Should you buy a Skoda Octavia? (Test Drive & Review 2013 - 2020 1.5 TSI)

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Today, I'm in this 2018 Skoda Octavia…Let's see what it's like...
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#highpeakautos #Skoda #SkodaOctavia #Octavia

[@mrd64]

I remember when Skoda used to be laughed at, but now I'd prefer one to a VW.

[@charleswotton9417]

They are great cars

[@stormytempest6521]

NOT ANY MORE.

[@itsmelampoi]

Sometimes you get "what car you need" rather than "what car you want" , its one of those cars.

[@1nnu3ndo]

Good to see Mick Jagger is also watching High Peak Autos

[@ExertGames]

For me I want it 😍

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

It does exactly what it was designed to do exceptionally well.

[@mariemccann5895]

Fail.

[@JohnnyPaton]

It's doesn't really. Octavias used to be excellent. The new ones are rubbish.

[@andrewwaller5913]

​@@mariemccann5895 Nope it's not a Vauxhall or French.😂

[@skimmingstonedrone]

Have worse road noise than the equivalent VW

[@Brian-om2hh]

And reliably.....

[@johngosling]

I have owned a 2013 Vrs estate for the past 8 years. It is the best car I have ever owned. Ticks every single box

[@resnonverba137]

That would depend on one's boxes, of course.

[@jogos2848]

@@resnonverba137Power, braking, handling, boot space, room for the family, price, reliability, yes it ticks every box for me.

[@baffourohene-kena4962]

Yes those are the best versions you can get. Rented one in the Czech Republic once. Really great cars.

[@saddoncarrs6963]

@@jogos2848 Yes, but you sit higher up in an SUV.

[@lumajs]

As a patriot from Pilsen, the cradle of the Škoda brand, I am touched. As a VW shareholder, I need to tell you that there has surprisingly been genuine progress in Škoda products in recent ten years, too. Most of the improvements are not essential for life but you would still see the progress if you updated 😂.

[@adivarso8175]

Bought a MK1 Octavia TDI in 2001 ...it's still with us til this day, still going strong.

[@gw2891]

The badge snobs are seriously missing out.

[@geoffdowdall8373]

How

[@MishMash22]

@@geoffdowdall8373by being a badge snob Kevin. You probably drive a Jag and think it’s a great British brand 😂😂😂

[@skodakatie7341]

@@geoffdowdall8373Perhaps because they are potentially paying more for a car with less equipment and practicality, just to boast that they have a so called ‘prestige’ vehicle.

[@andrewwaller5913]

​@@MishMash22no he drives an MG and thinks its British 😂

[@Brian-om2hh]

Absolutely. I remember the edition of Top Gear, where all the Skoda brand stickers had been covered up on the (then) new Octavia. People looked at it, examined it, and were all over it. But as soon as they discovered it was a Skoda, most said they would no longer consider it. It's the "what would the neighbours think" thing... Sod what the neighbours think. I drag 'em down to my level.... The power of badge snobbery....

[@banditbaker1675]

Reliable and solid for anyone who doesn't need a car to extend the length of their tool👍👍

[@mariemccann5895]

But want to end up looking like a tool.

[@lukeclifton4392]

…interestingly, what car do you drive?😂

[@banditbaker1675]

@@lukeclifton4392 a clapped-out SAAB Areo, which is perfect for a clapped-out septuagenarian😉😉

[@volt8684]

@@banditbaker1675agreed old banger for me too. And totally reliable 17 yr old French “ crap”

[@banditbaker1675]

@@volt8684 Good man👍👍

[@yankiertem8498]

He definitely massively overspe-... oh it's not that kind of video

[@rayquirk4947]

Needs a good buff.

[@foxontherun6082]

Needs new plates 😂😂

[@JP5isalive]

And a set of reg plates. He fits them himself, do you know? 😂. Just messing Matt, we love ya vids. Keep em coming, you deserve all the success

[@antonycharnock2993]

Needs a valet.

[@baldnutbaz]

No he definitely underspent it’s a Skoda after all 😜

[@ckm-mkc]

I rented a Skoda Superb estate for 3 weeks, it was amazing. Everyone who rode in it was impressed, it was a seriously nice car.

