Used Skoda Octavia Estate 2020-present review

So, you’ve been wooed by the style, practicality and excellent engine range of the latest Skoda Octavia hatchback, but you want more boot space?

Well, you're in luck, because the Czech manufacturer offers an uber-practical estate car version, just as it did for the first, second, and third generations of the Octavia. It represents great value on the used market, too.

Engines & Performance: There's certainly a decent selection of engines to choose from. The range kicks off with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (badged 1.0 TSI 110) with 109bhp, then moves up to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (badged 1.5 TSI 150) with 148bhp, followed by 2.0-litre TDI diesels with either 113bhp or 148bhp.

We’d like to point out that, on the road, the 2.0 TDI 150 diesel-engined car is an impressive performer, polishing off the 0-62mph dash in a very respectable 8.7sec. The 1.5-litre petrol is similarly quick. The only caveat is that you need to work it a bit harder than you do the diesel.

There's also a vRS version with a choice of engines: a 2.0 TDI diesel that produces a respectable 197bhp, a 2.0 TSI petrol with 242bhp, and a plug-in hybrid vRS iV. This produces 242bhp with CO2 emissions of just 26g/km that comes thanks to a decent all-electric range.

Ride & Handling: On motorways, the Octavia can waft along on its softly sprung suspension for mile after mile. The consequence of this soft set-up, though, is that it feels a little floaty over crests.

Despite the softness of its suspension, it's perfectly capable when it comes to corners. In particular, its steering is precise and has plenty of reassuring weight. What’s more, the manual gearbox is precise and the optional dual-clutch automatic delivers impressively swift shifts.

Interior & Practicality: Finding an ideal driving position is easy. Models in SE L trim get a powered driver’s seat with a memory function to make getting comfortable even easier. All Octavias provide adjustable lumbar support.

The infotainment touchscreen is positioned high on the dashboard so you don’t have to take your eyes far from the road to see it. In entry-level models, it's an 8.25in screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a DAB radio. Meanwhile, SE Technology and SE L cars feature a 10.0in screen with built-in 3D navigation that’s clear and easy to follow.

There’s plenty of space up front, and the Octavia is pretty generous on rear-seat space, too. Behind a tall driver with their seat pushed back, taller passengers will be able to lounge in comfort.

The Octavia Estate's boot is huge compared with similarly sized rivals, and not far off the size of the much bigger and more expensive Mercedes E-Class Estate. We managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases under the Octavia's parcel shelf, just two shy of the larger Skoda Superb Estate. The load area is also longer and taller than most of the comparably priced estates, and it’s a practical, squared-off shape.

Trims & Equipment: Trim levels consist of SE, SE Technology, SE L and SE L First Edition, as well as the sporty vRS. SE gives you 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, heated door mirrors, keyless start and even an umbrella in the door.

SE Technology trim brings an infotainment upgrade, including voice control, as well as front parking sensors, more distinctive alloy wheels and a set of floor mats. Seeking out SE L trim gives you plenty of extra luxuries and some useful kit for your money, including 17in alloys, privacy glass, power-folding door mirrors, suede trim, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry. SE L First Edition tops that off with ambient lighting, plus blindspot warning and a powered driver's seat.

On motorways, the Octavia can waft along on its softly sprung suspension for mile after mile. The consequence of this soft set-up, though, is that it feels a little floaty over crests. Despite the softness of its suspension, it's perfectly capable when it comes to corners. In particular, its steering is precise and has plenty of reassuring weight. What’s more, the manual gearbox is precise and the optional dual-clutch automatic delivers impressively swift shifts.

Finding an ideal driving position is easy. SE L models get a powered driver’s seat with a memory function to make getting comfortable even easier. All Octavias provide adjustable lumbar support.

The infotainment touchscreen is positioned high on the dashboard so you don’t have to take your eyes far from the road to see it. In entry-level models, it's an 8.25in screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a DAB radio. Meanwhile, SE Technology and SE L cars feature a 10.0in screen with built-in 3D navigation that’s clear and easy to follow.

There’s plenty of space up front, and the Octavia is pretty generous on rear-seat space, too. Behind a tall driver with their seat pushed back, taller passengers will be able to lounge in comfort.

The Octavia Estate's boot is huge compared with similarly sized rivals, and not far off the size of the much bigger and more expensive Mercedes E-Class Estate. We managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases under the Octavia's parcel shelf, just two shy of the larger Skoda Superb Estate. The load area is also longer and taller than most of the comparably priced estates, and it’s a practical, squared-off shape.

Interested in buying a used Skoda Octavia? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used prices for the Skoda Octavia Estate begin at around £14,000 for an example from 2020 or 2021 – expect a mileage of around 50,000. It’ll likely be in SE Tech trim and sport the lower powered 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Spend between £18,000 and £20,000 on higher specced cars of the same age – a 2023 or 2024 entry-level cars go for similar money. The vRS will set you back upwards of £20,000.

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MPG: Plug-in hybrid 1.4-litre iV variants should provide you with the lowest running costs – even the vRS version is claimed to achieve over 200mpg. Be mindful, however, that this figure is difficult to achieve in the real world. The lower powered of the two 2.0-litre diesel engines is the most economical, averaging 67.3mpg. The 110bhp 1.0-litre petrol unit is also an economical choice for those who make a lot of shorter journeys, with an official average fuel consumption of 53.3mpg.

Road tax: Owners of petrol-powered Octavia estates will have to pay £190 per year under current road tax regulations, while hybrid cars attract a fee of £180 per year.

Servicing and insurance: Insurance groups are generally low, meaning the Skoda Octavia should be cheap to insure. In terms of servicing, if your example is less than 12 months old, you’ll receive your first two services for a fixed price throughout the duration of the plan: 24 monthly payments of £16.50 or you can pay in full for £396.

For cars one to 15 years old, you can pay upfront for £420 or spread the cost from as little as £17.50 per month over 24 months.

Reliability

This generation of Skoda Octavia has received mixed reliability feedback from real-world owner reviews in our latest annual What Car? Reliability Survey.

Owners of both petrol and diesel models reported issues, particularly with electrical systems and glitchy infotainment units. Some experienced warning lights that led to multiple dealership visits. While Skoda’s dealer network is generally responsive, delays in sourcing parts have caused frustration, especially for more complex repairs. Although the Octavia is praised for its practicality, these reliability concerns have dampened some owners' enthusiasm.

To learn more about the used Skoda Octavia's reliability, visit our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

We love the smoothness and refinement of the petrol 1.5 TSI 150. It also offers a really good compromise between performance and economy.

Trim

And in terms of trims, almost any version of the Octavia will be satisfying to own, but we like the SE Technology best of all for its extra kit over the SE.

Our favourite Skoda Octavia: 1.5 TSI 150 SE Technology

Cheaper versions of the Skoda Octavia estates count the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer among its rivals; it's a ubiquitous but pleasant car that’s good to drive and comes with a practical interior. Entry-level versions can be a bit sparse and the diesel engines can be gruff. On top of that, the low-speed ride is a little firm.

The Ford Focus Estate is great to drive, with a smooth and quiet Ecoboost engine in some versions and low running costs. Some rivals are cheaper, though, and the Octavia offers more space and more kit, as well as feeling better-made.

The previous-generation VW Golf Estate is worth considering, although it has been replaced by the latest VW Golf, which shares its underpinnings with the current Octavia estate. VW's model is a slightly less capacious car, but it's brilliant to drive, well equipped, refined and comparatively cheap to run. On the other hand, it’s not as roomy inside as the Octavia and the interior is a little dreary.

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Interested in buying a used Skoda Octavia? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.