Skoda Octavia reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Skoda Octavia is a family hatchback; the latest version we cover is the Mk4 (2020–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 123 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 132 of 442, and 24.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (2.4% of tests). Boot space is 600 litres (1,555 with the seats folded).
Skoda Octavia key specs (Mk4 (2020–), 5-door hatchback)
Price new
£28,505 to £40,660
Boot
600 litres (1,555 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,698 × 1,829 × 1,470mm
Power
116–265 PS
0–62mph
6.4–10.6 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2025)
2020 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the October 2026 price list. Sources: skoda.co.uk, cdn.skoda-storyboard.com, euroncap.com.
Ranked 132 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 5 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 198,623 Skoda Octavias aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 24.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Skoda Octavia is 19% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 10.9% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
24.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
10.9%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
11,500
Typical age at test: 8 years
Skoda Octavia MOT failure rate by age
Most common Skoda Octavia MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.7% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6% of tests
What the Skoda Octavia fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 8.4% | ▼ 29% less often |
| Suspension | 8.3% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Tyres | 6.5% | About average |
| Brakes | 5.6% | ▼ 22% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.8% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Visibility | 2.3% | ▼ 51% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.1% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.1% | About average |
| Steering | 0.7% | ▼ 70% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 34% less often |
How big is the Skoda Octavia's boot?
The Mk4 (2020–) Skoda Octavia has 600 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,555 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the biggest of the 11 family hatchbacks we compare. The previous Mk3 (2013–2020) had 590 litres.
What MPG does the Skoda Octavia do?
Official economy for the Skoda Octavia ranges from 30.7 to 88.3mpg across the 487 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 51.6mpg and a typical diesel 64.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Skoda Octavia?
Any Skoda Octavia first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six. A Skoda Octavia registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSkoda Octavia specs and running costs
Official figures for 487 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
30.7–88.3 mpg
CO2
85–221 g/km
Power
116–265 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octavia Estate SE L 2.0 TDI 116 PS 6G Man116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 63.9 mpg | 116g | £200 | 33% |
| Octavia Estate SE Technology 2.0 TDI 116 PS 6G Man116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 64.3 mpg | 115g | £200 | 33% |
| Octavia Hatch SE L 2.0 TDI 116PS SCR116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 65.6 mpg | 113g | £200 | 32% |
| Octavia Hatch SE Technology 2.0 TDI 116 PS 6G Man116 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 65.8 mpg | 113g | £200 | 32% |
| Octavia Estate SE L 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 121g | £200 | 34% |
| Octavia Estate SE Technology 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG150 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 61.6 mpg | 120g | £200 | 34% |
| Octavia Estate SportLine 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 59.7 mpg | 124g | £200 | 34% |
| Octavia Hatch SE L 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 62.9 mpg | 118g | £200 | 33% |
| Octavia Hatch SE Technology 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG SCR150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 63 mpg | 118g | £200 | 33% |
| Octavia Hatch SportLine 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG SCR150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 60.5 mpg | 122g | £200 | 34% |
| Octavia Estate SE Technology 1.5 TSI e-TEC 116 PS DSG116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 56.7 mpg | 113g | £200 | 28% |
| Octavia Hatch SE Technology 1.5 TSI e-TEC 116 PS DSG116 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 58.2 mpg | 111g | £200 | 28% |
| Octavia Estate SE L 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 55.7 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
| Octavia Estate SportLine 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 54.1 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| Octavia Hatch SE L 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 PS DSG150 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 57.3 mpg | 112g | £200 | 28% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 487 versions.
What a Skoda Octavia costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 51.6mpg…
- diesel, typical official 64.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Skoda OctaviaPrevious Skoda Octavia generations
Skoda Octavia Mk3 (2013–2020, 5-door hatchback)
boot 590 litres · 105–245 PS · 0–62mph from 6.6 sec · Euro NCAP 5 stars (2013)
19.3% of Skoda Octavias built 2013–2020 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 23.0%).
Buying a used Skoda Octavia?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Skoda Octavia with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Skoda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Skoda Octavia reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Skoda Octavia is 19% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 123 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Skoda Octavia?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 2.4% of tests.
›How big is the Skoda Octavia's boot?
The Mk4 (2020–) Skoda Octavia has 600 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,555 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the biggest of the 11 family hatchbacks we compare. The previous Mk3 (2013–2020) had 590 litres.
›What MPG does the Skoda Octavia do?
Official economy for the Skoda Octavia ranges from 30.7 to 88.3mpg across the 487 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 51.6mpg and a typical diesel 64.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Skoda Octavia?
Any Skoda Octavia first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six. A Skoda Octavia registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
›How many Skoda Octavias fail their MOT?
24.3% of Skoda Octavias aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 10.9% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Skoda Octavia combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.