Skoda Octavia hatchback - MPG, running costs & CO2

​Low running costs have always been part of the Octavia's appeal, and the latest version promises better real-world efficiency than ever. Petrol automatic engines now feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, harvesting otherwise wasted energy as the car slows down. This is stored in a small battery, with a small motor capable of giving the engine a boost under acceleration. This also allows the car to coast with the engine temporarily switched off, and for the stop and start to work more effectively in traffic, and an 'e-TEC' badge indicates it's fitted.

A plug-in hybrid Skoda Octavia iV offers the lowest running costs, combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine with a 13kWh battery pack and potent electric motor. When charged from a home supply or public charging post, this will offer up to 43 miles of electric-only range. The Octavia vRS, reviewed separately, is also available with a PHEV powertrain along with petrol and diesel engines.

Skoda Octavia MPG & CO2

The latest petrol engines are very compelling, and that includes the 1.5-litre with 148bhp fitted in the Octavia. Using clever tech including cylinder deactivation - where not all of the engine is used until more power is needed - it can manage up to 52.3mpg, with CO2 emissions from 123-132g/km depending on trim level. This puts the Octavia in the middle Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) bands for company-car drivers.

Long-distance, high-mileage drivers are still likely to be drawn to the 2.0-litre diesel, which comes with either 114bhp or 148bhp. They can return up to 68.9 and 67.3mpg respectively, with CO2 emissions putting them in similar BiK bands to the petrol. Trying the former on motorways and back roads, we were reminded how well diesels can perform for high-mileage drivers; it returned a solid 66mpg according to the trip computer.

The Octavia iV PHEV is in another league when it comes to economy figures, but it's also slightly more expensive to buy. Its electric range of 43 miles is impressive, and helps fuel-efficiency jump to more than 250mpg, according to official figures, with CO2 emissions of just 21-24g/km. These figures will not only attract private buyers; they also make it a desirable car for company-car drivers.

Charging the battery pack takes 3.5 hours when using the car's on-board 3.6kW charger and a home wallbox. A Mode 2 cable and lead for a three-pin plug come with the car.

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Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the Octavia span from 12 for the entry-level petrol to 21 for the 148bhp diesel automatic in SE L trim. This is on a par with similar rivals, and the plug-in hybrid in SE L trim sits in the same group.

Warranty

Skoda offers a fairly run-of-the-mill three-year/60,000-mile warranty, matching Ford and Volkswagen, but some way behind the five years and 100,000 miles of cover Hyundai and Toyota offers, as well as Kia's seven-year warranty.

Servicing

Skoda usually tailors servicing to its customers, so you may be asked how many miles you drive per year and what sort of journeys you usually take. Cars driven less frequently for shorter trips will be candidates for an annual service, while cars that spend most of their time on the motorway can be better suited to longer gaps of up to 20,000 miles and two years.