CZECHING OUT

Skoda Octavia (2017-2020)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

5DR HATCH, 5DR ESTATE (1.0 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TSI PETROL / 1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI DIESEL)

Introduction

A Skoda Octavia was once one of the least sophisticated Volkswagen Group family hatchback products. Not any more. Almost nothing was held back for the third generation ‘Type 5E’ version originally launched in 2012 but then significantly updated in 2017. It’s this improved version of the MK3 model (which sold between 2017 and early 2020) that we look at here from a used car buyer’s perspective.

What You Get

For most of its production life, the Octavia model line always lacked a bit of street-side presence. With this revised third generation version though, the Skoda designers decided to put that right by giving the front end something of the look first seen in their Kodiaq large SUV. Inside, there was a much improved interior. The gauges flank a centre information display which brings all the main information you’ll need into your line of sight. A lot of this was also covered in larger, more graphic detail by what was probably the defining feature of this re-styled cabin, a classily-prominent glass-fronted centre-dash infotainment screen that was fitted in different sizes across the model line-up.

What To Look For

Skoda had ironed out quite a few problems common to earlier Octavias by the time it came to the updated version of this MK3 model but inevitably, a few issues have persisted and we found a few of them during our ownership survey. Most of the issues reported concerned either sat nav glitches or electrical problems. Or issues with the DSG auto gearbox: make sure on your test drive it works smoothly and without hesitation. Other issues? There were water pump failures. And a recognised issue that sees the 1.5 TSI petrol engine lurch in first gear.

Overall

In 2017, buyers were offered this very different kind of Octavia – one able to deliver an almost Golf-like air of quality. From new, it was no longer the cheapest choice you could make in this class but arguably, it remained one of the very cleverest. The same holds true for the used car buyer.