The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia, sometimes known as the Octavia Mk4, offers something for everyone. And while the 2024 facelift we’ve driven most recently for this review brings only subtle tweaks, these incremental improvements increase our appreciation for this exceptionally well-rounded model, underling that it is one of best family cars on sale.

The updated Octavia boasts user-friendly technology and sharpened looks, continues to deliver loads of passenger room and practicality, and comes in a choice of petrol and diesel engines to suit most buyers. We’ve driven the first cars to arrive in the UK following on from the international launch earlier in 2024, so many of the team have now driven the latest model. To understand more about how we’ve reached our conclusions, check out how we test cars here at Parkers.

The Skoda Octavia shares a lot of technology with the recently-revised Volkswagen Golf under the skin, but crucially gives you more for your money. In fact, no rival offers the same level of value when it comes to tech and passenger space. The Octavia not only undercuts conventional mainstream hatchbacks including the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus on price, its longer body means greater practicality.

We believe this makes it a real challenger in the competitive family car market. If you’ve been considering a SEAT Leon, Hyundai i30 or Kia Ceed you should certainly be stopping in at the nearest Skoda dealer as well.

Compared with the pre-facelift version, Skoda has rationalised the engine range a little. Ordinary Octavias are now powered by a choice of two petrol or two diesel engines, with the high-performance Octavia vRS model making up a fifth option. At the moment there is no longer an Octavia plug-in hybrid, though we are hearing strong hints this may return in the future. Non vRS petrol models with the optional DSG automatic transmission do benefit from mild-hybrid assistance.

Trim levels are similarly not as expansive as they once were. The Octavia line-up starts at SE Technology, with SE L and Sportline above this – the last making a welcome return to give buyers a sportier look below the full vRS experience. All models are generously equipped.

In addition to the visual changes on the outside – new lights and bumpers front and rear – every facelifted Octavia gets a new 13.0-inch infotainment screen. We found this surprisingly impactful in an interior that hasn’t otherwise changed structurally. A new set of Skoda Design Selection interior finishes bring more interesting upholstery and plastics, while the shiny chrome elements have been replaced by a new, more sophisticated dark chrome look.

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.