Skoda Octavia (2013 to 2019)

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia is a subtle alternative to the Volkswagen Golf that offers more space and better value.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 TSI 150ps Sportline
Score: 7 / 10
“At a motorway cruise it turns over at around 2,500rpm and is quiet, and 40mpg is easily achievable.”
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Model reviewed: vRS Challenge 2.0 TSI 245ps
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge is a highly specified and well-configured version of the standard hot hatchback.”
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Score: 10 / 10
“The Octavia Estate is a class-leading family estate. It blends the mechanicals of the VW Golf with lower prices and a more practical bodystyle that’s befitting of an estate car, plus it’s arguably better looking than the regular Octavia hatch.”
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Model reviewed: vRS 245
Score: 8 / 10
“We’ve long been fans of the Skoda Octavia vRS’s no-nonsense approach to fast family motoring, but the new 245 model is demonstrably the best yet.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“It could be more entertaining to drive, yes, but most customers will care little for B-road thrills. Skoda knows what the Octavia excels at and delivers accordingly.”
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Model reviewed: Scout
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia Scout is very likeable. It’s not trying to be trendy, nor is it trying to be too flash. It goes about its business without fuss, and it does everything incredibly competently in that homogenous VW Group way.”
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Model reviewed: vRS hatchback
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia vRS satisfies the head and heart thanks to its blend of performance and practicality.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9.4 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia Estate is one of the most practical family cars available, with loads of space, economical engines and tough build quality.”
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Model reviewed: vRS estate
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is a fantastic all-rounder, thanks to its seamless blend of practicality and performance, along with a well built interior.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“Not only does it have lots of space, the Skoda Octavia is also well built and affordable to run.”
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Model reviewed: Octavia Scout
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Scout has a raised ride height, four-wheel drive and butch-looking body protection for those seeking a more rugged Octavia Estate.”
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Model reviewed: Octavia vRS estate
Score: 7 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is quick and more than practical enough for most, but its subtle looks might not suit everyone looking for a performance car.”
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Model reviewed: Octvia vRS liftback
Score: 7 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia vRS blends the standard Octavia’s practical, well-built interior with a powerful engine and sportier driving characteristics. That said, other hot hatches are more exciting.’
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Model reviewed: Octavia Scout
Score: 7 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia Scout is a slightly more rugged, off-road-ready take on the standard Octavia Estate.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia Estate has loads of passenger space for the price, a huge boot and interior quality that borders on premium – but it’s not exciting.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic vRS estate
“Slightly improved Skoda Octavia vRS still combines sensible and sporty well.”
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Model reviewed: vRS estate
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not the fastest or the most exciting, but few cars cover all bases quite as well as the Octavia vRS Estate.”
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Model reviewed: vRS hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Not the most fun, but well-rounded and good value too”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“Updated Octavia continues to impress, if not excite”
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Model reviewed: Scout
Score: 8 / 10
“An estate with four-wheel drive and a raised ride height offers a more efficient option than a big bulky SUV, which will be less efficient, and won’t handle as well. But with four-wheel drive capability, you still benefit from better traction on normal roads in all weathers.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 10 / 10
“There are plenty of thoughtful touches throughout the Skoda Octavia. Features like a built-in ice scraper, reversible rubber boot carpet and door-pocket waste bin add to the appeal and make it stand apart from rivals, as does the large, 590-litre boot.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia Estate is a no-nonsense holdall that offers more space and equipment than a Volkswagen Golf Estate at a lower price point.”
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Model reviewed: vRS range
Score: 10 / 10
“On the road, the Octavia vRS is a revelation compared to the standard car with much-improved steering feel and a sharper nature through corners. It’s a very enjoyable car to drive yet is still usable every day thanks to a supple ride and easy controls.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Genuinely great value for money, with bags of space and equipment.”
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Model reviewed: Octavia Scout
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Scout trim transforms practical wagon into rugged, well-equipped workhorse.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 9 / 10
“One of the few criticisms you might level at the car is that it could perhaps do with a little more personality. Like the hatchback version, it’s a little plain looking but it is attractive and elegantly styled with some crisp detailing.”
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Model reviewed: vRS
Score: 9 / 10
“As a package the Skoda Octavia vRS is pretty hard to beat. Not only does it have a choice of an excellent petrol engine or an efficient yet fast diesel engine but it’s comfortable, practical and doesn’t look bad either.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Ultimately buying an Octavia will be a question of crunching the numbers and seeing what makes sense on paper. Falling in love may happen, but don’t count on it.”
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Model reviewed: vRS 245 hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“A really strong all-rounder in the hot hatch class that outdoes most others for space without sacrificing much in the way of pace. The 245 upgrades are just worthwhile over a standard Octavia vRS, but we’d be tempted to have the adaptive dampers too.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Octavia makes a fantastic family car, because it’s practical, relaxing to drive and surprisingly affordable to buy and run.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“Well thought out, versatile and thoroughly decent family estate. The weeniest bit boring.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“Solid, gimmick-free all-rounder that’s slightly less good at everything than a Golf, but cheaper for it.”
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Model reviewed: vRS 245
“It’s not the sharpest or most powerful of the numerous VW group hot hatches, but short of a Golf R estate this may be the one with the broadest range of talents. It’s certainly the most practical.”
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