's perfectly capable when it comes to corners. In particular, its steering is precise and has plenty of reassuring weight.

Interior & practicality: Inside, finding an ideal driving position is easy. SE L models get a powered driver’s seat with a memory function to make getting comfortable even easier. All Octavias have adjustable lumbar support.

Skoda has positioned the infotainment touchscreen high on the dashboard so you don’t have to take your eyes far from the road to see it. In entry-level models, it's an 8.25in screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a DAB radio. Meanwhile, SE Technology and SE L cars feature a 10.0in screen with built-in 3D navigation that’s clear and easy to follow.

There’s plenty of space up front in the Octavia, and it's pretty generous on rear-seat space, too. Behind a tall driver with their seat pushed back, even taller passengers can lounge comfortably.

The Octavia’s boot is not only huge compared with similarly-sized rivals but also bigger than most competitors from the class above. The load area is longer and taller than in most comparably priced hatches and is a practical, squared-off shape. The only downside is that there is quite a significant lip to negotiate when lifting heavy items in and out of the boot.

"I make no bones about it, I love an Octavia. I've run many as long-term cars and they're all admirable. Not the greatest to drive, but great for family use and so practical and solid." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

If you're interested in buying a used Skoda Octavia, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our What Car? Used Cars classifieds site.

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Ownership cost

What used Skoda Octavia will I get for my budget?

Octavia prices now start at £10,000 for a good, clean car with an average to high mileage for the year. Spend between £11,000 and £14,000 on a 2021 model, depending on trim, and between £14,000 and £18,000 on 2022 and some 2023 cars. You'll need upwards of £19,000 for a 2024 or 2025 car.

To keep up-to-date with used Octavia prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Skoda Octavia with What Car? Valuations

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Our recommendations

Which used Skoda Octavia should I buy?

Engines

We love the smoothness and refinement of the petrol 1.5 TSI 150. It also offers a really good compromise between performance and economy.

Trims

Almost any version of the Octavia will be satisfying to own, but we like the SE Technology best of all for its extra kit over the SE.

Our favourite Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI 150 SE Technology

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Skoda Octavia?

Cheaper Skoda Octavias find themselves up against the Vauxhall Astra, a ubiquitous but pleasant hatch that’s good to drive and comes with a practical interior. Entry-level versions can be a bit sparse and the diesel engines can be gruff. On top of that, the low-speed ride is a little firm.

The Ford Focus is great to drive, with a smooth and quiet Ecoboost engine in some versions and low running costs. Some rivals are cheaper, though, and the Octavia offers more space and more kit, as well as feeling better-made.

The Volkswagen Golf shares its underpinnings with the Octavia, although VW's model is a shorter and less capacious car. It's brilliant to drive, well equipped, refined and comparatively cheap to run. On the other hand, it’s not as roomy inside as the Octavia and the interior is a little dreary.

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If you're interested in finding a used Octavia, or any of the other family cars mentioned here, search the What Car? Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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