[@saddoncarrs6963]

Yes, but you sit higher up in a SUV.

[@colinjones2505]

I know. I've got one. Best car I've ever owned

[@nikosvallianos]

Hello from Athens Greece, i have a 2017 Octavia Combi 1.6 TDI DSG. I love it. I don't change it even for a Lambo. (Because I'm 48 not 18) It is my daily driver, my micro car camper and my transport truck. Let's go Skoda !!!😉

[@mythosim1031]

Αλλαξέ το με lambo κ πάρε καμμια 10αριά skoda🤷‍♂️

[@nikosvallianos]

@@mythosim1031 Ho Ho Ho !!!

[@Godot28]

At last! A proper car review again! 👏 His review of a Skoda Yeti was why I started watching this channel 😊

[@colinjones2505]

Had several Octavias, inc. the vRS diesels. Brilliant cars. Now on my 2016 Superb 2.0 150bhp diesel estate L & K, which I've owned for 1 year tomorrow. By far, the best car I've ever owned in terms of total reliability, plus I've still got my mk1 Fabia vRS that i've owned for 18 years now. Think that sums up how happy I am with the brand really.

[@Brian-om2hh]

A few years ago, someone was nicked on a stretch of the M6 not far from me, for doing 154 mph in an Octavia VRS.....

[@deanothemanc5281]

Little bit of a unicorn car in the day the fabia vrs, mate had a green one. Bloody fantastic motor, went round bends like on rails lol!!!!

[@colinjones2505]

@@deanothemanc5281 Mk 2 then I presume? Very few mk1's or mk2's around now most sadly. Most have been chavved up and or wrecked. Proud to say mine is still original in Black Magic and 147,000 miles, apart from the leather seat conversion that was done when new. Even though mine is only 130bhp, it still pulls like a ruddy train! The torque is phenominal for its size. Absolutely love it still, and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Been incredibly reliable, albeit, anything that's ever needed doing, it's been done. Being asked quite regulary now if I'd like to sell it. Not a chance. Very highly recommeneded IF you can still find an original tidy one. 🥰

[@colinjones2505]

@@deanothemanc5281 Still baffles me, and many other fans of the mk1, why they didn't drop the 2.0 diesel engine in the mk2, and why they completely dropped the vRS when they brought the mk3 out. Such a winning formula.

[@stefanlong7066]

I hired a new Octavia in Northern Ireland and it was fantastic. Big boot for our bags, and it used barely any fuel even when transporting 4 adults with baggage. It does the job perfectly well and had all the kit that you would expect. We drove from Belfast via Derry to Port Noo and back, with a mixture of dual carriageway and country roads and it cost 40 quid in fuel. Great car.

[@Mr330d]

Did you tour the Coast road?

[@ln5747]

*Londonderry

[@Mr330d]

@@ln5747 “The apprentice boys of Derry”

[@ln5747]

@@Mr330d an organisation doesn't override national place naming 🙄

[@user-hr1cp7wd3p]

Go with you on fuel consumption

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

This brand was very popular among taxi driver's in Madrid.They were good work horses and very reliable too capable of doing high millage.

[@resnonverba137]

Drivers...

[@paultasker7788]

Same with the UK. Most times you call a cab it's an Octavia diesel.

[@ExertGames]

Some of the most underrated cars, Skoda is fantastic. From their little citigo’s to superb’s. Love it!

[@garyhalkon8749]

I miss these reviews that you do Matt. Always well put together 👍 How about a "Should you buy" review every Sunday?

[@chrisbrown7994]

The 'should you buy' videos is the reason i got hooked on this channel, i dont mind the odd 'i bought a cheap' video but i think its being overdone, id like to see the reviews become a staple of this channel once again.

[@nikost2929]

I got a 2014 Skoda Octavia with 326.000 km on it, 1.4 tsi 140 ps with dsg. It is a real value for money. No problems with the engine or the dsg.

