Skoda Octavia Estate vs Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review - diesel or hybrid? | What Car?

[@ebutboy1]

I have a Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid Estate after an Auris and before that a Prius. I have to say the latest iteration of CVT used in this car is light years better than either of the other two. I've also owned a Skoda Octavia and I have nothing against them but my Toyotas have held their money incredibly well and have been utterly reliable. The new Corolla is very well finished inside and there are no squeaks or rattles so far. It is averaging 57MPG in my ownership very easily. I'd say this is the best car I have ever owned.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thanks for the detailed report, were you aware Toyota sells an AWD Touring Sports Hybrid in Japan?

[@ali_haq20]

I own the exact same car and I concur.

[@funkster2050]

Thinking about buying one to replace a diesel SUV. I'm getting about 48mpg out of my SUV at 60mph. At 70, that drops too about 40-42. How would you say the Corolla compares at 70mph on a long motorway journey?

[@davidtame7925]

Interested in the corolla 2.0 Estate but am concerned about room for child seats. Anyone fitted child seats in theirs?

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

@@davidtame7925 I have the Corolla estate and a child. Now my daughter is 2 years and 4 months and she is a big girl for her age. Fitting the seat is not a problem. Fitting a big girl in the rear-facing seat, is not fun. What makes it difficult is the low and sloping ceiling of the car. So, you have to incline the baby to get in, then lift and twist to put her/him on the seat. My suggestion is to try to fit your seat in the car and your child on it. And perhaps compare it to performing the same operation on a RAV4. I am happy with the Corolla, but for the last year, every time I put my daughter on the seat I have been thinking: "Now I see the point of SUVs!".

[@MikeKay1978]

I love it how Toyota went long ignoring "planned obsolescence" and went for reliability. Not trying to trick it costumers. And now they are winning because they ignoring all the greedy management consultants trying to squeeze an extra penny from you through "new business models" etc. An anecdote, I recently test drove a corolla, The sales rep was a former VW sales rep, got laid off at VW and hired at Toyota during pandemic. I asked him why VW is laying off people and Toyota are hiring. He said, Toyota owners come back to buy a new Toyota. and when times are uncertain, people tend to go for Toyota as well because they are more "safe".

[@IThinkILostMyHeadach]

Hesitated between both... but chose the Toyota for its reliability!

[@Worstenboer]

I have chosen the Corolla. Finally a British-built car available in the Netherlands.

[@Sto79Be]

@@ukrainian.atheist How do you get better fuel efficiency than a diesel? Sounds a bit unreal!

[@benoithemeryck8632]

Very smart move.

[@shamimb1y]

Toyota corolla is the real winner of this test for the viewers

[@mrburtowski]

@@Worstenboer It's japanese not british

[@yes8032]

The Skoda looks beautiful but the Toyota I trust more

[@georgedowns4034]

I prefer the look of the Corolla and of course reliability but Skoda is just so big and such great value that it's impossible to ignore. But the Superb is even better...

[@alexkid408]

I would choose the corolla anytime over the Skoda : new gen toyota hybrid vs a volkswagen diesel ...

[@podge5555]

The Corolla will be worth more in 3 years time

[@TeoSluga]

Uff, check the prices, not true. Octavia diesel is worth more.

[@Mybwain]

@@TeoSluga how to check prices in the future?

[@TeoSluga]

@@Mybwain you should ask the guy above me... He predicted future not me... In the meantime, UK will ban fossil fuel engines in 2030... So, no future for Toyota hybrids there not for any kind of fuel engines...

[@scoopermg8226]

In the UK the Toyota keeps 48% of its value after 3 years and the Skoda 41%. That's about £2k difference. 5years 👍 warranty against 3years👎too. Easy decision.

[@TeoSluga]

@@ergo8039 exactly. No more new hybrids in 2030... That's very smart decision. Two tone electric cars filled up with heavy metals are supposedly more eco-friendly than small 900 kg ICE cars... Only in Utopia.

[@krasimirkks]

There is another thing that the journalists don't mention and may be they should as it is a BIG selling point. This is the Toyota Relax Warranty which is standard and all the owner has to do is get the car serviced every 10k miles or 12 months at Toyota/ Lexus approved dealership and that way you get 10 years or 100k Miles warranty which for every private owner is incredible.

[@jjv2554]

We have Corolla 2.0 hybrid and Polo DSG. When you get use to the Corolla's cvt, Polo's DSG feels quite awful because it has so much delay in responsiviness. All in all Corolla is nice car, not perfect, but great family car.

[@MrDuncl]

@El Greco After some initial playing with the paddle shifters, for the past six years I have just been putting my 1.4TSI DSG Golf into drive and leaving it there.

