Overall Average Rating: 90.88%
Position in the Top 100 cars: 3rd

The Czech firm was hoping it would be three wins in three years for the latest Octavia, but in the end the top-value family model has had to settle for third place.

With a Driver Power record no other car can match, notching up its fourth podium position is still a brilliant result.

Comfort is its one weakness – while 38th is hardly a disgrace, it’s the Octavia’s lowest rating. Third place for practicality is the highlight, and with the facelifted variant now on sale, these ratings could get a boost.

It hasn’t matched its previous successes, but there are few better family models available.

WINNER OF CATEGORY - Practicality

If you gauge the appeal of your new car on how much you can fit inside, it’s essential you read our practicality chart. The winning car has the highest average rating in any of our judging categories. Land Rover’s latest Discovery scored a formidable 99.15 per cent. When it comes to carrying people and luggage, nothing else comes close. With seven occupants on board, there’s still room for 280 litres of luggage, while in two-seat form, the volume grows to an incredible 2,558 litres. Space efficiency counts for a lot, too, which is why Honda’s Jazz holds second place, thanks to its clever folding rear seats and a light and spacious interior. Both MkI and MkII MINIs are in the last five. It seems owners aren’t happy with the tight rear space and tiny boot.

Your Quotes

“I can’t name another car in the same class that does as good a job as the Octavia. It’s immensely satisfying to drive and own – Skoda seems to get everything right.

David Hill, Edlesborough, Bedfordshire

Manufacturer Verdict (Position: 1st)

Congratulations to Skoda – it’s the first firm ever to knock Lexus off the top of this chart! A consistently strong performance across the range proved decisive, with the Superb and Octavia starring.

Overall Average:
4.53
90.6%
4th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy a Skoda Octavia again
4.45
89%
6th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy another Skoda Octavia again
4.75
95%
27th in Driver Power 2010
Comfort:
4.37
87.4%
31st in Driver Power 2010
Practicality:
4.859
97.18%
5th in Driver Power 2010
Ride quality:
4.237
84.74%
19th in Driver Power 2010
Ease of driving:
4.635
92.7%
14th in Driver Power 2010
58-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

The seats are very poor for a car with such German influence as this which is a real shame. No matter how the seat is adjusted it is impossible to get comfort for driving more than around 30 minutes at a time. It is clearly a design fault as it is a well known fault.

Apart from this the car has been very good indeed though rattling a bit more than expected at near 20,000 miles. I'm also surprised at the way the car uses oil but then there are cars much worse at this.

Overall anyway a thoroughly recommended car but why oh why are those seats so bad?? If you are going to get one consider the Octavia VRS Diesel Hatchback. At £120 tax per year, 170 horse power engine and pretty good performance indeed I would snap one up now. Can't work out why the estate is more expensive for tax. What's the difference in the engine?!

Comfort:
2/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
0/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Best car I've owned in terms of the combination of performance, practicality, build quality and comfort.

I've known for a number of years that Skoda was no longer a joke brand, and anyone who's been in the car with me has been impressed.

While many drivers were struggling in the recent snow & icy conditions, my Octavia vRS LE perfomed impecably. My previous car was a BMW 1 Series and this would have struggled (as did my neighbours brand new 3 series!).

Would definitely consider a Skoda again

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Hugely practical tardis-like lugger of stuff. Comfortable, quiet, composed and effortless on the motorway; happy in town, and reasonably well-behaved on bumpy back roads. Long-term average in excess of 50mpg, reasonable tax and insurance, 18,000 mile service intervals. Over 44,000 miles all it has had in addition to scheduled servicing is 2 front tyres, fuel, screenwash and occasional oil top-ups.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

It does what it says on the tin - an excellent buy, BUT...
... it is about time manufacturers offered ALL designed in factory options (eg sunroof, headlight washers, heated seats) on all models in a range so I can get a car built to my desired specification, instead of limiting some key options to only certain variations in a given model range - marketing mumbo-jumbo !

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

A completely practical family car and very reasonable value for money. The Octavia has well-tried VW mechanicals, and in my opinion is as solid-feeling as any BMW I've previously owned. The dealerships are willing to help and servicing costs seem to be reasonable. All in all, a car I don't have to worry about much - it gets on and does the job perfectly!

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
Y-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

Had to replace the bearings after 120,000 miles. All other repairs have been routine consumables such as brakes and tyres. My Skoda has been absolutely first rate every since it arrived off a lorry at my home nine years ago. Carries a family of five to the Alps skiing or on summer holidays in comfort without a glitch.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

'Practical but Exciting'? Not very exciting! Like the common desciption of the Passat - satisfies all your needs, but not your wants. It does everything really well but not exhilirating enough. I knew this when I bought it but nothing came close to the blend of space, performance and economy for the price.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

So far so good, I can certainly see why Skoda have done so well in recent Driver Power surveys.It is very well equipped, very comfortable, extremely practical(I have the Scout version and it coped very well in the recent wintry conditions).To be honest I can't think of a better all rounder for the money.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Only had the car 3/4 weeks,so my opinion & answers given in this survey might change.
Gennerally (so far) I am happy with the car.
Except for the seats which I find very hard to adjust to a good/comfortable position.
The car seem to be very econical so far.

