It would be unfair to say Skoda has played it safe with the new Octavia. Improvements to the exterior styling, on-board tech and the quality of materials in the cabin help create a sharper look, and provide a real statement of intent from the Czech manufacturer.
The Octavia has been refined in all the right areas without compromising on space, practicality and its great all-round usability. It may cost a little more to buy, but Skoda has remained focused in delivering an accomplished, versatile hatchback that is fit to take on the best in class.
About the Skoda Octavia
Skoda knows its Octavia customers all too well. If you’re after great value, low running costs, combined with heaps of practicality and a comfortable ride, then the Czech manufacturer has all the bases covered.
The badge snobbery of old is justifiably waning and the Octavia can certainly hold its head high in the family hatchback class. Every generation has maintained a clear focus and sense of purpose, creating a loyal customer base and genuine appreciation of its obvious qualities.
And, it’s not just us saying it - in our recent Driver Power satisfaction survey the third-generation car still finished in the top half of the ‘best cars to own’ category, while Skoda itself placed fifth out of 30 manufacturers.
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With the latest Octavia, there’s all of the usual functionality, but this time there’s a smart new look and up-to-date infotainment systems, while the cabin quality feels more upmarket than before. It’s a little larger, too, increasing in length by 19mm and being 15mm wider when compared to the previous model.
The Skoda Octavia shares mechanical underpinnings, engines and elements of on-board tech with the Volkswagen Golf, while there’s also the SEAT Leon rival within the Volkswagen Group family. Other competition includes cars such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and ‘World Car Design of the Year’ winner, the Mazda 3.
The family hatch opposition doesn’t stop there, and customers could also consider the Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Vauxhall Astra, Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed.
Available in five-door hatchback or estate body styles, the Octavia is available with four trim levels: SE First Edition, SE Technology, SE L and SE L First Edition. An entry-level S variant is expected to be added to the lineup, along with a sporty vRS performance model.
Skoda offers two petrol engines for the Octavia - a 1.0-litre TSI unit with 109bhp, and a 1.5 TSI producing a more potent 148bhp. Diesel power comes from a 2.0-litre TDI unit, delivering either 114bhp or 148bhp. A six-speed manual is standard, although there is the option of a DSG auto transmission with the higher-powered oil-burner. A 197bhp diesel engine will be available at some stage, as will more powerful petrol options and a plug-in hybrid model.
The Octavia is priced from just under £21,000, which puts it between the Golf which starts from around £23,000, and the SEAT Leon at a shade under £20,000.
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