Skoda Octavia hatchback pictures

The Octavia is a genuinely roomy family hatchback powered by a choice of smooth, punchy and economical petrol and diesel engines.

Starting from £16,285, the Octavia is good value when compared with its closest rivals, beating them especially on space.

The Skoda Octavia’s boot steals all the headlines. The standard hatchback has a generous 590-litre capacity, which stretches to 1,580 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats lowered.

Thanks to its maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating for crash safety, seven airbags and electronic stability control, the Octavia is definitely a safe car.

For the best efficiency, go for the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine, which has claimed fuel economy of 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

Skoda finished top of our 2014 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, ahead of Jaguar, MG and Lexus, so buying an Octavia should be a safe bet.

The design of the Octavia is understated but borders on dull. However it does undercut the Golf on which it’s based in terms of price and practicality.

Every Skoda Octavia is good to drive, but it’s not as much fun as some rivals. Skoda’s parent company Volkswagen has been careful to make sure the Octavia doesn’t tread on the toes of the Golf, so the Octavia is less refined.

LED rear lighting is available on the Octavia, but only on the expensive Laurin & Klement and vRS versions.

The Skoda Octavia boasts a well-built, classy and comfortable cabin, with generous standard equipment.