skoda octavia 2023 review

The 2023 Skoda Octavia is the sensible family car that secretly wants a cheeky backroad fling.

Space is colossal—liftback or wagon—so prams, labradors and a week’s groceries all fit with room for your dignity.

The turbo engines are punchy yet frugal, the ride is cushy without going floaty, and the cabin feels properly upmarket for the money.

Downsides? The touch sliders and screen-based climate controls are fiddlier than they should be, and the driver aids can be a bit overzealous until tamed in the menus.

Go RS if you fancy sharper steering and a spicier soundtrack; stick to lower trims for best value and comfort.

Overall, it’s a polished, practical all-rounder that makes a few “premium” badges look like they’ve misplaced the plot.