Used Škoda Octavia cars

Affordable practicality and efficient reliability are the hallmarks of the Škoda Octavia. Its 1996 launch gave the likes of the Ford Mondeo a run for its money, propelling the Czech brand to popularity, while latterly the model’s rivals have included the Vauxhall Insignia and Mazda 6.

Škoda Octavia updates and facelifts

The second generation arrived in 2004, building on the Octavia’s appeal, and by the time the Mk3 edition was launched in 2013, this mid-size family car was a favourite on UK roads. Hatchback, estate and vRS hatch models were all released in the same year, with buyers being offered a strong choice of engines and trims. A facelift followed in 2017, bringing additional tech.

The Mk4 Octavia went on sale in June 2020, offering both hatchback, estate and vRS editions like its predecessor. Alongside petrol and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid was available for the first time, providing a greener option for an increasingly eco-conscious market. As with any vehicle that has been through several generations, the Škoda Octavia has had a number of trim lineups, these include the entry-level SE, the mid-range SE Technology, and the SE L. The vRS variants come with their own unique spec.

Choosing a Škoda Octavia means choosing space and practicality without compromising on performance. So impressive is it in so many areas that the hatchback and estate won the Auto Express awards for Family Car of the Year 2021 and Estate Car of the Year 2021 respectively. The following year, the hybrid estate won the What Car? Best Hybrid Estate award. These accolades are a testament to the vehicle’s enduring appeal and exceptional quality.

Practicality and style of the car

Practicality is at the heart of the Škoda Octavia. The Mk3 model is larger and lighter than its predecessor, giving occupants more head and legroom. This is carried over to the Mk4 and both editions offer enough space to seat four adults in comfort with a fifth in the middle rear seat on shorter journeys. If you’ve got a young family, you can carry your kids in safety thanks to ISOFIX anchor points on both the outer rear seats and the front passenger seat, and with wide-opening rear doors, getting them buckled in is a breeze.

Boot space in the Mk3 hatchback comes in at 590 litres with the rear seats in place, and this expands to 1,580 when they’re folded down. That’s ample for grocery shops, a pushchair, or a couple of suitcases. Opt for the Mk4 and the hatchback provides even more luggage capacity – 600 litres, which is more than the Ford Mondeo and over 100 litres more than the Mazda 6. The estate offers even more, besting the Volkswagen Golf Estate with a capacity of 640 litres, which expands to 1,700 litres with the rear seats down.

Not only is the Octavia a spacious family car, it’s also popular with caravan owners thanks to its impressive towing capabilities. The latest edition, with the 2.0-litre TDI 148bhp engine, can pull a braked weight of up to 1,600kg.

Running costs

The Mk4 hatchback (2020 onwards) occupies groups 13–23 out of 50 for insurance, while premiums for the Mk3 hatch and estate (2013-2020) are slightly cheaper, with both variants sitting within groups 12–22. It’s a similar story for road tax, with the standard rate of £180 applying to the vast majority of Mk4 hatch and estate versions.

How a used Škoda Octavia drives

It may be practical, but that doesn’t mean the Škoda Octavia compromises on performance. Comfortable yet engaging to drive, it cruises effortlessly on the motorway and handles twisty country lanes with confidence. The Mk3 Octavia comes with a selection of engines to suit a range of needs. The entry-level 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit produces 104bhp and an impressive combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg, while the 1.4-litre TSI has an output of 138bhp and efficiency of 53.3mpg.

The diesel lineup kicks off with a 1.6-litre TDI, which produces 194bhp and 250Nm of torque. It’s the most efficient of the bunch, returning up to 72.4mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 99g/km of CO2. The 2.0-litre TDI is the most powerful option, making it ideal for towing and still offers a combined fuel efficiency of 67.3mpg. The vRS, meanwhile, is equipped with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or diesel units.

Aside from the 1.6-litre diesel, which has a five-speed manual gearbox, all engines are paired with six-speed manual transmission as standard. The 1.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel are also available with seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

The engine lineup changed when the Mk4 arrived, with the entry-level petrol option being a 1.0-litre TSI with 109bhp, and mild hybrid technology which is available with the automatic DSG gearbox. This helps to reduce emissions and returns a combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg. The more powerful unit is a 1.5-litre TSI producing 148bhp, which can reach 62mph from a standstill in as little as 8.2 seconds. Those who prefer diesel can choose the 2.0-litre TDI engine with either 114bhp or 148bhp. Both are highly economical, with the 114bhp option returning a combined efficiency of 65.7–68.9mpg.

