Skoda Octavia hatchback (2013-2020) - MPG, running costs & CO2

When it comes to keeping your motoring costs in check, the Skoda Octavia makes a lot of sense. For instance, under the tougher WLTP fuel economy tests the Octavia performs strongly, with even the most inefficient model, the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol with a DSG automatic gearbox, is capable of between 39.8mpg and 46.3mpg - although its CO2 emissions from 138/km are nothing to write home about. At the other end of the scale, the six-speed manual equipped 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel is capable of as much as 55.4mpg, with a CO2 figure from 133g/km.

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Skoda Octavia MPG & CO2

The 113bhp 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine is the best bet for high-mileage drivers, thanks to claimed fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg. However, tweaks to the company car rules mean that, like most diesels nowadays, this isn’t as cost effective a choice as it once was, with all diesel powered models falling in the mid to high range for benefit-in-kind (BiK), depending on the gearbox and engine size.

As a result we’d recommend trying to stretch your budget the 2.0-litre TDI diesel instead. Neither engine is particularly quiet, but the larger one accelerates effortlessly and is more relaxing to live with. Better still, it claims fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg.

Our favourite among the petrol line-up is the 113bhp 1.0-litre TSI. Despite its small size, this turbocharged engine punches well above its weight, matching rivals' larger 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines for performance, yet still managing over 50mpg fuel economy.

There's also a 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine with clever active cylinder technology (ACT), offering up to 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of as little as 124g/km. Choosing the DSG automatic transmission knocks a few mpg off this the former figure and adds a few g/km of additional CO2 to the latter

All Octavias will cost a flat rate of £150 a year for road tax.

Insurance group

Insurance costs should be reasonable, particularly for the 1.0-litre TSI and 1.6-litre TDI models, which both fall into insurance group 14. The 1.4-litre TSI is rated in group 20, while the 2.0-litre TDI falls into group 21. 

Warranty

Like all other Skoda models, the Octavia is covered by a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, plus breakdown recovery for the same period. If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, then it's possible to extend the official Skoda guarantee to five years or 100,000 miles – provided you take out the extra cover at the time of purchasing the car.

Servicing

Whatever version you go for, you’ll be able to choose between two different servicing regimes. For lower-mileage drivers, there’s the fixed schedule, which imposes a 10,000-mile or 12-month interval between check-ups. If you rack up a higher mileage and spend more time on the motorway, then the flexible plan will be a better bet. It monitors the car’s health using the engine management system and will allow you to travel up to 20,000 miles or two years between services.

To help you manage the cost of maintenance, Skoda also offers a prepaid service plan to cover your first two scheduled services.