[@shanewaller2864]

Hi Matt I had my 1st ever skoda when I was 18 it was a skoda estelle 120LSE it was a 1985 model I was an apprentice mechanic with skoda so it made sense. I have owned a felica an octavia my current daily its a skoda citigo. Brilliant little car . But a couple of years ago my daily driver was a bmw m3 a brilliant car but not well suited to the u.k fine for when I was bombing along the German autobahn but it felt wasted in Britain. So I sold it and bought a new skoda superb 2.0 190 tdi dsg sel executive estate. Now that was an awesome car . Great comfort great performance and incredible mpg and value for money. Got to love a skoda ❤

[@waynewhitebeam1144]

Great review Matt..pure and honest, loved it.👍

[@baldap500]

Finally, Matt! I've been asking for Octavia video for 2 years now. Thank you

[@davidmoynahan9585]

Have missed the quality car reviews, thanks for doing these. I'm sure it helps to inform and advise those who are looking for another car, of overlooked options. Handy extras like the Pay & Display clip and ice scraper, clever design to stow it in the fuel filler door.

[@Luke3030]

Love my 2019 estate. Looking forward to the review.

[@dougnolan5567]

If I needed to buy a car tomorrow, it would be a Skoda Octavia estate..

[@mariemccann5895]

Of course you would.

[@tonyrobinson362]

I ran my Octavia diesel estate for 500,000mls then px it for another skoda, Reg Campbelt change and buy good oil no problems at all.

[@andrewwaller5913]

​@@mariemccann5895 This man knows what he's talking about. Unlike yourself.😂

[@ExertGames]

@@mariemccann5895 jealous?

[@adriansweet3359]

Fair and honest review Matt thanks

[@davetate9814]

I have a Mk11 2012 Octavia Scout, with the 2.00 diesel and 6 speed DSG. We bought it new and have done 200,000klms. I have never kept a car longer than about 4 years, but, this has been such a good car, I think it will just stay on as the family run around.

[@JJ-bi7qd]

Have you had any problems with the gearbox? I'm thinking of getting and automatic octavia but as he says in the video DSG isn't the most reliable. What's your experience with this?

[@CoolDude-tz5co]

One of the best cars on the road, my 2014 1.6 TDl Combi currently has 253,000 miles on it, with no issues whatsoever other than a new alternator needed around 210k. Original engine, gearbox and clutch, all perfect. Regular oil changes at 10k, with timing belt changes every 100k and gearbox oil changes at the same interval. Doesn’t look too dated in my opinion. Basic car but very reliable and cheap to run.

[@draganku]

I have same ...sometimes oils temperature sensor coming, 😮.do you have same issue?

[@user-hr1cp7wd3p]

Brilliant, eloquent and at times humorous

[@psiturbo]

Excellent delivery, great job my friend!

[@plym1969]

Please do more reviews. You're brilliant at them and I get so much relevant information.

[@sig6394]

Skoda has come alone way and for the better I had a 2L turbo diesel skoda superb and it was epic, loved your review great job 👊👏

[@stephenlane9168]

Nice Friday night treat video Matt 🙏👌 good cars really.practical and reliable not flashy

[@rogeretiennedelacruz3000]

I have been driving the version 3 facelifted 1.4l TSI. I am loving the ride everyday

[@thomaslamb2526]

Great video, your content has become surprisingly addictive for someone not looking to buy a car

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you like them!

[@TheDetailExpertYT]

When my Dads 2014 (14 plate) MK2 Skoda Octavia went for an MOT the guy that did it said that Skodas And VW's dont need a replacement timing belt for 10-15 years. Thats why I also brought a Skoda Fabia as my first car.

[@williammorris1384]

I love the line “ there’s no hard scratchy plastics”, just as the camera was panning over exactly that , plastered all over the door interior elbow rest !! That tiny issue aside; a great review of a fab car . Thanks ! 👍

[@paulbornuat5655]

Yaay! Been waiting for that video from you for years!

