Skoda Octavia - Engines, performance and drive

Being able to use tried and tested engines from the VW Group stable has helped the Octavia maintain its position as a dependable performer, with a focus on comfort rather than being the most dynamic car to drive.

The steering is light, but not not so much that you aren’t able to feel a level of precision to your inputs. Skoda has focused a touch more in this area, as the Octavia now features Dynamic Chassis Control, which allows the driver to adjust the damping and steering settings via the individual on-board drive modes.

Skoda has also paid attention to levels of refinement for the Octavia, with improvements in sound-deadening meaning less noise and vibration is felt through the cabin compared to the previous model.

Petrol power comes from 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TSI units producing 109bhp, 148bhp and 242bhp respectively. There’s also a 2.0 TDI diesel engine with either 148bhp or 197bhp, although the extra available torque means both offer decent performance.

When paired with a DSG transmission, the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines feature mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency and deliver a small increase in performance. The 48-volt system uses a small battery and a starter/generator which helps to recover energy when coasting. When you accelerate, the hybrid unit gives a tiny boost to the driven wheels, which in turn reduces the load on the engine and saves fuel.

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Although the mild-hybrid car can't run solely on electrical power, the set-up is able to engage a coasting function at higher motorway speeds to further improve overall efficiency. When we tried the 1.0-litre mild-hybrid version it proved to be incredibly smooth, and it's hard to tell when the engine is cutting in and out.

The vRS model comes with a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains. It’s the only model to get the 242bhp 2.0-litre TSI engine, but the vRS can also be equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI producing 197bhp. The 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid model has been temporarily removed from the Octavia price list.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

The 1.0-litre TSI engine in the Octavia produces 109bhp and 200Nm of torque, resulting in a sprint from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 129mph. The 1.5 TSI brings 148bhp and an extra 50Nm of torque, cutting the 0-62mph time down to 8.2 seconds, while top speed is now 142mph.

Those seeking a diesel option can go for the 2.0-litre TDI unit. The 114bhp/300Nm version is no longer available on the price list, although it managed 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, while the more powerful 148bhp/360Nm variant manages the same task in 8.7 seconds.

Predictably, the vRS is the quickest to 62mph, completing the sprint in just 6.7 seconds when powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine mated to a DSG transmission. This slips slightly to 6.8 seconds with a manual gearbox, while the 2.0-litre TDI 4x4 version accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds. Top speed for all vRS models is 155mph, with the exception of the 4x4 oil burner which has a 152mph maximum.

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The plug-in hybrid Octavia iV variant offers the acceleration to rival a hot hatch, with the 201bhp version completing the 0-62mph sprint in just 7.6 seconds. The 242bhp version is even quicker, with the ability to hit 62mph in 7.0 seconds.