[@Chipchase780]

I just traded in my 2012 Octavia having spent £2000 on suspension repairs then the injectors started acting up. My replacement is a Toyota Corolla hybrid. Far superior car in every way and so easy and relaxing to drive.

[@carolynconolly1758]

I would always buy the Toyota as its a great car and made in the UK so supporting the economy.

[@nidjo057]

Long therm - corolla, much better for cost of ownership

[@mahu142]

Not necessary true in every country. I compared both (the Octavia as 1.5 TSI, the Corolla as 2.0l Hybrid) at my specific usecase and the octavia would be waaaay cheaper. Roughly 200€ per month, because the Corolla is - in Germany - really expensive to insure and a lot more expensive to finance. The Octavia has longer maintenance plans (and I even calculated an annual oil change unline the planned 2 year oil service) on top and I put extended warranty to my order. For 200€ a month I can repare a lot of things on the skoda in the 4 years ownership.

[@nidjo057]

@@mahu142 true, if it is so. But bear in mind that hybrids dot have problematic EGR, no clutch, no AdBlue, no problem with injectors, no DPF , no alternator, no starter... They are really very, very reliable. In therms of driving, not sure about steering, haven't drive Octavia, but corolla in sport mode is really good

[@mahu142]

@@nidjo057 I owned a Yaris HSD for 3 years, whilst the HSD was indeed reliable, the car itself hasn't been (brakes, lights, rust, suspension, had repair costs of around 1400€ in these 3 years). And tbh, I don't like CVTs for my driving profile.

[@nidjo057]

@@mahu142 agree, but Yaris you drove was 2. generation of hybrid system. This is fourth. Much more pleasant to drive, quieter and economical. Rust? Haven't seen that often.

[@mahu142]

@@nidjo057 My parents are driving a lexus NX300h, where I don't get comfortable with the hybrid either, my testdrives with the corolla wasn't offering major differences.

[@wheresfekkesh7375]

Bulletproof Toyota every time for me !

[@Chris-vr6hz]

I have a ´23 Corolla TS GR Sport 196HP an I love it. Fuel Consumption is about 4.6l / 100km

[@albinfiskare]

I drive a 2020 corolla TS 1.8L for my work. After 3000km on the roads of northern sweden, the trip computer reports 4.5L per 100km. Speed limit is usually 70-100kmh and you tend to put the cruise control to +10... I actually really like the e-cvt, its quiet and smooth. Sure the engien revs a bit when you floor it, but thats a price im willing to pay for efficiency and smoothness compared to a diesel/regular automatic.

[@PrometejCFD]

did you ever feel like perhaps AWD could come in handy? or was there no need for it?

[@albinfiskare]

@@PrometejCFD yeah during winter when its slippery. Especially when going onto higher speed roads from a standstill. We do use high quality studded tyres though, but you cant compare with a good awd. Still I bought the 2021 "trek" variant of the touring sports for my family:)

[@飞过海的肠旺面]

@@albinfiskare same with us. but after test 2.0 we go with 2.0. 1.8 short for 50hp and more time the engine rev high. good car.

[@andrewf7445]

I've had two Octavias as a taxi. The first I bought new in 2008 and got 800,000kms out if it and only started having to do extra repairs after 650,000mks, and even then they were cheap fixes. The second one was two years old when I bought it in 2017 and it was trouble from the start, and at 330,000kms its done. I never had a moments piece of mind, the next expensive repair was never far away. They're not the car they used to be. Its a shame because the 2008 one really felt bulletproof.

[@ivankuzin8388]

Was it 1.9TDI in the old one? :)

[@johnfairclough2998]

Which engine was the second one?

[@ash3rr]

what were your expensive repairs?

[@simonlayfield2513]

I live in France, just outside Paris. Soooo many taxis here are Corollas. There must be a reason for that.

[@AnastasiosK08]

I have an octavia 2014 as a taxi and it reached 375.000km. After the 300.000 problems started because of the dpf filters etc they were forced to put for the enviroment.

[@danz1100]

Corolla every time. At a test drive maybe the Octavia would be more appealing, both at size and driving. But owning one, I would take the Corolla blindfolded. I own a 2008 Yaris 1.4 d4d, never had a problem with it, and it has 250.000 km. I changed the clutch at 245.000 for the first time, and in the rest just oil and filters...

[@123phobia123]

You own a hundred years old tiny city car, probably never own a modern skoda, and make the assumption that its nowhere near as good as a toyota...

[@danz1100]

Chech the surverys for the car reliability and you'll seethat Toyota Lexus and Honda are top 3. Skoda is at 17ish. My brother has a 2019 Octavia bought new, and already has some annoying sounds from the gearbox. Modern and big huh??

[@kienfung3045]

Toyota for me. Easy choice! Had Vw's before. Stupid mistakes.

