Which is the most popular engine in the Skoda Octavia?

The 2.0-litre TDI has proven the most popular amongst British drivers thanks to its impressive fuel economy, towing performance and high-speed cruising ability.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

The newest Skoda Octavia models come in four trim levels: SE, SE Technology, SE L and vRS. These are the same trims for the hatchback or estate, making the SE option the most cost-effective, while the vRS has the best power options and the most technology included. Currently, the most popular trim level for the Skoda Octavia is the SE L.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Look out for Octavia models with styling accentuations, such as bigger wheels and high-end upholstery. Technology upgrades can include a satnav system that works with the 10-inch touchscreen and an 8-speaker sound system.

Is the Skoda Octavia a good family car?

The Octavia is one of the best family cars on the road today. In hatchback and estate form, it offers class-leading interior space with many of today's comforts. Newer models have hybrid technology that makes the engines more efficient.

What do the acronyms TDI and TSI stand for?

TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) and TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) are acronyms used by the Volkswagen Group for the fuel injection systems in its turbocharged engines. TSI is a direct progression of the TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection) used in multiple VW Group vehicles.

Is the Skoda Octavia available as an automatic?

Throughout the years, different powertrains have been available with an automatic transmission. The newest Octavia lineup comes with either a 6-speed manual or a DSG automatic transmission.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

The Skoda Octavia lineup has been available with all-wheel drive options for more traction. There are also front-wheel drive variants that provide more than enough capability in most driving situations.

1,116 Used Skoda Octavia cars for sale

Skoda Octavia2019 (19) - 1.6 SE TECHNOLOGY TDI 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£10,395

1.6L
50.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

0/5 Stars

Skoda Octavia2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI vRS DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,284

Finance available £274 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.6/5 Stars

Skoda Octavia2016 (16) - 2.0 SCOUT TDI DSG 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
91.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Gouldings Car Sales (North Hykeham)

01522449057 *

Skoda Octavia2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Huttons Car Sales ltd

01768800997 *

Skoda Octavia2013 - 2.0 TDI vRS 5-Door

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SJ Poulton Car Sales

01279967338 *

Skoda Octavia2019 - 1.6 TDI SCR SE Technology Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£8,762

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
71.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

Skoda Octavia2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE L DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,698

Finance available £172 pm

1.4L
90.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

SR Motors

01793268063 *

Skoda Octavia2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI e-TEC (150ps) SportLine ACT DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£27,500

Finance available £544 pm

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Skoda Octavia2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI GPF SE Technology Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£8,998

Finance available £179 pm

1L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

Skoda Octavia2019 (68) - 2.0 TDI vRS Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 7Spd Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

2L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

WMGB

01278550715 *

Skoda Octavia2006 (56) - 1.6 FSI Ambiente Euro 4 5dr

Reduced

£1,250

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LIV MOTORS

01612416374 *

Skoda Octavia2020 (20) - 2.0 TSI vRS DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

First Direct Motor Company Ltd

01992666293 *

Skoda Octavia2021 (71) - 2.0 Octavia vRS TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£19,490

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

Skoda Octavia2024 - Tdi

Reduced

£7,495

1.6L
99.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

Skoda Octavia2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 SE L 5dr DSG Auto

£27,990

2L
815.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall SKODA Reading

01182078976 *

Skoda Octavia2019 - 1.6 TDI SE L DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,792

Finance available £219 pm

1.6L
71.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

ROBIN LEE WILLIS

01633742359 *

Skoda Octavia2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI CR Elegance 5dr DSG

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
159.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Skoda Octavia2021 - 2.0 TSI vRS 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£24,782

2L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Skoda Octavia2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£3,800

Finance available £63 pm

2L
188.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Skoda Octavia2017 - 1.6 TDI SE Technology 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,998

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
56.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Desmond Motors Used Car & Van Centre

02871220952 *

Why buy a used Skoda Octavia?

If you're in the market for a large family car with unrivaled interior space, then a used Skoda Octavia is a great choice. This sleek car is extremely practical and provides excellent value motoring. Available engine options add further excitement to the lineup, making the Skoda Octavia enjoyable to drive both in the city and on the motorway.

Used Skoda Octavia snapshot review

Pros

Great value
Good choice of engines
Supremely practical

Cons

Handling and ride could be better
DSG gearboxes can be problematic
Heavy depreciation

Read our Skoda Octavia review

Skoda Octavia video review

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Used Skoda Octavia buying guide

Engines and transmissions

New Octavia models are offered with a range of powertrain options. There was briefly a plug-in hybrid variant, but it has been removed from the lineup.