[@peteryarnall5537]

That was simply brilliant 👏

[@Paul-od9iz]

That is interesting, brilliant design and engineering as well. Well done ped👍

[@massebassepearpung]

Skoda is underrated. I relay like the discrete and classy look. The appearance is not offending like on a BMW or Audi. I used to have a 2013 Superb Alldrive (Scout, in some countries) and have a Superb Estate Laurin & Klement 2019 now. I got a nice deal and bought it new and I still love it!!! The touch screen is quite good and always obey my fingers. Can´t say that about the coffee machine at work. I guess it´s a newer generation infotainment in my car, it has no knobs at all. That generation Octavia you driving in this video is nice as well. The later one looks like a Kia, In a bad way.

[@chrislyon8677]

Very happy with our 2018 Octavia Estate!

[@UltimateOwl1993]

I’ve got a 2017 Audi A3 with that same engine, it’s very decent on fuel, while having more than enough power for everyday driving. Clever.

[@lukeclifton4392]

Whilst I used to be an Audi fan, I wouldn’t touch one these days (or a VW)… but I would have a Skoda tomorrow! There is obviously some better engineering going on at Skoda behind the scenes, the reliability figures back it up. I get that Skoda share a large proportion of components from VAG… but why are they getting it so right!?!

[@jb39channel]

This was a really good review. You've not done one for a while but this seemed better

[@paulhopkins603]

Great review. That's what people need to know in my opinion

[@myshu7627]

The joy of blank out switches,reminding you of missing options

[@lesrichards636]

Hi Matt my mate had one and I was impressed with MPG plus the comfortable ride as you said when you hit any pot holes . Did hear of Skoda had a parts supply problem but it has been sorted. Nice short video

[@shaywhelan1]

I had the estate in the dark grey metallic colour, with chrome brightwork and tinted windows. I loved it, and so does my brother who bought it from me. Has been in the family 10 years now

[@nigelbond4056]

Great review Matt. Good car too 👍

[@Londonsfinest318]

Hired one of these last year when we took a trip down to Cornwall for the week, loved the 1.5. Decided to get a 24 Seat Ateca with the same engine because I liked the 1.5tsi so much. Both the seat and Skodas are great cars.

[@1881Gordon]

Another great upload Matt. Having owned at least a few of these I'd say, IMO go for the SE-L models with LED Day Running Lights and either Xenon (Pre-Facelift), or LED (Post Facelift) headlights. They just look more purposeful... The SE-Ls also come with a good set of toys as standard too. If you can find one with the Canton Sound system as well, you'll be delighted.. Great channel.

[@abdulrahmanfarooqi2293]

Blunt but beautiful ❤ practical and a cut above lines and looks 💕

[@colincleary8669]

I like the car matt looks great I think the skoda superb is really a nice motor great video matt look forward to the next one 👍

[@zzhughesd]

Cannot CANNOT get a better all rounder. People LOVE love LOVE them. Does nothing wrong and is perfect motoring. The Welsh especially like them. I quite like a Multipla comment made me chuckle.

[@owenmcdonald5922]

What you're driving is pretty much the same as my car. I love it. Comfortable and economical.

[@gordonremsey8055]

Drove em for years. Lovely machines.

[@mikeyyyy9253]

always loved the look of the Octavia but i love the extra space in my estate Superb 👌🏽

[@anessalihovic2595]

I like these types of videos much more.. would be nice to see more often

[@kenallen3254]

I had a 2016 Octavia Scout. It was the car I needed, not the car I wanted but it was great. It went everywhere, it was amazing in the snow and despite it being short of a proper off roader it was brilliant on the sticky stuff. Good on fuel, cheap to run. It got written off when someone decided to treat a Stop sign as a suggestion!

[@nomdeplume798]

Hired an Octavia estate car about three years ago and that was a plug in hybrid petrol. Obviously a few years newer than the one you're reviewing. It took about 6 hours to charge from a wall socket and got us around 35 miles before it ran out of electrickery. It had regenerative braking which put little more into it which got us into and out of service areas and onto and off the ferry. I was impressed.

[@liam1287]

Great video once again Matt! Do a Tiguan next please, don’t think one has featured on the channel before.