[@lucluppens8692]

Skoda is more riable than VW

[@aadi8568]

@@lucluppens8692 Skoda and VW are the same car lol, Skoda's are just rebadged VWs, since VW owns skoda. The only difference between VW models and their Skoda counterparts is the interior and exterior design, along with the Skoda usually being a bit bigger. Apart from that they have same platform, drivetrain, engines etc.

[@georgemorley1029]

@@lucluppens8692It’s a rebadged golf.

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

The two most sensible estate cars in their category. Pity to see the religious war acrimony between diesel and hybrid fans. They are both very valid choices, depending on needs, use and driving style. As a very satisfied owner of a Corolla TS 1.8 (I had a Verso turbodiesel before), I can say that an important factor to consider (if you have not driven a hybrid before) is whether you are open to a driving behavioral change. If you are, you will embarque in a fun journey and get much better fuel economy than the tests (and a lot of relax). If you don't, then do not bother and enjoy your turbodiesel.

[@ELECTROMARINEMANIA]

Hybrid and diesel is very much different like Indian elephant and African elephant.

[@0bzen22]

@@ELECTROMARINEMANIA Diesel for long journeys, hybrid for town. That's about it. If you do a lot of motorway / dual-carrage, diesel is better, if you do a lot of town, hybrid is better. Either for country.

[@simonlayfield2513]

The choice between these cars comes down to reliability. The VW diesel is pretty good, but the latest model electrical problems in the Octavia are a real worry. Toyota for peace of mind.

[@georgemorley1029]

I was open to that change. Bought the 2.0 Corolla TS. It’s amazing. I’ll never buy another German turbo diesel again for as long as I live. It’s Japanese all the way for me now.

[@iamaduckquack]

​How's the power compared to the tdi? And the noise cruising at 70?

[@klx100]

To me the Skoda can never rival the Toyota for reliability!!

[@EinkOLED]

They're not exactly unreliable either.

[@philippepeltier142]

And the day they will fail, it will not be the same bills too : say hello to the guys who had to replace a DSG !!!

[@klx100]

@@EinkOLED i agree but like with like a Toyota rarely let's you down

[@WhiteMoonLights]

but the truth is yes skoda is a rival get the truth and the fact accept it

[@alessedivec5800]

depends where. in central europe (former Czechoslovakia) Skoda wins in reliability by miles

[@henrypang4734]

Diesel Vs. Hybrid. Living in London and Sadiq Khan moving the goal post every few months! Corolla! Definately.

[@tomwilliams242]

Reports that current VW group cars are having problems with their infotaiment systems that dealers cannot solve. Also, VW/Skoda DSG auto gearboxes are jerky in stop start traffic. Standard 5 year warranty with the Corolla & now ten years if serviced each year with a Toyota main dealer & 15 years for Hybrid battery if checked each year by Toyota main dealer. Really no contest IMO the Corolla wins.

[@systemx4]

Toyota every time. don't be fooled by Skoda/vw feeling of plushness as you put it!! Been there, they break a lot

[@xyphious]

Just a counterpoint, I’ve had a 2017 Octavia estate that’s got 70k miles and has been flawless for 4 years. The drive was nice, had all the features I needed and was comfy. All it ever needed was its standard services and its been hassle free. That said, at 70k it’s starting to feel a little less tight and is sounding a bit off. The only thing that stopped me getting another was the sheer number of features on the Corolla and it’s co2 savings. Can’t wait to get it

[@ivankuzin8388]

Both are very reliable - owned Skoda Roomster for 11 years and 354000 km, no major issues ever, now own Skoda Yeti for 5 years, drove 156000 km already, no issues at all, in the same time had company Toyota Corollas from 2008 and 2018, dead reliable, 330 000 km on first one, 95 000 on second :)

[@DanielB-xv9se]

what exactly tends to break on skoda?🤣

[@georgemorley1029]

@@DanielB-xv9seElectrics, the Bosch switches and sensors will break. That will lead to all sorts of mechanical wear and tear, traction control malfunctions, axle damage, brake sensor failure. Cooling is also a weak spot on German cars, radiators and hoses crack, leak and fail. German cars are a bag of failures waiting to happen. Japanese cars are so solid. Edit - I should have added drive shafts and differentials. I just sold my 2009/10 model BMW 320d with 170k on it for £1,550, the bloke who bought it was chuffed, he’s already running into all sorts of things that would have kicked me squarely in the plums at the next MOT, knocking noises, DPF lights (he doesn’t do long runs) etc. I’m really sorry to hear that, but he wanted my car and I didn’t, because of that precise reason. A German car will be a dream for 3-5 years, then it will proceed to kick you in the bollocks once a year, every year, without fail.

[@georgemorley1029]

@@xyphiousYou are just about to enter the world of a major breakage or failure once every year or two on the car, GET RID NOW is my firm advice to you.

