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

3 out of 5

Safety

Base models only get two front airbags as standard, and though you do get ABS, you'll have to fork out for other driver aids and the other four airbags that are standard on most rivals. Immobiliser and central locking are standard.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Not many worries here - built under the supervision of build quality masters, Volkswagen Audi Group, you'll be treated to a well bolted together machine. Mechanicals are reliable.

Car check problem points

Body

Car park knocks and dents, grazed bumpers.

Engine/Gearbox

Under warranty, so no worries yet.

Other

Some reports of leaky boots and brake squeal, but no major problems reported.

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