Skip advert
Advertisement

Face Value

The revised Octavia upholds Skoda’s reputation for low costs. But is it a more sensible buy than the all-new entry-level VW Golf, as well as key Renault and Honda rivals?

Supersizing your compact family car’s value for money is 2009’s big trend. Going large on shrinking bills has long been the Skoda Octavia’s party trick, but the competition is getting tougher – and the all-new VW Golf is leading the charge.

So the Octavia has been given a bold new look, as well as a mechanical makeover, in an effort to get noticed, and make sure potential buyers aren’t more attracted to entry-level versions of the VW.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But let’s not forget the rest of the competition. If there’s one thing buyers in the compact family hatchback market can be, it’s picky. We have included two other top-value contenders, in the shape of Renault’s distinctive new Mégane and the superbly practical Honda Civic.

What’s more, to make our contenders work even harder for your money, we’ve chosen basic petrol engines across the board. This not only keeps the list price down, but also allows you to take advantage of the fact that unleaded is 10 per cent cheaper at the pumps than diesel at the moment.

Will the Octavia remain the king of the super-savers? It’s time to find out!

Verdict

Buyers looking for an affordable family car have rarely had it so good. The Golf and Mégane are only months old, while the recently revised Honda and facelifted Skoda both improve on the strengths of their predecessors.

Despite all this fresh talent, one car stood head and shoulders above the rest in this test. With more space and performance than the competition, the new Octavia is hard to argue against. And when you consider its accomplished handling and excellent cabin, you begin to wonder how the firm can afford to sell it for £14,560!

Only the smaller and slower Honda beats it on price (by £20) so the Czech hatch is our clear winner. The Civic takes second by virtue of its practical cabin, sparkling dynamics and smooth 1.4-litre engine. When it comes to driver enjoyment, it leads the way.

Separating the final two was less clear cut, but the traditional strengths of a classy cabin and strong image give the Golf the edge. Although the less refined and cheap-feeling Mégane is an attractive family car with fine dynamics, it doesn’t have the all-round talents of its rivals.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,000
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
16 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025