Comfort:
1/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Overall pleased. Diesel is more sluggish and noisier,both inside and outside than I expected.Far more reliable than my Renault Megane which was appalling and prior to that my Laguna which was slightly less appalling!! It took time to acquire sense.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
54-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I love my Skoda Octavia because it looks cool, it has a bit of umpfh, and it fits me, husband, two kids, one dog, two weeks worth of camping equipment and three bikes (on the roof) with ease. All the way to the south of france. Yay Skoda!!

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

my car is a vrs model so fast practical and looks good, but have just paid out £600 for a pressure sensor for the abs system,skoda paid half so that has spoilt my view of it . got a warrenty now after the horse has bolted!

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

i have the vrs model and it is the perfect balance between comfort, practicality, economy and performance. It does everything you could want from a car. A superb car and one i would definately buy again.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Superb, practical estate with plenty of room for people and load, comfortable and economic drive with great handling. One of the best load luggers around that doesn't skimp on passenger comfort.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Really user friendly. I tell people it's boringly brilliant. I wish I'd spent more on it, to get hardened suspension (sports pack, of sorts) because it does wallow around corners when pushed.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
V-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

The car has perfomed solidly it is now over 100,000 miles and performing very well, with a comfortable ride and reasonable economy I would reccomend this make to all my friends and family

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Overall a pleasant car to drive and own with good reliability so far.Brakes are good but over sensitive.Ride is firm.Front seats uncomfortable on longer drives.Paint work easily marks.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Brilliant build quality. Ride a bit harsh on UK roads, but it is the VRS model. Loads of space and great cruiser. Not bad on running costs either. Would recomment the marque to others.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
54-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

The mk1 Skoda Octavia vRS is a fantastic car. It must be one of the most if not the most affordable way to have you cake and eat it in terms of practicality, quality and performance.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

The only thing missing is ESP as the car seems unhappy travelling in the inside lane, ie. HGV tracks in motorways seem to have the car trying to climb out of the road indentations.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

THE VRS T ,IS A NICE CAR TO DRIVE ,RESONSIVE ENGINE,AND VERY PRACTICAL AS WELL, COMFEY ,AND REASONABLE SERVICE COSTS FROM SKODA, ITS A NICE DRIVE ALL ROUND,IT DOES THE JOB FOR ME,

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Skoda Octavia Scout 4x4. Superb compromise of 4x4 ability for caravan towing, parking in muddy fields etc combined with comfortable and economical "normal" car for everyday use.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very good all rounder let down by one poor dealer and Skoda Customer Service. Thankfully I have found a dealer that lives up to the quality of the car now.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
59-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Ideal for my needs. Not surprised that the vRS is thirsty though!
Despite being a hot hatch it is immensely practical and sure-footed even in snow and ice.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Its a fabulous all round car with performance, economy, practicalty and fun. I drove to the south of france and back and it didnt miss a beat.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

PROS: Fantastic value, performace, practicality, reliability.

CONS: road noise. Tyres are rubbish in the snow.

Its a great estate car.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

A great car for a good price Practical, powerful, good looker this is my 3rd Octavia VRS I have not been disappointed by anyone of them

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
53-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

The best car I have ever had, I intended to keep it for 3-4 years but can't find anything better without spending big money.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Cheap to run, Great on long journeys. Excellent ride comfort (on the right tyres). Solid and reliable. Highly recommended.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Perfect compromise as an AWD practical load lugger, combining economy, performance, luggage space and comfort.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

This is my 2nd Octavia VRS, they are superb cars. Comfortable, well equipped & very very well made & reliable.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

My VRS Octavia has perfomance value and practicality in abundance.There's nothing else like it for the price.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Skoda Scout, an all round practical 4x4 "soft roader" estate. Great build and a good drive. Recommended!

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

A good all round vehicle, very comfortable, good ride, plenty of luggage space in the estate.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
59-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

reliable well built and comfortable to drive don't like the long travel of clutch pedal

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
57-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent 1.8TSI engine. Nice to drive. Comftable seats, spacious and practical.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
05-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Hard ride over rough roads. Clutch judder into first gear. Other gears smooth.

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
1/5
 Ease of driving:
2/5
06-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Excellent, solid and reliable. Being an estate makes it incredibly practical.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Good car, but heavier on fuel than expected. Plenty of room and comfortable.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Probably the best, most practical and most reliable car I have ever owned.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
58-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

i like my skoda octavia becasue it is big , comfortable and safe.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
Y-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

A good, well-built, practical, user-friendly, reliable workhorse

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very good car, but the dealers arrogance lets it down slightly.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great combination of comfort, practicality and performance

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Totally dependable. Does everything that I expect of it.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
54-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Very impressed. Lots of space and very good to drive

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

It is reliable and comfortable without being boring.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
W-reg Diesel, Owner for More than 5 years

Really great, one of the best buysI've ever made.

Comfort:
2/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
55-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

practical and versatile and good looking estate

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
02-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

economic, comfortable, practical and reliable

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
02-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Suits me and my motoring needs well.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
57-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

brilliant "standard" car for 2009

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Practical but not that exciting

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
02-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Practical, reliable & sensible

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

pdf filter needed un blocking

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

A lot of car for the money.

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
05-reg Diesel, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Quality and practicality

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Very satisfied so far.

Comfort:
4/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
56-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

good flexible car

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
2/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great car overall

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
4/5
 Ride Quality:
3/5
 Ease of driving:
3/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Octavia vrs GREAT

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
5/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

A hidden gem

Comfort:
3/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
4/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5
54-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great

Comfort:
5/5
 Practicality:
5/5
 Ride Quality:
5/5
 Ease of driving:
4/5