[@martinwood9014]

From your comments the corolla would have drawn level if the boot was bigger, the 1.8lt corolla has a much bigger boot, and does 10mpg more. You should have mentioned this fact

[@stuboy13]

When the corolla engine is warmed up, and charging the battery efficiently say after 20 mins, its hard for me to get less than 64mpg in the corolla at absolute worst case. Had both, octavia will always beat hybrids at 65mph on long journeys. I drive corolla as a taxi and get 71mpg at best with mixed driving and 63 at worst over a full tank. Once you get used to slow braking and engaging the regenerative braking and bot the abs brakes, you'll get toward 70mpg around town with a few dual carriageway mixed in. Its an easier smoother and more fun drive than any skoda or DSG VW. the Octavia is more practical with space. Is bigger. And ergonomically it's better designed inside. Large pockets and duckets and cubbys. They could both learn a lot from each other. If only you could get a skoda/toyota cross... Or a lexus/VW

[@mattgreen9507]

Had both in the family over the last few months. We prefer the Octavia, it's a nice place to be and has got so much space. The Corolla is more economical if you do a lot of short journys though.

[@kennethswift9211]

its the toyota i"m going for mostly town driving plus no add blue and diesel is expensive so the small difference in mpg is offset by the fuel cost when you add the cost of add blue

[@aka7kak8]

First diesel specific repair will change economy math upside down:) not even mentioning smoothness of synergy drive vs dsg especially in very long time traffic jam stop&go, in fact dsg repairs after heavy stop&go would hit octavia owner even harder.

[@roadstermah7269]

Thanks for your thoughts, I chosen Corolla, fuel efficiency, quiet

[@pedroval2007]

So booth space and fancier screens makes the Skoda a winner? . My 2 cents : 1) Looking in the video the way the Toyota does the corners without barely any body roll versus the woblby Skoda: Toyota seems a winner. 2) Reliabilty history Skoda(VW) vs Toyota: undisputed win for Toyota. 3) Ownership cost and maintenance (the skoda diesel particle filter lifetime.... yeah if you drive mostly in city ... expect to spend a few 1000s in a very short term as they tend to melt if not driven often at a steady high rpm. Disclaimer : I own a Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback, not a perfect car but so far it has been a great daily driver for me.

[@aerox69x]

Our departnents pool car is an Avensis estate and my personal car is an octavia both 2019 year , handling, engine,infotainment,space is better in the octavia. After around 30000 miles in each there have been no mechanical issues in either (if I wasn't leasing id probably get the Toyota) but as a lease the skoda is superior imho

[@pedroval2007]

@@aerox69x I supose that you are comparing 2 diesels, right? The toyota diesel engines are not notorious for either reliability or performance , but when comparing diesel vs hybrid its a completly different thing. Expect the Hybrid to be much more reliable and lower maintenance in the long run, because in the hybrid there's no turbo, no filter particle, no belts . Thats very fewer things to go wrong. Even the AC is purely electric and not belt driven.

[@Astke]

Funny enough, my previous lease was a 2019 Corolla hatchback. But in a few months I got rid of it. The novelty of it wore off quickly because of: - The disappointing general refinement. The 2018 Polo I had before my Corolla lease arrived felt more refined overall. - Annoying CVT drivetrain and noisy non-turbo 2.0l 4 cylinder - Disappointing fuel economy. I did a lot of motorway in 2019 and got 7.1l/100km avg over 14000 KM. 2.0l Hybrid... hardly good. The 1.5 eTSi Golf I got now is on 6.4 l /100km avg over 8500 km. Compared to last year I drive more in-town on avg because of COVID. During motorway trips I usually get UNDER 6l/100 km avg. So way more frugal than the 2.0 hybrid EVER was. - Noisy cabin my pre-lease Polo was more quiet on the motorway. unacceptable imo for a car that cost 50% more at 40grand (euro) - Laggy/already outdated infotainment. Thought I would get used to is/accept it over time, nope, - Terrible knowledge of Toyota's own systems.... Had a broken headlight (matrix LED) In the end a 3rd party shop fixed it instead, what a joke. Thankfully I could just let a colleague take over the lease contract. Despite the buggy software at first (OTA updates fixed them, feature the Corolla doesn't have), I think the Golf is overall a much nicer car to travel in. More comfortable AND more sporty when I want it to be (got DCC), way more quiet, nice and smoother engine (1.5 eTsi with 150 hp), I prefer DSG over CVT by a long shot, the car feels way more modern inside even though it is barely a year newer, seats are way more comfortable + electric as standard on my trim (Style) and de car overall just feels way more sturdy. More grip, more substantial, while the Corolla felt kind of flimsy and hollow.

[@Bikecampcook]

My uncle worked for the AA he told us to steer clear of VW group cars. We went for the Toyota and it's been bombproof.