Petrol

1.0 TSI produces 108bhp and has a rating of 54.3mpg along with a mild-hybrid variant.
1.4 TSI plug-in hybrid offered 201bhp and an electric range of up to 44 miles.
1.5 TSI outputs 147bhp with a rating between 50.1 and 51.9mpg, with mild-hybrid variant that boosts economy to 52.7mpg.
2.0-litre vRS model has a TSI engine that creates 241bhp and earns around 41mpg.

Diesel

2.0 TDI creates 114-197bhp with a fuel economy rating of up to 64.9mpg, depending on the trim and bodystyle.
Earlier generations included 1.6-litre engines with power ranging between 103 and 113bhp.

Practicality

There are few cars as comfortable as the Skoda Octavia, which provides ample space for the entire family.

Interior space

Adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat make it simple to get a good viewpoint.
Rear seat space is ample, with plenty of head and leg room for passengers.
Two rear seats have ISOFIX mounts.

Boot space

Hatchback contains a 600-litre boot, which is much larger than the Honda Civic, VW Golf and Ford Focus.
Storage area has tie-down points and hooks for securing luggage.
SE-L includes a height-adjustable load floor for easier hauling.
60:40 split rear seat and even a ski hatch offers adjustable storage space.

Bodystyles

Hatchback provides a sportier, more aerodynamic appearance.
Estate model is slightly longer, offering an additional amount of boot space.

Safety

Perfect five-star Euro NCAP rating for the latest generation.
Adult occupant, child occupant and safety assist ratings are all over 80%.
Standard safety kit includes six airbags and automatic emergency braking.

Technology

10-inch touchscreen infotainment centre in standard SE models.
Available integrated satnav in Skoda's Columbus system.
Available ChatGPT-based 'Laura' assistant in infotainment system.
Available Virtual Cockpit gives the driver easier access to vital data.

Different generations of used Skoda Octavia

With the release of the very first Octavia in 1998, Skoda hoped to change the way that the Czech brand was perceived in the UK. It is now in its fourth generation and is more successful than ever. With each new model, Skoda has worked diligently to upgrade the design and technology, keeping the lineup relevant to British buyers. The Octavia has recently won 'Best Family Car for Practicality' due to low running costs, a spacious interior and comfortable seating.

Second Generation (2004-2012)

The second-generation Octavia debuted in 2004, sharing the same mechanical platform as the Volkswagen Golf. It slowly moved away from being known as a budget car, and was now looking to compete against companies such as Fiat, Vauxhall and Renault. It featured a bold new grille that tilted backwards complemented by wedge-shaped headlights.

A 2008 refresh offered both an interior and exterior redesign with added technology. The headlamp design was bolder, the grille was restyled, and new lamp covers were added to the back. Inside the cabin, higher-quality materials were added and updated fabric upholstery was made available.

Third Generation (2013 to 2020)

In its third generation, the Octavia's cube-like design was highlighted with clear edges and straight lines, topped with angular headlights and a grille that held 21 vertical slats. Behind the grille was a new radar system that was used for advanced safety technology. The secondary grille was designed to provide more cooling to the engine.

During a refresh in 2017, rear taillights with smoked lenses were added to modernise the exterior look. Skoda also installed a new infotainment system with an available 9.2-inch display. Safety features were enhanced, adding available traffic sign recognition, Pedestrian Protection and City Emergency Brake.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 40 - 88
Acceleration:: 6.6 - 11.7 seconds
Boot space:: 590 - 610 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.0 TSI S 5dr
Cheapest
1.2 TSI S 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 245 vRS 5dr

Fourth Generation (2020 to Present)

For the fourth generation of the Octavia, Skoda released both estate and hatchback models. The long hatchback shared underpinnings with the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. Some of the exterior upgrades included angular headlights holding L-shaped daytime running lamps and a wide hexagonal grille with a chrome trim.

Interior features were also upgraded, with top trims including Alcantara upholstery, a floating touchscreen infotainment system and aluminium pedals. The Octavia also came with an available head-up display, plus heated and ventilated seats for more comfort.

In 2024, a refresh revealed an Octavia with new Matrix LED headlights and a lower bumper and side scoops for better air intake and lower drag. Inside, technology also advanced with a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new AI assistant, along with a 10-inch instrument panel for the driver.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 39 - 289
Acceleration:: 6.4 - 11 seconds
Boot space:: 450 - 640 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI iV SE Technology DSG 5dr
Cheapest
1.0 TSI SE 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI vRS 5dr DSG

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

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Used Skoda Octavia snapshot review

Pros