Car Detail

The Skoda Octavia hatchback is a five-door compact with strong family appeal. Agile handling and a wide choice of impressive engines endow it with plenty of driver appeal too. The solidly assembled cabin is roomy and the boot is especially large, which makes it practical, versatile, everyday transport.

The Skoda Octavia is aimed at those who appreciate keen value, sensible running costs and Volkswagen-style quality standards. Such considerations were a factor in the Skoda Octavia being named winner of the 2008 Auto Express Driver Power survey.

Refinement and ride comfort are also noted Skoda Octavia strengths, along with an intuitive driver environment and undemanding road manners.

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The Skoda Octavia Hatchback comes with a five-door body, although an estate version (reviewed separately) is also available. Trim levels are, in ascending order, S, SE, Elegance and Laurin & Klement.

All models are equipped with Climatic air conditioning, electric front windows, a radio/CD system, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, central locking and an immobiliser, as well as the safety features mentioned above.

Most Skoda Octavia’s have a six-CD autochanger, four electric windows, tinted glass, alloy wheels and an alarm. Top models are plushly equipped with dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, rear parking sensors and xenon headlights.

In EuroNCAP crash tests the Skoda Octavia has been awarded four out of five stars. This commendable safety record is aided by the standard fitment of front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger on all Skoda Octavia’s plus curtain airbags on some models. A switch can deactivate the front passenger airbag to allow the fitting of a rear-facing child seat in the front.

There are two sets of ISOFIX child seat fittings in the rear, along with three rear three-point seatbelts. In addition, a buzzer sounds if someone has failed to buckle up. Active head restraints, which minimise the effects of whiplash, are optional.

All Skoda Octavia’s have the latest electronic safety systems, including anti-lock braking. ESP stability control is also available.

CO2 emissions range from 130g/km to 158g/km for diesel variants, and from 158g/km for petrol models.

A line-up of eight engines and three types of transmission provide a wide selection. So there should be an Skoda Octavia to suit every need, from frugal and easy-going to spiritedly responsive.

The two sporting Octavia vRS models will appeal to enthusiasts. The petrol version, the vRS 2.0 T FSI 200bhp, is the most powerful car Skoda has ever made. It is capable of reaching 62mph from standstill in 7.3 seconds and attaining 149mph, yet it can also average 35.8mpg and emits 188g/km.

The diesel equivalent, the vRS 2.0 TDI PD 170bhp, shifts the scale slightly towards fuel efficiency (38.2mpg, 176g/km) but remains athletic, with 139mph and 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds. There are two other diesel engines, a 105bhp 1.9-litre and 140bhp 2.0-litre. Both are available with manual gearboxes or the high-tech Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) semi-automatic transmission. In manual form the 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp combines 119mph performance with 57.6mpg economy and low emissions of just 130g/km.

As well as a vRS model, the petrol line-up extends to a 1.4 16v 80bhp, 1.6 FSI 115bhp, 1.8 TSI 160 and 2.0 FSI 150, which is available with Tiptronic transmission only. The mid-range 1.6 FSI 115bhp is a popular choice for its combination, in manual form, of 42.8mpg economy and 158g/km emissions with 123mph performance. This engine is also available with Tiptronic transmission.

The line-up begins with the £12,615 S 1.4 16v 80bhp whilst diesel Skoda Octavia’s start at £14,355.

The range tops out with the £22,970 Laurin & Klement 2.0 TDI CR 140bhp DSG. There’s a £3,500 jump from S trim to SE and £1,000 jump from SE to Elegance. Laurin & Klement commands a £2,735 premium over Elegance.

Two vRS performance models feature: a £19,380 petrol vRS and an £20,195 diesel variant.

Prices are based on manufacturer's recommended retail price. Check out our Skoda New Car Offers section for some great special offers.