A plug-in hybrid is also available with the latest Octavia model. This combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a total output of 201bhp. Its all-electric range is an impressive 37 miles – plenty for school runs or short commutes.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2013 - 2020

Engine	Official NEDC MPG	Official WLTP MPG
1.0 TSI 115	60.1–62.8 mpg	43.5–50.4 mpg
1.0 TSI 115 DSG	61.4–62.8 mpg	39.8–45.6 mpg
1.2 TSI 105	57.6 mpg	-
1.2 TSI 105 DSG	56.5 mpg	-
1.2 TSI 110	57.7 mpg	-
1.2 TSI 110 DSG	57.7 mpg	-
1.4 TSI 140	53.3 mpg	-
1.4 TSI 140 DSG	56.5 mpg	-
1.4 TSI 150	54.3–55.4 mpg	-
1.4 TSI 150 DSG	57.7–58.9 mpg	-
1.5 TSI 150	55.4–58.9 mpg	40.4–52.3 mpg
1.5 TSI 150 DSG	55.4–57.7 mpg	40.4–46.3 mpg
1.6 TDI 105	74.3 mpg	-
1.6 TDI 105 DSG	72.4 mpg	-
1.6 TDI 110	72.4–74.3 mpg	-
1.6 TDI 110 DSG	72.4–76.4 mpg	-
1.6 TDI 110 Greenline	80.7 mpg	-
1.6 TDI 115	68.9–72.4 mpg	43.5–56.5 mpg
1.6 TDI 115 DSG	70.6–72.4 mpg	46.3–53.3 mpg
1.8 TSI	47.9 mpg	-
1.8 TSI DSG	50.4 mpg	-
2.0 TDI 150	64.2–70.6 mpg	55.4 mpg
2.0 TDI 150 DSG	62.8–67.3 mpg	54.3 mpg
2.0 TSI 190 DSG	47.9 mpg	37.7 mpg

2020 - onwards

Engine	Official WLTP MPG
1.0 TSI	54.3 mpg
1.0 TSI e-TEC	53.3–56.5 mpg
1.4 TSI iV	256.8–282.5 mpg
1.5 TSI	50.4–52.3 mpg
1.6 TDI	65.7–68.9 mpg
1.6 TDI DSG	64.2 mpg
2.0 TDI	67.3 mpg
2.0 TDI 150 DSG Estate	62.8 mpg
2.0 TDI DSG	61.4 mpg

Features you can expect in a Škoda Octavia

Interior

Space isn’t the only thing on offer when you’re travelling in the Škoda Octavia. Although it’s understated, the interior is elegant and well-built, with soft-touch materials and textured surfaces throughout. Škoda goes a step further too, providing handy items as part of its ‘Simply Clever’ initiative. The boot carpet is reversible, while a door pocket waste bin helps to keep everything tidy inside. Mk4 models also feature small smartphone storage pockets for rear passengers to stow their devices.

Getting comfy in the driving position is easy thanks to height adjustable seats, while higher spec models provide electric adjustment and lumbar support, ensuring you stay relaxed even on the longest journeys.

Technology

The Mk3 is generously equipped as standard, offering a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio and USB ports, as well as climate control and Stop/Start, which cuts the engine while you’re waiting at traffic lights, helping to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Choose a Mk4 model and there are different infotainment options depending on trim, but the standard system comes with a responsive 10-inch touchscreen. This offers access to a Bolero radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, enabling you to access smartphone apps via the display. Both editions come with a multi-function steering wheel for simple and safe operation of various functions.

Safety

When you’re driving a family car, safety is a priority. It’s comforting, then, to know that the Škoda Octavia received a full five stars in both its 2013 and 2019 Euro NCAP tests. In 2019, the model was awarded 93% for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection. Standard features on the Mk4 edition include hill start assist, which prevents any backwards roll as you pull away on an incline, lane assist to help you stay on track during motorway driving, and Front Assist, which reduces the chance of low-speed collisions.

In addition to these measures, all Mk4 Octavia models have rear parking sensors and cruise control, helping make motorway driving and manoeuvres easier.

Trims available on the Škoda Octavia

The standard trims on the Mk3 (2013-2020) Octavia are S, SE and Elegance (later SE L). All feature a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, climate control, hill start assist and stop/start technology. Mk4 used Octavia cars (2020 onwards) are available in three main trims:

Škoda Octavia SE

The entry-level trim comes generously equipped, offering 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, and rain sensing wipers. Inside is a leather multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and a 10-inch touchscreen display with Bolero radio and smartphone integration.

Škoda Octavia SE Technology

This trim features 16-inch alloy wheels and front parking sensors. The Columbus infotainment system can be voice controlled, and Manoeuvre Assist gives more support during parking.

Škoda Octavia SE L

Top-spec SE L trim brings exterior highlights such as 17-inch Rotare alloy wheels, chrome accents and privacy glass, as well as microsuede upholstery and heated front seats. The Columbus infotainment system comes with voice control and sat nav, while additional safety technology includes adaptive cruise control.

Škoda Octavia vRS

The vRS comes with its own unique spec, including full Matrix LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, black vRS sports seats with red stitching, and a sports steering wheel. There’s also an electrically operated boot for convenience.

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