Overview

The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia offers something for everyone. It boasts cutting-edge tech and sharp looks, delivers loads of passenger room and practicality, and comes in petrol, diesel and hybrid forms. It’s a good-looking car that will have many people assuming it’s a premium model when they see it in the metal – something you’d not have thought to say about Skoda a few years ago.

Fittingly, Skoda’s VW Golf alternative shares much of the Volkswagen’s technology under the skin, and offers more for the same money. Should that worry Volkswagen? We reckon so, because it feels like the Octavia has taken a step ahead of its sister car, and overall there’s little that offers the same amount of tech and space for the money.

It might be roomy, but is it as clever and as capable as Skoda would have us believe? To be worthy of your money, it’s going to have to be a very good all-rounder, and not just brilliant at one thing. With rivals that include the Golf, Vauxhall Astra, the Ford Focus or the SEAT Leon, as well as the excellent Kia Ceed/Hyundai i30 cousins. It’s a big ask.

The good news is that there really is an Octavia for everyone. Of the standard models, there are three trim levels and no less than eight engines on offer, as well as the hatchback and estate bodystyles. The range starts with the SE, then there’s SE Technology and SE L. Standard equipment levels are generous. SE Technology cars get sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors and that option of a plug-in hybrid.

The SE L models get electrically-adjustable seats and LED ambient lighting on the inside. The larger Columbus infotainment system is standard, and comes with voice control and online services. This car also ups the safety tech with blindspot protection and adaptive cruise control that can bring the vehicle down to a complete stop. After that, you’re into vRS territory. Don’t worry, that’s covered by its own review.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Skoda Octavia and rating them in our verdict. Along the way, we’ll consider the car’s driving experience, the quality and comfort of its interior, the level of practicality available and how much it’ll cost you to keep it on the road.