The Skoda Octavia is a deeply sensible family car with rational pricing, a logical interior and a straightforward driving experience.
You don't have to make every decision with your head, however. Maybe you're looking for something with a bit more flair or a different image?
Here are our favourite Skoda Octavia alternatives. You'll find most are available as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is essentially a Skoda Octavia in smart-casual attire. Both share the same 'MQB' platform and a similar selection of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. There aren't night-and-day differences between the two behind the wheel, but the Golf has a slightly more contemporary look with an ultra-minimal dashboard and gloss panels containing buttons for key functions. The Golf hatchback is smaller than the Octavia, making it slightly easier to park, or you can pick the practical Golf Estate for Octavia-rivalling cargo space.
Shop used Volkswagen Golf cars or read our Volkswagen Golf review
Skoda Karoq
If the Octavia's choice of saloon and estate bodystyles feels a bit old fashioned, take a look at the Skoda Karoq. This is the Czech brand's take on the Volkswagen Tiguan and it packs a tall, airy cabin into its relatively compact footprint. Against its platform mates, which includes the SEAT Ateca, the Karoq is the softest-riding of the group, which makes it the easiest to live with over craggy urban streets or long drives. You even have the option on cars with Varioflex seating to slide the rear row fore and aft for more passenger or cargo space as needed.
See used Skoda Karoq cars or read our Skoda Karoq review
Suzuki Swace
The Suzuki Swace is essentially a rebadged Toyota Corolla estate, with a simplified trim lineup and a single full-hybrid engine choice. Crucially for the Suzuki, it comes up a few thousand pounds cheaper than the Corolla, putting it right in contention against the Octavia. It can't quite match the Skoda's outright practicality, but there's more than enough passenger and cargo space for most owners' needs. The driving experience is easygoing and effortless, and real-world fuel economy is fantastic, especially if you cover lots of stop-start urban driving.
Browse used Suzuki Swace cars or read our Suzuki Swace review
Nissan Qashqai
There's a reason why so many Nissan Qashqais have found homes here. This best-selling, British-built SUV feels well made, is easy to use, and represents excellent value for money as a nearly new or used car. Unlike some SUVs that feel like heavy, high-riding behemoths, the Qashqai has a light-footed driving experience that makes it feel more like a big hatchback from behind the wheel. We love the responsiveness of the 1.5-litre e-Power range-extending hybrid but the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid petrol is more affordable and nearly as smooth in use.
Search used Nissan Qashqai cars or read our Nissan Qashqai review
MG4
There are plenty of electric cars on the used market with prices similar to the Octavia. If you can charge at home, you'll save a bundle on your running costs by picking something like the MG4. This is one of our very favourite electric cars, with keen pricing, tidy handling, impressive ride quality and a standard equipment list that puts the Skoda to shame. Its ground-up EV platform means there's lots of passenger space between its axles and a respectable boot – though you might want to try out the larger MGS5 EV if you need more cargo space.
Shop used MG4 cars or read our MG4 review
SEAT Leon
The SEAT Leon is another car that borrows the same tried-and-tested mechanical parts from the Octavia and the VW Golf. Here, they're draped in swoopy, dramatic bodywork that helps the Leon look and feel more premium than its price tag suggests. Inside, there's a similar big-screen infotainment setup as its Czech and German cousins, which you can bypass by using the built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. If you want a Leon with a little more spring in its step, check out the sportier Cupra Leon.
Browse used SEAT Leon cars or read our SEAT Leon review
Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga is one of the larger five-seat SUVs on sale, helping it compete with the uber-practical Octavia. Head up the Kuga range and you'll find fuel-sipping plug-in-hybrid and full-hybrid engines, but our favourite version is the more affordable 1.5-litre turbo petrol model, which is smooth and punchy while keeping purchase prices low. Passenger space is excellent thanks to the Kuga's burly bodywork, with acres of rear legroom and easy access to the back seats. Its 412-litre boot lags behind the Skoda but is a useful, square shape.
View used Ford Kuga cars or read our Ford Kuga review
Kia Ceed Sportswagon
The Octavia's position as king of practicality is hard earned, but it's not the only cavernous option in this class. You could check out the Kia Ceed Sportswagon instead. This compact estate has all the benefits of the Ceed hatch – low prices, a long seven-year warranty, and a fully stocked equipment list – but gains a 625-litre boot. That amount of cargo space puts it within touching distance of the 640-litre Octavia Estate, making it a well-priced option for families who need to carry dogs or other bulky items.
Check out used Kia Ceed cars for sale
Vauxhall Grandland
Vauxhall recently revealed a new Grandland, which means used prices for the outgoing car should be even more competitive. It has a well-stocked equipment list that includes a big infotainment screen and digital dials for the driver – both with refreshingly fuss-free graphics. You'll still find proper controls on the dash for key functions too, such as climate control adjustments or changing the stereo volume. Zippy 1.2-litre turbo models are easy to drive, or there's even quicker plug-in hybrids for more speed while using less fuel.
Browse used Vauxhall Grandland cars or read our used Vauxhall Grandland review
Mazda 6
Perhaps the Octavia's saloon-like body floats your boat, but you'd like something with a more flair. If so, check out the Mazda 6 – available as either a slick-styled saloon, or practical long-roof estate. It's not just the outside that's eye-catching, with a smart cabin that's draped in soft-touch materials and faux-leather trim, helping it feel more like a budget BMW 3 Series rival than a mass-market option. Mazda's clever high-compression, non-turbo petrol engines return decent real-world economy with reassuringly reactive performance.
Search used Mazda 6 cars for sale
Find a fantastic family car for less
Check out the huge savings on a wide choice of nearly new or used cars from Motorpoint. For more tempting options, see our picks for the best hybrid family cars.