[@kolecava]

Skoda's are actually very good reliability wise.

[@ianpolo5673]

Corolla! A good balance of looks, space, performance and most importantly reliability.

[@thomasatanto]

I think give hybrid a chance, okay, diesel is economical but so is hybrid and hybrid cars dont produce as much harmful emissions as with diesels. We all know that skodas reliabilty reputation is no comparison for toyotas reliability reputation.

[@robinwas-miles9686]

Had a quick look at the boot space of a 2 ltr hybrid tourer estate. Read about how the battery space can impact the overall load capacity. No battery seen, however, I did see the two extra levels available below the false floor, the tool space and the next level for spare tyre. Remove that lot and perhaps someone could estimate the extra space that becomes available. Yes the boot looks a little narrow in width compared to other family estates and older hatchbacks so any extra load capacity here for comparison purposes would be useful.

[@ulgargrowtopia]

Bought 2018 corolla for 26.599$ in my country back when it came out. Still the same price... Actually it rised LOL

[@mightyeagle]

Having the rpm go into a sweet spot is the whole idea behind the CVT transmission you should always be in the power when accelerating so it doing it for you is perfect

[@georgemorley1029]

German cars break. Japanese cars do not. That is the end of the matter. Toyota. Always, Toyota.

[@jozefbani5222]

For now , i am still driving my second Skoda Fabia Combi (estate). But i am expending my new car in august and it will be a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 Hybrid. I live in Belgium so i am sorry if i make mistakes during skribing.

[@TheZeuzeilor]

I live în Belgium and i has a 1.8 hybrid good choise 👍

[@Cyrtak]

You did not mention Toyotas safety features what are really impressive against Škoda. I'm huge fan of Japanese cars and thats why I'm gonna choose Corolla all day. At the moment I have 2018 Auris Touring Sports and have nothing bad to say about it. Every day driving and most of the time in the city and fuel economy is great!

[@kudomion.]

Safety in toyota. Are you kidding? 😅

[@Cyrtak]

@@kudomion. ???

[@davidwescott2632]

Skoda numerous air bags,lane assist, adaptive cruise control, f and r parking sensors. Reversing proximity braking. Front anti colision braking, blind spot warning sggest you chose incorrectly. Plus toyota has that awful whiney cvt gearbox and less internal space. Economy skoda wins as well.

[@Cyrtak]

@@davidwescott2632 Good features but reliability is nothing near Toyota. VAG cars are always broken and needs service sadly.

[@aidentai5867]

Many people would chose corolla, but I prefer Octavia just because of how it feels to drive and the interior quality. I also think it looks quite better then corolla

[@jonathanmellish4439]

To be fairer maybe you should have tested the petrol engined Skoda. My petrol hatch 1.4 has very good economy and is quieter than the diesel.

[@jurdi13]

Skoda looks like a GRANNY MOBILE

[@rieswiss]

Knowing both cars I can quite agree with your remarks and results. How ever, I guess in the long run the Corolla will prove more durable and reliable.

[@TL-xw6fh]

I'll go for the Corolla anytime: not a diesel, much much more reliable, lower running costs, and have you ever heard of a Toyota e-CVT problem?

[@anthonyconnor1603]

There are good points to the hybrid such as cleaner exhaust emissions, you can switch between electric and petrol power and good fuel economy but then you loose the pleasure of using the manual gearbox and some might find acceleration from a diesel is better than a hybrid.

[@georgemorley1029]

The pleasure of constantly rowing through the gears and endless, calf-numbing clutch work as you sidle up to the accident that’s had you queuing on the M6 for nearly an hour? Followed by the sheer driving “joy” of instantly accelerating up to and getting stuck behind a tractor or a caravan on the twisty single lane B Road that you bought the manual car for in the first place? Hey, whatever makes you happy.

[@Pietr01337]

I own 2019 Corolla 2,0l Touring Sports and my friend has the Skoda Octavia 2021 and he has several problems with the infotainment system not booting properly.

[@kshaw8494]

They never put in the cost difference of a litre of diesel to petrol. Changes the mpg benefit

[@nevco8774]

However one would think that a PHEV Skoda instead of Diesel one should be compared to a HEV Toyota as long as powertrain is compared. If towing is important especially on the motorway then Diesel comes first as a real world choice.

[@sinanozmen8944]

The battery pack of the corolla is under the backseats, not under the boot floor...also the reason why headspace in the back isn’t much.

[@leepower2717]

The 2 litre hybrid version the normal 12 volt battery that runs the 12 volt electrical systems is under the boot floor & does reduce boot space.

[@andrewlevett4274]

No mention of Toyotas 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, compared to 3 years or 60,000 for the Skoda?

