Skip advert
Advertisement

Skoda Octavia (2013 - 2020) review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

It's pretty simple. If you need more space than the Octavia offers, buy a van...

Practicality, comfort and boot space rating

4.7

How we review cars
RRP
£27,390 £39,285
Avg. savings
£2,212 off RRP*
Find your Skoda Octavia
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The current generation Skoda Octavia is much bigger than the previous model, and the ‘Simply Clever’ marketing line attached to the car is not just spin, it actually rings true.

Skoda has been sensible with the interior of the Octavia, and there are plenty of storage spaces and cubbies. There are cup holders, boot holders, a reversible boot floor, umbrellas in the front doors, a litter bin and even an ice scraper hidden inside the fuel filler flap – these little touches all add to the Skoda Octavia's sensible and practical appeal.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But it’s comfortable too. All models have a steering wheel that’s adjustable for height and reach, and the driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment. Forward visibility is good, but you are likely to rely on the parking sensors at the rear, as there’s quite an overhang to contend with. If you’re opting for the estate version, you’ll be in load-lugging heaven – its interior is cavernous.

Size

The Skoda Octavia boasts more interior space than a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus. In fact, it can match larger cars such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat for practicality. It's a real selling point for the Octavia, and one that attracts a lot of potential buyers

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

So how do they actually measure up? Well the 4,670mm long Octavia five-door hatch gives only 20cms away to the Ford Mondeo five-door, but is 40cms longer than the five-door VW Golf. Switch to the estate and the numbers are the same for the Octavia and Mondeo, but VW hits back by giving its Golf estate a longer body than the hatch – it’s almost identical to the Octavia at 4,657mm. 

Leg room, head room & passenger space

The Octavia’s interior is cavernous, offering the sort of leg and headroom for passengers that you’d expect in the class above. No wonder the model has been a perennial favourite with mini-cabbers. The rear doors open wide too, and SE L spec cars even get cupholders in the back. 

Boot

The Octavia hatch has a huge 590-litre boot that expands to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The estate can handle 610 litres with the seats still in place, but really comes into its own with the 60:40 split rear bench folded flat – suddenly you’re in the removals business, with a remarkable 1,740-litres.

But it’s not just the space that impresses. The ‘Simply Clever’ thinking means the boots of both hatch and estate feature shopping bag hooks, a 12 volt power supply and a pair of bright load bay lights – just the thing when you need to unpack the boot to change a flat tyre in the dark (it's worth noting that a space-saver spare wheel is an option, though). The estate also features a secure storage area under a removable deck, there’s a ski flap in the rear bench and you can also spend extra on a powered tailgate.

Towing

The versatile Octavia will tow up to 2,000kg, but if that far exceeds your towing needs, there are alternatives limited to as little as 1,500kg. If you do need the maximum amount, then the you need to opt for either the 148bhp or 181bhp 2.0-litre diesels, with four-wheel drive and DSG gearbox.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia

RRP £21,530Avg. savings £2,212 off RRP*Used from £11,400
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £15,940Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,405Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Used from £12,220
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £15,299
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025