[@steve_o379]

My dad had a 20 plate Octavia 1.5 tsi he loved it it was quick economical and smooth

[@Cubasenet33]

Thanks for the test! I have the state version of this car from some 5 years now. Great car! Mine, as the one you are testing, had G13 (cooling fluid) without Silika. I ordered the (expensive) substitution by G12 EVO just in case. Apart from being a bit too noisy (not the engine), nothing to complaint. All in all, very satisfied.

[@clarkwgriswold157]

Had a 2015 vRS in white. Absolutely amazing car. Still one of my favourites.

[@keithleivers4061]

Another honest appraisal from this mans extensive experience

[@scottsvaletingservices6949]

Have a 2018 1.6 TDI estate as my taxi. Bought it with 86k miles a year ago, now on 124k. It’s nothing exciting to look at, but it’s unbelievably comfortable, and unbelievably economical too. Customers always compliment the space in the car. I really can’t fault the car, although your opinion on the infotainment system is pretty spot on. The only downside is it’s a 5 speed gearbox and not a 6 speed. So motorway mpg probably isn’t quite as good as the 2.0 TDI

[@RATADATUAVELHA]

compliment the space? get a Superb and they will think they are a Czar or country President. love Skoda since 1999

[@Mr330d]

Any trouble with your injectors ? 🤔

[@scottsvaletingservices6949]

@@Mr330d no injector issues as yet, 10k miles ago, I had to have the rocker cover gasket replaced as it had a hairline crack and it started to leak oil. New rocker cover, engine mount and injector seals. Other than that, no other mechanical issues at all.

[@JohnnyPaton]

don't replace it with a 1.5 TSI whatever you do!!!! My 2015 1.6 TDI was a brilliant taxi for 230k and nothing went wrong. Still on original clutch and no issues with the DPF.

[@scottsvaletingservices6949]

@@JohnnyPaton the funny thing is, I nearly ended up buying the 1.5 TSI, I’ve driven a superb with the 1.5 and it felt rather gutless. That’s what put me off. My last Octavia taxi was a 2.0 TDI, a 2014, sold that with just shy of 200k on the clock, all it had done to it was the clutch and dual mass flywheel and regular servicing every 10k

[@rj72289]

Nice vid Matt! This car’s interior looks very similar to my VW T-Roc. I get that it’s basically the same group (VAG) but it’s a bit weird and generic to have it look almost the same. Anyway, still loves it. 👌🏼

[@Logicaviation76]

My dad has a superb 1.5 tsi, I have to say it’s a great engine it’s really powerful

[@ianclare5721]

Love our Skodas, had a 2017 Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 tdi with DSG, changed that for a Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 tdi, changed that for a 2023 Audi Q8 etron, but now have a 2017 Skoda Rapid Spaceback 1.4 tdi as our second car.

[@charleswotton9417]

Your right about the 2ltr diesel engine I have a yeti 4x4 .. just an excellent all rounder and tow car .. Great vlog BTW matt 😊

[@megapangolin1093]

Great video, Matt, best car choice for anyone anywhere. Thanks for your reassurances over quality and reliability, based on your experience. These are quiet hero cars that keep people moving with generally no horrible surprises eg Citroen C4, any Alfa, Peugeot... what do they offer that is better?

[@alexhigh6907]

Had one for a few years. Great family car, very practical. Skodas are fantastic

[@Brian-om2hh]

Agreed. One of the World's longest established car makers, Skoda produced their first car in 1896....

[@marccartledge2752]

I have a 2007 gen 2 hatchback manual petrol vRS (200bhp) and I love it. I have not spent loads on it as it’s so reliable it’s only ever tyres, brakes servicing etc these are practical when you need it and sporty when you need it it’s a great all rounder

[@activematrix5360]

I’ve got the vrs estate, absolutely love it, comfortable, more than quick enough and loads of room for the family, I’d re purchase again

[@sameebah]

The last few times I've hired a car, I've selected a manual petrol Octavia - and each time ended up with a Kamiq. Thanks for this - since I haven't managed to drive one, your review is useful :)

[@nickbitten9910]

Have owned two Octavias-one diesel and one petrol. Brilliant cars- very reliable and the dealer is better than some i have come across.