[@tazsar3204]

I drive a skoda octavia, nothing but problems with the dpf, overheating, was good for the first few years

[@Gentleman_Jim]

I was torn, went with the toyota on price alone. They came out the same at 26,000 but on PCP the Toyota keeps its value so was £100 a month less than the Skoda

[@johnstanley9337]

It would have been interesting to have included the Octavia 1.4 turbo petrol. Our experience of that engine and dual clutch transmission in a Golf 7 wagon is that it gives outstanding fuel efficiency.

[@MrDuncl]

I can usually get over 50MPG commuting in mine.

[@ruhbanahmed3425]

Perfect timing for this video

[@TheSpoovy]

It's just so obvious you're on the VAG payroll. At 4.50 you're not even allowed to mention the skoda in a negative sense, in a direct comparison. I remember when there were actual car reviews rather than adverts.

[@Endlessly_Nameless]

Interesting for me… I exchanged my 2016 Octavia vrs for a 2022 Corolla touring gr sport. I much prefer the Corolla and the service offered by Toyota is so much better it’s incomparable

[@Marcelo-m6f]

You will realize if you made a good decision after 3 years...Toyota all day...

[@themanipulator1]

It's the toyota for me. No dodgy vw reliability

[@yes8032]

Skoda is actually the second most reliable car in the VW group after Porsche

[@someone-gb2ec]

@@yes8032 i agree skoda is beter then vw

[@themanipulator1]

Agreed, but the key phrase here is 'in the vw group'

[@eamokearney]

You say you got 58mpg in the octavia but it clearly showed the average was 40mpg on the clock?

[@mohamedferas2070]

Enjoyed the video indeed 👍

[@simonlayfield2513]

I'm a Skoda fan. I've owned two, and my family have all owned one. But this a fairly obviously biased review, in that you almost completely ignore the overwhelming reliability advantage that the Toyota has over the Skoda. There have been so many reports of Octavia electrical problems that I would steer well clear for the timebeing. Also, I would add that the difference in boot size is not so great. The Corolla is one of the few estates that can compete with the Octavia, but you were fairly dismissive of that, because the Octavia is bigger.

[@swanmorewildlife]

The toyota hybrid battery is not in the boot space as stated , the floor can be lowered another few inches, or keep it as a separate storage area, then there's a spare wheel space below that as well. There are more accurate reviews elsewhere.

[@paguk2000]

I think you will find the 1.8 battery is under the rear seat where the 2.0 is in the boot

[@kennethswift9211]

@@paguk2000 was just going to say the same and the mpg are better in the 1.8

[@thug3m]

The Hybrid batteries for both are under the back seat. Its only the 2.0 which has the start-up battery placed in the boot, cause there is no space in the engine bay for it. so it eats a little bit of space

[@desikashmiriuk1111]

Being a taxi driver I think skoda octavia is best

[@drobster]

I am 193 and have 2 tall teenagers, and I found the roof of the corolla to low, in the back but also in the front. The space in the Octavia is just so much more for the price

[@JohnPartridge-g2x]

Well done for having lead in your pencil at such an advanced age.

[@taraha2946]

Toyota is one of the best car brands ever.Skoda is good but far from toyota

[@rondhole]

Value and fuel saving on Hybrid is unbeatable especially for commuting cars. Suspension on Corolla is more sophisticated than Octavia. Reliability is miles better in Any toyota than others.

[@someone-gb2ec]

in long run is beter corolla

[@TeoSluga]

Long run in the city... It's horrible on the highway, sorry, just horrible...

[@WhiteMoonLights]

how do you know bro

[@TheIceMurder2]

@@WhiteMoonLights Because Toyota have a better reliability record.

[@theavenger3363]

Corolla most definitely

[@shanjanusman9974]

Toyota for me

[@redbull4fly797]

Honestly comparing diesel vs hybrid is difficult. Diesel is good only on a highway when you can't hear it, that's the first reason why would I get a Toyota. But there are others as well: 10 years warranty, toyota safety sense 3.0 for all models, reliability and personally it also looks better even if its an older design.

[@aadi8568]

I have a 4th gen octavia hatch on lease, and the infotainment has had many bugs and issues, first it would not connect to android auto (Oneplus 6T), And then 2 or 3 times the infotainment just crashed and stopped working

[@Astke]

I have had the 8th gen Golf since July 2020. Lease as well. Infotainment was buggy and slow at first. But after the second OTA update it has been pretty much bug free and as smooth and quick responding as my phone. Only major gripe has been that the Android Auto implementation is not nearly full screen enough. So I don't use Android auto at all because of that. Funny enough, my previous lease was a 2019 Corolla hatchback. But in a few months I got rid of it. The novelty of it wore off quickly because of the disappointing refinement, annoying drivetrain, disappointing fuel economy (7.5l/100km avg on 2.0l Hybrid, lot of motorway), noisy cabin and laggy/already dated infotainment. Thankfully I could just let a colleague take over the lease contract. Despite the buggy software at first, I think the Golf is overall a much nicer car to travel in. More comfortable AND more sporty when I want it to be (got DCC), way more quiet, nice and smoother engine (1.5 eTsi with 150 hp), I prefer DSG over CVT by a long shot, the car feels way more modern inside even though it is barely a year newer, seats are way more comfortable + electric as standard on my trim (Style).

