CarExplore Rating

8.0 /10

Expert Scorecard

Media Expert Rating:
8.4 /10
Safety Rating:
8.5 /10
Eco Rating:
7.0 /10
Reliability Rating:
7.8 /10
Cost of Ownership:
7.0 /10
How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Summary

The 2025 Skoda Octavia marks a midlife facelift for the fourth-generation model, introducing a new Select trim at the entry level.

Available in both Liftback and Wagon forms, the Octavia balances Euro styling and practicality at a competitive price point. Notable changes include a 13-inch infotainment display and a streamlined cabin design.

While some convenience features (like proximity unlocking) are absent on the Select trim, the car’s superb ride, impressive interior space, and 7-year warranty make it an attractive family choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
- Extremely practical, especially in wagon form - Missing some convenience features (e.g. proximity key)
- Excellent value for a European-branded family car - Not as fuel-efficient as some rivals
- Industry-leading 7-year warranty among Euro manufacturers - Sportline and RS variants yet to arrive

Specifications

Body Style Mid-size Liftback or Wagon (5-door)
Engine 1.4L 4-cyl Turbo Petrol (FWD)
Launched Facelift introduced late 2024
Last Updated N/A
Upgrade Date TBA

Key Figures (Select Model)

  • Power: 110kW
  • Torque: 250Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed Automatic (torque converter)
  • Fuel Economy: ~6.1–6.2L/100km (claimed), ~7.6L/100km (tested)
  • Warranty: 7 years, unlimited km
  • Servicing: 12 months/15,000km intervals

Pricing

Below are the drive-away prices for the Skoda Octavia Select, as introduced in Australia:

  1. Octavia Select Liftback – $41,490
  2. Octavia Select Wagon – $43,990

Pricing Information

Drive-away costs

Octavia Select Liftback: $41,490
Octavia Select Wagon: $43,990

View LIVE driveaway pricing for the Skoda Octavia using our free tool here.

(Prices may vary by region. Sportline & RS variants will follow in 2025.)


Interior & Features

  • Cabin Design: Modern “airport-lounge” vibe with textured dash surfaces, copper accents, and intuitive storage solutions (e.g. door-umbrella holder, small door bin).

Infotainment:

  • 13-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Inbuilt sat-nav, voice assistant (“Laura”)
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit)

Seating & Comfort:

  • Fabric upholstery (Select)
  • Generous rear-seat headroom and legroom
  • Rear door sunshades and map pockets

Practicality:

  • Liftback: ~600L boot
  • Wagon: ~640L boot (expandable to 1700L with seats folded)
  • Space-saver spare wheel under cargo floor, tie-down points, grocery bag hooks

(Note: Keyless entry is absent on Select, requiring the fob for lock/unlock.)


Engine & Fuel Economy

  • 1.4L Turbo Petrol (110kW/250Nm)
  • Paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic
  • Generally zippy in urban driving, with fewer low-speed hesitations than Skoda’s dual-clutch (DSG) setups
  • Real-world consumption around 7.6L/100km
  • 45L fuel tank, 95 RON premium recommended

Expert Media Reviews

CarExpert +

Score: 8.4 / 10

"A terrific price for a family wagon, even if it’s missing a few items. The new infotainment can be finicky, but overall this is a standout."

Link: Read review

(Other media reviews to be added as they become available.)


Safety Rating

The 2025 Skoda Octavia retains a 5-Star ANCAP rating (originally assessed in 2021), scoring:

Adult Occupant Child Occupant Vulnerable Road Users Safety Assist
92% (35.3/38) 87% (42.7/49) 73% (35.5/48) 79% (10.3/13)

Standard Safety Tech on the Octavia Select includes:

  • AEB w/ pedestrian & cyclist detection
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control (stop & go)
  • Lane keep assist & lane centring
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Emergency assist
  • Front & rear parking sensors + reversing camera
  • 8 airbags

View the full ANCAP report here.


ECO Rating

According to Green NCAP tests for the Skoda Octavia (in a comparable diesel variant), we see a 3.5/5 star rating (~63% overall).

Although the tested model differs slightly (Combi 2.0 TDI manual), it suggests Octavia’s real-world environmental performance is mid-range:

  • Clean Air Index: ~6.7/10
  • Energy Efficiency: ~7.7/10
  • Greenhouse Gas: ~4.6/10

For the 1.4L petrol mild version we get in Australia, real consumption can vary, but these figures provide a general eco benchmark.

View the GreenNCAP report here.


Reliability Rating

Based on over 100 owner reviews (all Octavia generations combined), feedback indicates a 3.9/5 average, signifying mostly positive experiences (~76% positivity).

Skoda now covers the Octavia with a 7-year/unlimited-km warranty, enhancing peace of mind.

Recall Information

Two recalls have been issued for certain 2022–2025 Skoda Octavia models in Australia. These address potential safety or mechanical risks:

Owners should contact their Skoda dealer or check the official government recall site for more details.


Cost of Ownership

  • Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km (industry-leading among mainstream Euro brands)
  • Servicing: Every 12 months/15,000km. Capped pricing for 7 years is ~$3650 total.
  • Insurance: Approx. $1587/yr (example quote for a 2024 MY25 Octavia sedan)

Fuel costs run around 7.6L/100km in mixed conditions. The smallish 45L tank plus 95-octane requirement can factor into ongoing expenses.


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Wrap This Up

The 2025 Skoda Octavia in Select trim delivers a practical, stylish, and value-driven package—particularly for families seeking a European wagon or liftback without a premium price tag.

Its spacious cabin, zippy turbo-petrol engine, and long 7-year warranty underscore Skoda’s commitment to affordability and peace of mind.

Yes, the entry-level model lacks convenience features like proximity key and can’t quite match rival hybrids for fuel efficiency.

Still, for many buyers, this well-priced Octavia with ample tech, a comfortable ride, and thoughtful “Simply Clever” solutions is one of the best family-friendly deals on the market.


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