Skoda Octavia Review 2024

List a family car's most desirable qualities and you'll find the Skoda Octavia will ticks most, if not all, of them. Inexpensive to run, comfortable, well equipped and spacious, it's incredibly good value yet feels upmarket. These qualities have been further amplified as part of a 2024 makeover, including sharpened styling, interior enhancements and a new entry-level engine option. Read on to discover why the Skoda Octavia should be on your family car shortlist.https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/

Larger and more upmarket than its predecessors, the Skoda Octavia nevertheless continues its maker's mantra of representing fine value for money. Here's a car that's a little cheaper than the Volkswagen Golf, with which it shares many of its engines and underpinnings, yet it's significantly larger, to the benefit of both passenger and luggage space.

In fact, so good is the finish inside, we prefer (and whisper this) the Skoda to its VW cousin, so long the benchmark for quality among hatchbacks.

If the Golf struggles to hold a candle to the Octavia, what hope is there for go-to alternatives such as the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Vauxhall Astra.

Even those with premium price tags struggle to match the Skoda's feelgood factor, so sumptuous are its fixtures and fittings — yes, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class, we're looking at you.

Of course, the Czech brand hasn't rewritten the rule book here. It already had a very solid starting point with the previous (and hugely popular) Skoda Octavia. And while this one may not look that different, it's improved over the old model in every key area.

And that interior is one of those key areas. Being a Skoda this is still a very practical family car of course.

It has loads of space inside, an enormous 600-litre boot that's even bigger than before and is full of storage bins, big door pockets and Skoda's Simply Clever features such as an umbrella hidden in either front door — something borrowed from the bigger Skoda Superb. Only the glitchy infotainment system lets it down.

Then there's the refinement. Thanks to a superbly smooth ride and little in the way of noise or vibration making its way into the cabin, the Skoda Octavia is a serene and relaxing car to while away long journeys in. There's nothing this size and price that rides so well.

Based on initial impressions of the facelifted 2024 Skoda Octavia, everything we liked previously has been upped a notch or two, with the larger and hopefully less bug-ridden infotainment screen being a welcome improvement, even if a reduced physical button count on the dashboard is the price paid for such progress.

Being a Skoda it's also inexpensive to run and all the engines will do at least 50mpg, according to official figures anyway, plus there's also the Skoda Octavia iV plug-in hybrid that can cover up to 40 miles on battery power. This is yet to appear in facelifted form, though.

So while Skoda hasn't reinvented the wheel, it's made the Octavia an even better all-rounder. If you want an affordable family car, step right this way.

Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar's review of the Skoda Octavia

Size has always been on the side of the Skoda Octavia — this is a car that on price competes with the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra yet it offers far more space. It's ideal for families with the wide opening rear doors making getting car seats (and children) in and out a simple task.

Even if you specify the fully glazed roof, there's also plenty of headroom in the back, while legroom is especially generous.

The boot is enormous with 600 litres of space with the rear seats in use, which is a 10-litre increase over the previous-generation Skoda Ocatvia. There's quite a high boot lip although the wide and deep space can swallow pushchairs, shopping and everything family life can throw at it.

Fold the 60:40 split rear seats over and that volume balloons to 1555 litres. Of course, should you require yours with even more carrying capacity, the Skoda Octavia Estate provides 640 litres with the back seats in use and 1700 litres when just the front seats are available. 

Storage space for odds and ends around the interior also impresses with a deep, lidded cubby in the centre console, large door pockets with a removeable waste bin and ventilation for the smartphone wireless charging plate. Five USB-C sockets are dotted around for those recharging with cables.

Of course this wouldn't be a Skoda without the brand's trademark Simply Clever additions, an array of handy features designed to make everyday life easier. Several made their debut on this Octavia including two smartphone storage pockets on the front seatbacks and a multifunction storage pocket below the hatchback's parcel shelf. 

Don't worry, old favourites such as the umbrella in the front doors, an ice scraper in the fuel flap and a built-in anti-spill funnel atop the screen wash reservoir are present and correct.

