Used Skoda Octavia cars for sale

Skoda Octavia buying guide

Okay, no one’s going to mistake it for a supercar, but the Octavia does have plenty to shout about. It’s great to drive, economical, spacious and smart-looking, both inside and out. Piggybacking off Volkswagen also means it has the latest infotainment tech – without the annoying user interface in certain VW cars.

What Skoda Octavia trim levels are there?

For later examples of the Octavia produced up to 2020, trim levels kick off with S specification, with highlights including 16-inch alloys, electric heated door mirrors, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, black fabric upholstery and air-con. SE adds foglights, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors. Stepping up to SE L introduces 17-inch alloys, full LED headlights with auto high beam, privacy glass, alcantara and leather seats, upgraded infotainment and even a handy umbrella stored neatly under the front seat. A couple of other derivatives crept in near the end of production, including SE Drive and SE Technology, so check each advert to confirm the spec.

Elsewhere, Scout is a model in its own right, with all-wheel drive, a raised ride height and chunky body cladding, and while it’s no Land Rover, you’ll find it more than capable enough for even quite rugged off-road terrain. If affordable luxury is the name of the game, check out the Laurin & Klement range-topping edition.

The latest model as launched in 2020 dives in with SE spec, which includes 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and touchscreen infotainment, while SE Technology adds sat-nav to the mix (see Technology, below). SE L upgrades to Microsuede trim, 17-inch alloys, and privacy glass.

The vRS returns as a high-performance standalone model and features a sportier design inside and out, uprated suspension and brakes, plus a couple of extra features.

Skoda Octavia interior and technology

Later examples of the Octavia produced up to 2020 are fitted with an eight-inch touchscreen across the range, which includes DAB Radio, a USB input, Bluetooth, and SmartLink Connectivity to link your smartphone with the touchscreen.

The 2020-on Octavia goes one better with a 10-inch touchscreen as standard, while other infotainment features include DAB radio, Bluetooth, voice control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

Skoda has tended to fit cheaper materials in the Octavia so as not to step on the VW Golf’s toes. In the latest model, though, quality is better than ever. You might even prefer the Octavia’s interior. It’s easier to use than the latest Golf’s, even if it might not look quite as eye-catching.

You also get a host of clever features in Skoda models, like a windscreen clip for parking tickets and an ice scraper hidden away in the fuel filler cap.

Skoda Octavia engine range explained

(Most popular!) Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI petrol

This four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, also fitted in the Golf, SEAT Leon and Audi A3, is a delight. It gets up to speed really quickly – 0-62mph takes around eight seconds – and never feels underpowered, yet manages 50mpg. Diesel who? Perhaps best of all is that you can choose the gearbox for you – the manual for a little extra involvement or the DSG automatic to let the car do the work.

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI petrol

A 1.0-litre engine in a car this big? Surely not? Yes, the Octavia’s entry-level motor is small, but it’s willing and capable. Economy is just as good as the 1.5, and the 110hp output is plenty for most driving situations. It’ll only start to run out of puff when you’re fully loaded and going up a steep hill.

Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI diesel

The 2.0-litre diesel engine is a natural fit in the Octavia, and will suit higher-mileage drivers to a T. Fuel economy stands at 64mpg – and you might get even more if you’re careful – and most of the time you’ll barely know the engine’s there. Most diesel Octavias have 150hp, but there are 115hp and 200hp versions too. The latter is reserved for the hot vRS model, and can be had with four-wheel drive.

Skoda Octavia iV 1.4 TSI plug-in hybrid

A frugal plug-in hybrid was introduced on the latest Octavia model. It claims whopping economy figures of 250mpg and over 40 miles of electric-only driving – as long as you recharge the battery regularly. Boot space is slightly down compared to non-hybrid models as Skoda has had to fit in a battery pack, but the Octavia iV is still a spacious car so it doesn’t matter too much.

Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0 TSI petrol

A Golf GTI in a sensible body, the Skoda Octavia vRS offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality. The 245hp petrol engine is by far the fastest option in the Octavia range, but settle down to a cruise and you can hit 40mpg. There’s plenty of choice for vRS buyers – hatch or estate, petrol or diesel, manual or automatic. In fact, the latest vRS also comes as a plug-in hybrid, with more power than the one mentioned above.