Used Škoda Octavia Review
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Super practical
- Comfortable
- Good levels of equipment across the range
- Looks could be more inspiring
- None-VRS models aren't the most exciting
- Interior is lacking wow factor
What's the Škoda Octavia like?
With Škoda being a part of the Volkswagen group, it seems odd that a car based on the VW Golf platform can be so much more spacious than the original.
But this is the case with the Škoda Octavia, making them easy to recommend to friends and family looking to buy a used car that's super practical and spacious.
The Octavia is a great car, and is every bit as good as the Golf, with a reliability record to match.
The third generation was built between 2012 and 2019 and came with a high quality build, a huge boot, and the biggest rear legroom in the class.
And of course, it’s also available as an estate, the rugged Scout 4x4 with raised ride height, and in a very sporting VRS form with higher powered petrol and diesel engines.
Engines
The standard models come with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, in the same vein as the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon.
These start with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol producing 115bhp and capable of 0 to 60mph in around 10 seconds. This was fitted to the car after 2016, replacing a 1.2-litre with slightly less power.
After 2016, a 1.5-litre turbo with 150bhp replaced the earlier 1.4-litre with 140bhp. These can do the 60mph sprint in about 8.5 seconds, but the 1.5 -litre is a good deal more economical.
There is also a 2.0-litre turbo with 197bhp available in upper spec models, but although it’s quicker than the 1.5-litre, it’s only available with the automatic gearbox.
All other models come with a very good 6-speed manual as standard.
Diesel is represented by very much updated versions of the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre units that have been around for years.
The 1.6-litre produces 110bhp or a later 115bhp, giving 60mph acceleration in a tad over 10 seconds, while the 150bhp 2.0-litre brings this down to 8.5 seconds.
The petrol 1.0-litre is capable of 50mpg and the 1.5-litre manages an excellent 48mpg. But of course, good though these figures are, the diesels are better.
The 1.6-litre can do a 56mpg average and the 2.0-litre is only three behind at 53mpg.
Driving Experience and Practicality
All ride comfortably – even the barnstorming VRS at the top of the range - and handling and road holding are brilliant in both early and later guises, with the same feel as the Golf.
There's more interior space and a bigger boot than any other car in the class, and although they might seem plain inside, everything you need is there, and it all works beautifully.
Peter Hayward
Equipment
Equipment depends on how far up the model scale you go, but all have plenty of airbags, traction control, central locking, electric windows and mirrors, air conditioning, loads of seat and column adjustment, and alloy wheels.
Just make sure the one you’re looking at has everything you want included, as equipment can vary from model to model.
You may also be interested in...
Other Skoda Cars
Find your Škoda Octavia your way with CarStore
The Škoda Octavia is an executive car that offers unrivalled levels of practicality and a comfortable driving experience, making it ideal for families and business people alike. Equipment is good across the range, and most variants return impressive fuel economy figures too, making the Octavia a top choice on the used market.
Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.
