Review
Let’s get one thing straight: the Škoda Octavia isn’t just another car. Over the years, it’s been a speed demon chalking up world speed records, a rally champ, a lifeline for emergency services, and a rock-solid everyday ride for most of its owners.
It’s the kind of car that makes you wonder why you’d ever need anything else. And, judging by the 380,000-plus units sold in the UK alone, Brits seem to agree.
Škoda isn’t just building cars; they’re building legacies. With a record €27.8 billion in 2024 sales, €2.3 billion in operating profit, and a solid 8.3% return on sales last year, the numbers don’t lie.
The Octavia continues to lead the charge, with 215,700 units finding new homes worldwide in 2024. So, what makes it so special?
The Octavia story kicked off 65 years ago, with its first iteration rolling off the production line in 1959. Fast forward to 1996, and the modern Octavia was born. Four generations and seven million units later, it’s still evolving. The name “Octavia” isn’t just a catchy moniker - it means “eighth” in Latin, marking it as Škoda’s eighth post-war model. It was cutting-edge back then, and it’s still leading the charge today.
And speaking of evolution, Škoda’s about to take things up a notch. The brand will unveil an electric concept at September’s Munich Motor Show, previewing the Octavia’s future as a battery-powered beast.
Originally planned to ride on VW’s MEB platform, the upcoming electric Octavia will now use the more advanced Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) for better performance and efficiency which means the Octavia isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The here and now: More power, more grit
If the future is electric, the present is pure performance. The new Octavia 4x4 hatchback and estate pack a 2.0 TSI engine with 204 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a seven-speed DSG transmission.
With 320 Nm of torque, this thing will grip the road like it’s got unfinished business. It’ll do 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (6.7 for the estate) and hit a top speed of 228 km/h. It’s smart, too - high-pressure fuel injection, variable valve lift, and intelligent efficiency tweaks make sure it doesn’t just guzzle petrol for the fun of it.
If you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear about the vRS. The most powerful Octavia to date, it cranks out 265 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.
That means a 0-62 mph sprint in just 6.4 seconds - so don’t be surprised if your next speeding ticket comes courtesy of an Octavia.
Tech and safety: Smarter than your average car
Performance is only half the story. The Octavia’s arsenal of tech is as impressive as its horsepower figures.
Second-gen LED Matrix headlights with ‘Crystallinium’ elements illuminate the road ahead while cutting down glare. Inside, a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit and an optional head-up display will keep a blue-light driver’s focus exactly where it belongs - on the road.
But let’s talk safety, because the Octavia takes it seriously. Automated Emergency Braking, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Blind Spot Detection, and Turn Assist all come as standard, ensuring you and those around you stay out of harm’s way.
Then there’s the Attention and Drowsiness Assist - a game-changer that monitors driving behaviour, detects fatigue, and steps in before things get dicey.
If you ignore the warnings, Emergency Assist will literally take over, pull the seatbelts, jolt the brakes, activate hazard lights, and bring the car to a stop while calling for help. Now that’s smart.
And in case you’re wondering, yes, the Octavia aced the Euro NCAP crash tests not only once but twice, bagging a five-star safety rating even under stricter 2022 test conditions. With up to ten airbags, including a central airbag between the driver and passenger, it’s designed to keep you safe from all angles.
Verdict
AM got to drive the Sportline variant of the Octavia Estate Special Edition 1.5 TSI e-TEC on a long term basis and after spending serious time behind the wheel, one thing is clear - it’s the car that refuses to be boxed in. It’s fast, efficient, practical, and packed with tech that makes driving safer and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a road-tripper, or someone who just wants a rock-solid daily driver, the Octavia delivers.
Škoda isn’t just making cars; they’re making statements. And with an all-electric future on the horizon, the Octavia is set to keep its title as the ultimate all-rounder for years to come.
Author:
Aimee Turner
Deputy editor
AM deputy editor Aimée Turner has been a specialist B2B editor and journalist covering the international transportation sector for more than 20 years.
She has specialised in the significant safety, regulatory, and environmental issues that impact advanced technology businesses in the pursuit of more efficient, safer and sustainable transportation modes.