Diesel-engined Skoda Ocatvias drivers will welcome being able to refill the AdBlue tank using the kind of fast-flow nozzle found in truck refuelling areas — ordinarily on cars these are too powerful, causing a blowback and wasted fluid over the car's bodywork and, if you're unlucky, your clothes and shoes.

While the Skoda Octavia's dashboard is hardly the last word in cutting-edge design, its tactile qualities really make it feel a cut above most of the competition. In fact we'd go as far as to say we prefer the Skoda's to that in the contemporary Volkswagen Golf.

The Virtual Cockpit — which replaces the analogue dials with a digital display — is standard on all but the entry-level SE and adds to the upmarket feel.

All the materials used throughout the interior feel good to touch and on higher-spec models, there's a genuinely upmarket essence to it all thanks to leather and metal trims.

It was more of the same for the Skoda Octavia's 2024 facelift, with an increase in the percentange of sustainable and recycled fabrics, a more eco-friendly leather-tanning process using coffee waste from the factory itself and a darker tint for the interior chrome-look details.

Depending on what trim you go for, there are three different infotainment systems when the Skoda Octavia first went on sale. Initially, the touchscreen display sat atop the dashboard was an 8.25- to 10-inch display, depending on the trim level, which increased to 13 inches as part of the 2024 facelift.

While the display itself looks sharp with a high resoltion, it's not very intuitive to use and actually quite distracting. Even tasks which should be simple, such as syncing the the driver and passenger temperatures in the climate control or turning the start-stop off are a faff to do. Even the touch-sensitive slider for the volume control is hit and miss.

In our experience there are lots of bugs too. Having used the new infotainment system across various Volkswagen Group models, we've experienced numerous glitches, freezes and crashes, which only adds to the distraction when driving, although most of these have since been remedied.

It does at least come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard so you can connect your smartphone, but even getting this to connect and work is also riddled with issues.

Models sold post-facelift are also available with ChatGPT integrated into in-car virtual assistant's — that'll be Laura — voice-activated capabilities. So in addition to controlling the navigation or air-con by the power of speech, you can also ask Laura how many tonnes of coffee the Skoda plant gets through in order to make the leather-tanning viable.

Since its 2024 facelift, Skoda Octavia prices range from £26,775 to £35,775 across three trim levels — SE Technology, SE L and SportLine. There's a pricier Skoda Octavia vRS hot hatch but we cover that in its own review.

The least expensive variant available — in SE Technology trim — is powered by an engine new to the Skoda Octavia range, a 116PS, 1.5-litre TSI petrol unit married to a six-speed manual gearbox. If you want an automatic transmission, £28,815 will afford you the same 116PS output from a mild hybrid 1.5 TSI e-TEC of this engine. 

Diesel fans must find £29,320 for a 116PS 2.0 TDI unit with manual transmission, while those wanting an automatic gearbox need £31,720 to acquire the same 2.0 TDI engine with a power hike to 150PS and a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Thereafter, prices rise through the trim levels, with 150PS variants of both the standard and mild hybrid 1.5 TSI petrol engine available as you step up to the SE L trim level, for £31,250 and £33,290 respectively.

Top-of-the-range SportLine models, priced from £32,255, look somewhat sharper inside and out and offer a more engaging drive courtesy of lowered sports suspension and progressive dynamic steering.

We drove the Skoda Octavia SE Technology 1.5 TSI e-TEC, which costs £28,815. Fitted options of Silver paint for £660 and a £200 space saver in the boot brought that up to £29,675.

To put all of that into context, amongst the sizeable range of family hatchback rivals out there, the Volkswagen Golf range starts from £27,420, the Ford Focus from £28,500, the BMW 1 Series from £27,625, the Audi A3 from £29,515 and the Mercedes A-Class from £29,600. 

Starting from a surprisingly hefty £29,559 is the Toyota Corolla which boasts standard equipment levels to rival those of the Skoda Octavia. And the bargain basement is occupied by sister vehicle the SEAT Leon from just £23,975 and the Vauxhall Astra from only £23,620

The Skoda Octavia is designed to be cheap to run and so, vRS aside, all the engines return at least 50mpg according to the more accurate WLTP economy figures.

