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Used Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1998 - 2004 review

Category: Family car

Section: Our recommendations

Skoda Octavia Hatchback (98 - 04)
  • Skoda Octavia Hatchback (98 - 04)
  • Skoda Octavia Hatchback (98 - 04)
Used Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1998 - 2004 review
Star rating

Our recommendations

Which used Skoda Octavia hatchback should I buy?

Skoda doesn't offer the basic 1.4-litre in the estate version, and when you drive it in the hatchback, you'll understand why. Its 75bhp isn't up to the job, certainly not with a full load on board. The Octavia had a face-lift in 2000, and the 1.6-litre petrol introduced then is a better bet than the original one, because power was increased from 75 to 100bhp.

The non-turbo, 68bhp 1.9 SDI diesel is best avoided, but both the 1.9 turbodiesels - 90bhp or 110bhp - are thoroughly recommended. The 115bhp 2.0-litre and 125bhp 1.8-litre petrol are okay, but not as lively as the later 150 and 180bhp 1.8-litre 20v petrol turbo units.