[@aadi8568]

@@Astke cool, before this I had an 2018 Audi A4 on lease, which I think was a much superior car in every respect apart from fuel economy and practicality. The infotainment in the Audi was superb, especially with the rotary knob. But that is to be expected, since this is a much more expensive car than the octavia. But the octavia apart from the buggy infotainment was decent, great for long trips and a less claustrophobic cabin.

[@TL-xw6fh]

Just don't trust ANY VW Group car for reliability. They are all very unreliable, especially the electronics and they cost a FORTUNE to repair. Just steer clear of them. Wait for problems with auto gearbox, timing belt failures, particulate filter issues, etc etc too.

[@aadi8568]

@@TL-xw6fh reliability isnt a concern for this car, as it is a lease. The car I bought (2011 honda CRV) has been very reliable for 180k miles

[@TL-xw6fh]

@@aadi8568 I wasn't referring to yourself, just a general statement. The hard truth is that the VW Group has a chequered history of developing very poor cars. Emissions scandal, timing belt and chain failures, auto gearbox failures, split mass flywheel failures, electronic gremlins galore, ID3 and id4 electronics are driving customers to the wall, etc etc.

[@kevinclarke3026]

I've had both and have just ordered another new Octavia. The problem with the Corolla for me is it cannot tow anything heavier than a supermarket trolley. What let's Toyota down throughout the brand is they rust at an alarming rate.

[@MrTrull1]

Nice vid as always Dougie. 😀

[@paso7943]

Toyota hands down. No way I would choose the Octavia over the Corolla. And Diesel is on the way out of auto market. At some city soon you won't be able to enter the city in diesel cars.

[@dp8685]

Good luck getting that mpg out of Octavia. I have same and are getting 42mpg. Also if you go on honest John they say won’t get what they reckon. Think review is biased and not factual.

[@0bzen22]

Hybrids don't do well on highway / motorway. Not terrible, but definitely not competitive against a diesel. Hybrids do best in town, city, suburbs. In country roads, against a diesel, it's a toss up. I've gone from a Megane Dci 1.5 110 Estate from 2014, to a Corolla Touring 2.0L 2023, with the Safety Sense stuff, Dynamic Force engine, Synergy Drive blah blah blah. I get better mileage in town / city by a mile, better suburban, slightly better or equal on country roads (45-50 mph) if I drive Eco, getting worse after 50-60mph. Although it's brand new (500 miles), I haven't done any serious highway (70mph) / motorway (80mph). Besides the fuel, it's much more relaxed, easy to drive especially in town, full of aids (the good kind), and the Mégane was getting tiresome (fuel injection issues, R-Link issues, and general maintenance creeping up). The economy is hard to justify. 34,000 euros spent, I didn't buy the Toyota to save money, but still trying to keep the cost of ownership down. Long term, 15 years investment. Maybe stupid these days, but Toyota hybrids have great reputation (taxis love them). Otherwise, the cars aren't that much different. Same size, practicality, general feel, which is what I wanted. For me, only two hybrid options. The Corolla Touring (1.8L, if I'm honest), and the Civic E:Hev. Or a RAV4 / HRV, but I'd still take the compacts. Hmm maybe the Jogger hybrid, but it's a bit more ghetto. Still, can be a decent option if the Renault tech doesn't scare you (the 1.6l in there is an old Nissan, port injected and timing chain, so all good, the gearbox though is a bit weird). Prius, if you're a boomer with money and no kids. If you have kids, or bigger kids, I think they'll appreciate the Civic more from the back. Both Civic / Corolla Touring are fantastic. Don't bother with the Corolla Hatchback. If you do a lot of motorway, stick with an old diesel. In fact, a cheap electric for town and an old diesel for the rest could be an option if you can charge at home.

[@Hassan-jp1bg]

No question, corolla is better

[@gordonnorris4202]

I would go for the Corolla for better reliability, taxes, and lower depreciation .

[@paulnok]

Well not sure its right to buy a disel anymore, ULEZ aint friendly to them.

[@SpecialReserve]

When doing MPG comparisons. To be realistic, you must include the price differential in the fuel types in doing said mileage. Otherwise it is a pointless comment.