[@wouterkolkman]

Enjoyed it as a hire car - racked up a couple of thousand miles in the process, soaked up 2 enormous suitcases with each, easy to drive and comfortable.

[@bryandow2827]

I have owned 4 two saloons and have own an estate still own one, with a roof tent on it as with a massive boot it's perfect for family holidays. Solid....a car crashed into me, a strong car save my life, and affordable....would always recommend one the Scout are cool, plus the VRS....😍

[@005brads]

Friend just picked up vrs 2LT, awesome car

[@Bladebars]

Bang on, I’m on my 3rd Octavia now 2017 scout dsg 2ltr diesel it’s great

[@tonydonoghue3303]

Sounds like a nice place to be in on a drive.....god knows there's a lot worse out there ..thanks for the heads up on the model matt 👍👍👍

[@paulcarter7046]

Hi matt purchased an octavia estate recently to carry occasional tools as my old van went to scrap after 12 years of service have to say what a great car 1.5 tsi manual as only use it for local journeys. all the kit you need no needless electronic gizmos wife was amused I'd bought a skoda being a badge snob. First time out in it changed her mind!! Now it's the go to vehicle when we both go out.

[@waldnew]

Love our 1.4 Does just over 50 mpg on a motorway run. Low 40s round where we live (town and bypass) Its not slow but not the fastest either. Glad we bought it 👍

[@JimT-RCT]

These are the favourite car for cabbies for good reason, they are capable of starship mileage, they are comfortable to be in for a long time, and they are economical. Added to that, there is room for five people, and loads of luggage. We now have the hybrid version, which keeps the local council happy.

[@mubinfc]

The VRS model is amazing, got one myself 😄

[@LateNightVapeShow1]

Just bought my 7th. I use them as taxis. 1.6 diesel estate makes the best cab. Frugal fuel consumption, massive load space and long running parts. I’ve had 2 fords and a Toyota in between and they’re not a patch on Skodas

[@frankieob100]

I have one,a 2014 1.6 diesel. Best car iv ever owned. Love it.

[@mishalchotai4721]

Matt, proper review like the old days 😂

[@robertnewman477]

I've got a VRS petrol 220bhp. It's fun to drive, great for the school run and reasonable running costs. Best car I've ever owned.

[@simonhaslam]

Just bought a 2023 Octavia VRS. Ex- demonstrator with 1,500 on clock. Very happy with it.

[@maninthestreet01]

The '2 Cylinder Mode' indication on the dashboard is a big clue that the engine is running on only 2 cylinders.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Another good video 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@Jahmed5635]

Missed the reviews!!

[@Ameen786_]

How have we forgotten Matt owes us a road trip in the 7 series 😅

[@Janshevik]

Yay finally a Should you buy a ... video!

[@minibus9]

awesome video

[@glengarryglenross7127]

This is the one i've been waiting a long time for. This is my prefect car. Looks best in the cappucino beige mk3 pre-facelift lauren and klement. I love my DSG and got a 2015 model for 9k so have a bit to spare on fixing it

[@Andyc515]

Great honest review mate n a great motor 👍👌

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Great review, thanks. I too like something a little bit quirky. I bought my current car after watching your review on it. I drive a Skoda Yeti.

[@Pan1man4]

I think Skoda regretted not keeping it in the product range,ex- Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 5 years fab car and currently driving 4th generation Octavia 1.5 petrol SE Technology driver here.The badge snobs need to remember that as they are from the VAG group common parts throughout just different badges,bodywork etc as I keep telling people, continue enjoying your Yeti.

[@JayBrown05]

This reminds me of our (US) MK6 Jetta! Love the Peach quarter-zip Vinyard Vines Matt! Cheers

[@ciarancollins3332]

I have an 8 year old with 200k . 1.6tdi. Great car for long spins. Not too underpowered just change oil every 6months and a new belt in 2021.

[@joey8313]

I've owned my 2010 octavia vrs estate for 20 months/30.000 km (18600 miles) and the only time it refused to start was earlier this year when the battery died, I love it and will keep it as long as I can