Of the pre-facelift range, go for the lower powered 2.0 TDI diesel and you'll get a claimed 67mpg. The 1.4 TSI iV Plug-In Hybrid is ideal if you do lots of short journeys as it can cover around 40 miles on a single charge meaning you might not use any petrol when nipping to the shops or doing the school run.

With regards to models available from the 2024 facelift, Skoda quotes fuel consumption as low as 65.7mpg in 116PS 2.0 diesel manual guise. The new engine to the range — the 116PS 1.5 petrol manual — has cylinder-deactivation technology that'll switch off two cylinders when cruising to save petrol. It returns 53.3mpg, rising to 56.5mpg with the addition of mild hybrid technology and the DSG gearbox. CO2 emissions for the same engine-gearbox combinations are 112, 119 and 112g/km respectively.

Upping the power output to 150PS sees the 1.5 TSI engine's fuel economy fall to 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions rise to 129g/km, while the mild hybrid unit returns 54.3mpg and emissions of 119g/km. The 150PS 2.0 diesel, meanwhile, offers combined consumption of 58.9mpg and 125g/km of CO2.

There's nothing fancy about Skoda's warranty at two years unlimited mileage followed by a third year/60,000, whichever comes soonest. There are separate three-year paint and 12-year body warranties. Hardly industry leading in the face of seven-year offerings from Kia and MG but enough to cover the length of most PCP finance contracts.

Fixed-price servicing is available at main dealers, with official Skoda servicing plans and extended warranties also on offer.

Skoda has focused on refinement for the latest generation of Skoda Octavia and that shines through out on the road. The ride quality is excellent, covering broken surfaces and potholes effortlessly, with minimal noise and vibration transmitted into the cabin.

For the best results, stick with models at the lower end of the trim hierarchy equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and chunkier tyre sidewalls.

Even on rough and uneven country lanes, the kind which are prevalent in the UK, the Skoda Octavia remains unflustered, tet it's not bouncy or wallowy, so you won't have to worry about the kids feeling sick in the back. Supple, carefully damped suspension that never feels floaty or vague. It's a fine balance Skoda's struck.

There's little trade off in handling either. True, the Octavia isn't a particularly engaging car to drive, but it has ample front end grip, responsive steering and feels very capable in corners. Overall, this is a great all-rounder.

You can specify Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension as an option but given the regular set-up does a great all-round job, it's difficult to justify its additional expense.

From its 2020 launch, the entry-level Skoda Octavia engine was a a 1.0 TSI petrol with 110PS. It may sound too small a motor for a car this size but it's very impressive and doesn't feel underpowered even on motorways. Smooth, quiet and economical, we reckon it was the pick of the range.

If you choose the automatic DSG version it comes with mild-hybrid technology, highlighted by its e-TEC badging. This uses a 48-volt electric motor and tiny lithium-ion battery to recuperate energy normally lost under braking, allowing the car to coast with the engine off at low revs.

If you do want a bit more power, the 1.5 TSI had 150PS but we'd genuinely suggest testing the 1.0 TSI before paying extra for the 1.5 TSI.

This-generation Skoda Octavia ventured into new territory by adding a Plug-In Hybrid to the range. The 1.4 TSI iV had 204PS in total but what set it apart was a near-40-mile electric range that for many people every day use will mean not having to use any petrol.

If you cover long distances or need to tow, a diesel is still your best bet and the Skoda Octavia cames with two versions of the trusty 2.0 TDI as used across the Volkswagen Group. The 116PS is no ball of fire but will happily sit at 70mph all day and is incredibly economical. The 2.0 TDI 150PS has noticeably more in-gear grunt, proving quicker all round, yet is still frugal.

Following the 2024 facelift, the 1.0-litre engine gave way to a new version of the 1.5-litre TSI producing 116PS. A manual gearbox is standard here with a DSG automatic available, bringing the e-TEC mild hybrid kit with it.

There are a couple of problems with that second combination. One is its determination to either deny you the automatic down-change and revs you need to overtake or to provide them when you least expect — or need — them.

