The Octavia has been Skoda's most successful vehicle since Volkswagen has acquired the Czech automaker, and the improved third-generation model turned the nameplate into an even bigger hit. Practical, fuel-efficient, affordable to buy and run, as well as offering a variety of versions, the Octavia covers most of the typical user's needs. Built on the same platform as the VW Golf Mk 7 and third-generation Audi A3, the Skoda Octavia is more spacious than the previous generation model and drives better. Available both as a five-door hatchback (that looks like a sedan) and five-door wagon, the Octavia offers something for everyone: frugal GreenLine versions, rugged Scout models, as well as fast RS variants (with both gasoline and diesel power).
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Very Spacious And Practical
- Huge Trunk
- Frugal Diesel Engines
- Well Built
- Strong Reliability And Residual Values
Recommended Versions
- Octavia Combi 4X4 2.0 Tdi
Cons
Weak Points
- Noisy Diesel Engines
- Dull To Look At And To Drive (Minus The Rs)
- Numb Steering
- Firm Ride On Some Models (Particularly The Rs)
- High Trunk Lip
Stay Away From
- Octavia 1.2 Tsi
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- Models Equipped With The Ea189 Diesel Engine Will Be Recalled To Remove The Emissions Defeat Device And Owners May Be Compensated
- Some Users Have Experienced Problems With The Dsg Gearbox
- Trim Rattles And Squeaks Are Rather Common On Bad Roads
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
The Octavia offers a broad range of gasoline and diesel powertrains mated to manual and automatic transmissions, in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. The most logical pick is the 2.0-liter turbo diesel rated at 150 PS (148 hp), which offers the best balance between performance and fuel economy. If you must have a gasoline engine, the 1.4-liter TSI with 140 PS (138 hp) is the most appropriate for a car this size. Those wanting more performance can go for the RS models which offer 220 PS (217 hp) in gasoline guise and 184 PS (181 hp) in diesel configuration.
Handling
Although it has a competent chassis, the Skoda Octavia is somewhat dull to drive. It's less entertaining than the Ford Focus and even the VW Golf. The suspension is set up for comfort, which explains why the Octavia exhibits a bit of body roll in corners. The steering is the most disappointing, though, as it feels numb and lacks feedback. Still, switching to Sport mode (on models equipped with Driving Mode Selection) sharpens the steering a little and the throttle response. RS models are way more stable in corners but are not as agile as the Golf GTI.
Safety
The Octavia is a very safe car and has proven that in 2013 when Euro NCAP assessed it. The organization tested an Octavia hatchback and awarded it the maximum five-star rating. The Czech model scored 93 percent for adult occupant protection, 86 percent for child occupant, 66 percent for pedestrian, and 66 percent for safety assist systems. The only thing worth mentioning was the weak protection of the driver's chest in the side pole impact test. Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, ESC, and Isofix anchor points at the rear, among other features.
Interior
Comfort
The Octavia is a car made for countries with poorer road surfaces, so potholes and other road irregularities are absorbed with ease. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment, but they could use more lateral support. A plus is that all models come with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The dashboard is laid out intuitively, and all the controls are where you'd expect. Visibility is good towards the front, but the thick C-pillars mean you should rely on parking sensors when backing up.
Quality
While the Octavia is well built, it lags behind sister models from the VW Group (particularly from VW and Audi) when it comes to the quality of materials found in the cabin. However, the Octavia has evolved significantly from this point of view compared to the previous generation model. There's plenty of soft-touch materials, and the cabin looks like it should stand the test of time. It does not give you the impression of a cheap vehicle. Wind or road noise is barely noticeable inside, which also contributes to an upmarket feel.
Practicality
Space is the Octavia's greatest asset. Both the hatchback and the wagon offer loads of room for five adult passengers and their luggage, with the latter version leading in this respect. Legroom and headroom are good even with six-foot adults in the front seats, with only the very tallest passengers struggling for headroom. Cargo volume is class-leading for both body styles. The hatchback boasts 590 liters (20.8 cu-ft) with the seats in place, but can expand to 1,580 liters (55.8 cu-ft) if the rear seats are folded down. The wagon can swallow 610 liters (21.5 cu-ft) and 1,740 liters (61.4 cu-ft), respectively.
Infotainment
All Skoda Octavia models feature a basic touchscreen infotainment system, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player and SD card. The multimedia interface is accessed via a 6.5-inch color touchscreen fitted with motion sensors that call up the menus, while connectivity options include MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional navigation systems offer clear maps and intuitive controls. The standard 8-speaker audio system is decent, but audiophiles should upgrade to the Canton system that adds a central dash speaker and a trunk-mounted sub-woofer.
Budget
Efficiency
It's not easy to choose one engine from the vast lineup, but if efficiency matters the most, the 90 PS (89 hp) 1.6-liter TDI unit is the best performer. It averages as low as 3.7 l/100 km (63.5 mpg US) with the manual transmission, with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km – both for the hatchback and the wagon. The most frugal gasoline engine is the 115 PS (113 hp) 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder with 4.4 l/100 km (53.4 mpg US) and 102 g/km CO2. We wouldn't recommend it though if you drive on the highway frequently because it lacks power.
Equipment
The Skoda Octavia is well-equipped, even in its base trim levels. Standard features include the Bolero touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, alloy wheels, front power windows, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height adjustable driver seat and more. As you go further up the range, the standard equipment gets more generous, culminating with the luxurious top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement models that turn the Octavia into a premium segment wannabe.
Acquisition
The Skoda Octavia is not as cheap as it used to be, but the truth is the model has evolved a lot as far as features, technologies, and design are concerned. Still, it remains one of the most attractive models on the market in terms of value for money. Think of it this way: you're getting VW Group's latest compact architecture at a discount price. Sure, the brand may lack the appeal of VW or Audi, but if you don't care about that, the Skoda Octavia will make you happy. With the 2.0-liter turbodiesel and all-wheel drive, the Octavia is all the car an average user will ever need. On top of that, Skoda ranks higher than the VW brand when it comes to reliability.