• Traditional choice of petrol or diesel
• 1.0 TSI petrol very economical
• Diesels are the cheapest to run

On the whole this is an efficient car, with the diesel range claiming to be the cheapest to run. Both diesel engines will hover around 50mpg in real-world conditions, and pre-April 2017 Octavias are in low VED bands for road tax. The 1.6-litre has a less impressive track record for reliability, and it’s also the one that rarely meets claimed mpg figures, so we would lean towards the 2.0-litre versions.

Skoda’s weight reduction measures for this generation of Skoda Octavia help bring emissions down, and a more efficient 4×4 system was brought in as well, promising 14% less fuel consumption. The result is that most diesel models produce less than 150g/km CO2, despite a big wedge of torque and grippy all-wheel drive. Even the rapid 184hp Octavia vRS diesel is relatively economical – Skoda’s claimed mpg is 40.4-45.6mpg and relatively easy to achieve.

Out of the range, we would avoid the petrol 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI if looking for the best economy, but otherwise petrol Skoda Octavia Estates are surprisingly cost effective to run. The 1.0 TSI claims to be capable of 43.5-50.4mpg, and at least with just a driver on board that’s easily achievable. Hot on its heels is the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI, promising 42.2-51.4mpg. The 1.8 TSI is torquey and quick, yet should still return over 40mpg.

Unsurprisingly the petrol version of the vRS is the least economical. Part of that is down to the temptation to stand on the accelerator pedal at any possible opportunity, making the claimed 36mpg average a little optimistic. We averaged just under 30mpg in our long term test car.

Reliability

• Skoda ranks well for reliability and customer satisfaction
• Approved-used scheme can provide a warranty for cars up to eight years old
• Some minor recalls; easy to check whether this has been done

Previously, reliability has been strong. Skodas often fare well in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys and the engines are shared with other cars in the VW Group line-up, so they are well-proven.

That’s largely been the story for this model – you really shouldn’t have much to worry about, though the 1.6-litre diesel injectors can be expensive to replace and look like a weakness that continued well into the production of this generation of Octavia.

During its lifespan there have been some minor recalls. One from 2016 where the rear child locks disengaged without warning (although the doors themselves remained closed) on cars built from November 2015 to April 2016.

If there are any outstanding recalls the government online MOT check will flag them up when you check the MOT history.