[@carlnixon4545]

Yeah do agree with that. Although Diesel is more expensive it can be cheaper if doing lots of motorway driving. I had a petrol and was generally not looking to move to diesel, but since doing so has saved me money - more than the cost difference between the fuels and engine. It boils down to choosing the right engine for what you use your car for (as mentioned in the review). Diesel really only works out for high mileage, otherwise Hybrids and the like are much better.

[@Cyrtak]

Also dont forget that some countries like Finland has tax for diesel cars and it is calculated by CO emissions. For example, I have BMW E46 Touring 2.0d and its yearly tax is around 800€ and I do have 2018 Auris Touring Sports Hybrid and it's tax is 106€ per year, so there is huge differencd between Diesel vs Hybrid.

[@bikeman123]

And factor in that the Toyota is considerably more expensive to buy as well

[@roconnor01]

If you look after a Toyota Corolla,it'll give you 400,000 miles. I rest my case.

[@kostassidiropoulos3018]

Dont know how markets work but where I live the octavia costs close to 4k more

[@IMM11]

Brilliant comparison, brilliant job you do. Thanks a lot.

[@LHerman]

Corolla with 2.0 l petrol has, e-cvt. There are no belts or chains, but 2 electric motors.

[@johnkeepin7527]

Almost right. They do use chain drive for the overhead camshafts in the engine (some manufacturers use belts for that), but the absence of belt driven devices probably helps with long term reliability.

[@fatsharks]

Toyota is in a whole another level in terms of reliability, quality, and value. Skoda competes with Citroen and all that other crappy brands, not with Toyota.

[@jamesdaly1401]

Oh we have an expert here....in bullshit...but an expert none the less...

[@davidwescott2632]

So your comment contradicts what he says on quality. Skoda bigger boot .skoda better mpg. Skoda better acceleration. Skoda better cornering. I get 75 mpg combined and bristol to manchester 92mpg with no whining gearbox.

[@daveomeara2419]

Also, the Corolla is not that economical. It only does 45mpg at best on the motorway

[@adamp2233]

Skoda all the way. Diesel engine better for long drives and carrying lots of stuff. And much better looking than the Corolla.

[@insufferableoaf6060]

Just lol at comparing corolla to any vw product. Ain't nothing mechanical or electrical on that skoda is going to last even half as long as it will on corolla.

[@enderbilsen915]

Rank Brand Score 2020 1.Lexus 98.7% 2.Mitsubishi97.9% 3.Toyota 97.7% 4.Mini96.8% 5.Skoda96.4%

[@rightlanehog3151]

Which one is made in Britain?

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

Toyota Corolla manufactured in Derbyshire 👍

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@ryadhasanahmed5443 Yes, I was trying to help save the British car industry. Of course, the newly cloned Touring Sports called the Suzuki Swace is now available as well. :-)

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

@@rightlanehog3151 made in the same factory as well 🙌

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@ryadhasanahmed5443 I hope Toyota buys the Honda factor in Swindon and keeps people building more Toyotas in Britain.

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

@@rightlanehog3151 same I hope so too

[@micko557]

2.0 TSI 4X4 Octavia with DCC ✔️💪

[@markeden1189]

How can a pre-historic diesel be a better idea than a super-modern hybrid? Crazy review.

[@kristijangrgic9841]

Its modern hybrid against modern diesel. Problem with hybrids is battery degradation which comes with age and miles

[@dannymarx3832]

For tall people with tall kids the choise is eassy. Would like the Toyota if it would have more backseat leggroom.

[@MH-nr2wo]

So you reviewed a 2.0 petrol against a 2.0 diesel..

[@stephencurran5429]

I much prefer the last generation octavia better looking also less tech really don’t like those touch screens also skoda is no longer value for money their price is getting really expensive Ford went the same we years ago no longer a cheap brand

[@georgedowns4034]

Why don't you mention the styling? 🤔

[@TheIceMurder2]

A very large omission in this video...

[@petergeraghty9563]

What spec is the corolla?

[@funkster2050]

I'm thinking about buying one to replace a diesel SUV. I'm getting about 48mpg out of my SUV at 60mph (on a 150 mile motorway journey). At 70, that drops too about 40-42. Can anyone share, from experience, how the Corolla would compare at 70mph on a long motorway journey?

[@georgiosanthopoulos5602]

the 2021 2.0 TS will return 52-58mpg at 70mph, or 58-63mpg at 60mph

[@StanLibuda23]

Can't believe that you simply compare miles per gallon between a diesel and a petrol engine. Diesel, as you should know, has a higher energy density per gallon than petrol which needs to be taken into account when compering the two of them...🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@mymusic5772]

Why didn’t you do a like for like petrol hybrid comparison,..Lots of people are moving away from diesel.The Corolla would’ve been the better choice easily

[@martinmcdonald4207]

The Toyota will out drive any Skoda into the ground and still be going 30 years later!