Skoda Octavia Hatchback (98-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The Octavia shares components and engineering expertise with the Audi A3/A4, SEAT Toledo and VW Golf/Bora - which should put pay to any stale old jokes about the Skoda marque. The Czech car maker has hurtled up-market with these keenly-priced and well built medium hatchbacks and estates, which are essentially Volkswagens in all but name. These are family holdalls not status symbols. In the image department, Octavia is a big step up for traditional Skoda buyers - but are the badge and the clever advertising enough to confer kudos in the car park?
3.5 out of 5

Other Skoda reviews

4 out of 5

Performance

Ten engines are available ranging from weak 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines to frugal 1.9 TDi diesels with three outputs - 64bhp, 90bhp and 110bhp. The best engines are the 1.8s. The standard unit is 125bhp, 150bhp for the 1.8T and 180bhp for the electrifying 1.8T vRS. If you're after a diesel, the 1.9 TDI 110 is lively, as well as economical.

4 out of 5

Handling

An almost sporty ride, with neat handling and precise steering - the evidence of VW/Audi input really shows here. Wind noise may grate with passengers, though.