This is especially noticeable when you lift off going downhill as the system will either leave the car in a gear high enough to provide engine braking and a bit of a racket or randomly decide it's time for 'coast mode'.

And that's the other problem — the electronics haphazard determination to put the engine and gearbox into coast, which gives you no engine braking when you lift off whatsoever, requiring more use of the brakes. Unfortunately, they're woefully modulated, their action going from mush to malevolent like the flick of a switch.

Euro NCAP tested this Skoda Octavia in 2019 just before launch and awarded it the maximum five-star rating, with a 92% score for adult occupants and a reassuring 88% grade for child occupant safety.

Given the 2024 makeover is largely superficial, it's unlikely that the Skoda Octavia will be subjected to another round of crash-testing.

All Skoda Octavia models come a tyre repair kit, Isofix on the front passenger seat and outer rear seats, cruise control with speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring, front assist, hill start assist, lane assist, three rear head restraints, curtain airbags and front side airbags plus a driver knee airbag.

Facelifted versions from 2024 have even brighter LED headlights, with adaptive Matrix LEDs for higher specification models, maximising the use of high beams without dazzling oncoming drivers.

The Skoda Octavia is a popular choice with caravan owners and this generation is capable of pulling a braked trailer of up to 1600kg if you go for the more powerful 2.0 TDI 150PS model.

As ever, we always suggest going by the 85% — that is keeping the fully laden weight of the caravan no heavier than 85% of the kerbweight of the tow car — in this case around 1400kg.

Keeping the vRS versions to one side, the standard trim levels of the pre-facelift Skoda Octavia were SE, SE Technology and SE L. However, before they became available, two limited edition trims essentially made up the initial range.

Starting things off is the Skoda Octavia SE First Edition which features Front Assist, Lane Assist and e-Call system that automatically alerts emergency services in the case of accident. The infotainment system uses a modest 8.25-inch touchscreen display, has eight speakers and full smartphone connectivity. There are five USB-C ports, including one in the rear-view mirror for connecting a dashcam.

Moving up to the Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition trim nets 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome window surrounds plus a chrome strip in the lower front bumper, microsuede upholstery, heated front seats and LED ambient lighting, along with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory and lumbar support.

Infotainment comes from the Columbus system which has voice control, Remote Access and Infotainment online. Other niceties include blind spot protection, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist and adaptive cruise control. Drive mode selection and keyless entry on all four passenger doors are also standard fit.

Entry point for the standard range when that came on stream was the Skoda Octavia SE. Its standard kit includes 16-inch Twister alloy wheels, Bolero radio with a 10-inch touchscreen, LED headlights daytime-running lights, cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist, Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning, aluminium decorative inserts, leather gearshift lever, height adjustable front seats, electric windows front and rear and a two-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel.

Designed with business users in mind, the Skoda Octavia SE Technology models feature the Columbus infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen display with Remote Access and Infotainment online, plus voice control along with front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist.

Range-topping Skoda Octavia SE L models have 17-inch Rotare alloy wheels, Columbus satellite navigation with 10-inch touchscreen display, microsuede upholstery, rear privacy glass plus keyless entry. It also has electrically adjustable, heated, folding and driver side auto-dimming door mirrors.

As is often the case when a model is facelifted, the trim levels were rejigged as part of the 2024 makeover, with high levels of standard equipment across the line-up.

Even the now entry-level Skoda Octavia SE Technology boasts full LED lights, push-button start, a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 13-inch infotainment screen with DAB radio, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, 15-Watt wireless charging with cooling, smartphone mirroring, five USB-C ports and umbrellas in the front doors. 

The middle-ranking Skoda Octavia SE L adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and seats trimmed in suede-like fabric with artificial leather. Additional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a heated windscreen and an automatic tailgate. 

Topping the range with a vRS-esque appearance is the Skoda Octavia SportLine trim. This brings 18-inch alloys, bespoke gloss black exterior trim, 15mm lowered sports suspension, a rear spoiler, sports front seats and different interior trimmings.