The Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia are two of the longest running family cars on the market in the UK. Both offer a superb blend of practicality, driving dynamics, and value for money. However, there are some key differences between these two models that may entice buyers one way or the other depending on their priorities.
The Golf is a stylish and premium-feeling hatchback that has long been regarded as the benchmark in its class for its refined driving experience and upmarket interior. The latest Mk8 model takes this a step further with more advanced technology and a focus on digital displays and connectivity. Meanwhile, the Octavia (which shares the same underpinnings) offers exceptional interior space and practicality at a very competitive price point, making it an enticing option for families on a budget.
Volkswagen Golf vs Skoda Octavia
Practicality
When it comes to interior space and practicality, the Skoda Octavia has a clear advantage over the Volkswagen Golf. The Octavia offers class-leading rear legroom and an enormous 600-litre boot in the hatchback model, which is around 200 litres larger than most rivals including the Golf. The estate version boosts cargo capacity even further to 640 litres. While the Golf has decent space for a family hatchback, it can't match the outright roominess of the Octavia.
However, the Golf does have an edge in terms of cabin quality and design. Its minimalist dashboard layout incorporates smart digital displays as standard, giving it a modern and premium feel. Build quality is also very impressive. The Octavia's interior is well-made too, but doesn't feel quite as upmarket as the Golf's.
So in summary, if you prioritise interior space and luugage capacity, the cavernous Octavia is the more practical choice. But the Golf's smarter cabin and slightly higher-quality feel give it the edge for those who want a more premium experience.
Driving Impressions
Both the Golf and Octavia offer a refined and comfortable driving experience that will suit family buyers well. The Golf has traditionally been regarded as the driver's choice in this segment thanks to its precise handling and keen body control. However, the latest Mk8 model doesn't really move the game on from the previous generation in this regard. It still strikes an impressive blend of ride comfort and composed handling, but some rivals like the Ford Focus have bridged the gap.
The Octavia is tuned more for comfort than outright handling prowess. It soaks up bumps very well and provides excellent motorway refinement. While not as sharp or agile as the Golf, it still offers assured and stable handling that will meet the needs of most buyers in this class. Both cars are available with a wide range of punchy yet efficient petrol and diesel engines.
In conclusion, keen drivers may still prefer the slightly sharper handling and more precise steering of the Golf. But for those who prioritise comfort and refinement over outright dynamics, which is a lot of people in this sector, the Octavia arguably has the edge with its smooth ride quality and serene cruising ability.
Technology and Equipment
The Volkswagen Golf takes a lead when it comes to advanced technology and digital integration. The latest model's cabin is focused around a crisp digital instrument display and slick touchscreen infotainment system. It also offers cutting-edge connected services and driver assistance features like Car2X hazard detection.
However, this focus on minimalism and touch controls has drawn some criticism, with certain functions being a bit fiddly to access compared to traditional physical buttons and knobs.
The Octavia counters with an extremely generous level of standard equipment for the money. Even base models come loaded with kit like the digital instrument display, large touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, LED lights, parking sensors and more. Higher trims add luxuries like heated seats and advanced driver aids.
While the Octavia's infotainment isn't quite as slick as the Golf's, it is user-friendly and very well-equipped across the range. So if you want the very latest tech and connectivity, the Golf just about has the edge. But the Octavia offers excellent value for money in terms of standard kit.
Running Costs
There's not a huge amount to split the Golf and Octavia when it comes to running costs and value for money. Both offer competitive list prices against their peers, although the Octavia does undercut the Golf when you factor in its larger size and generous equipment levels.
Fuel economy is also fairly similar across the two model ranges. The Golf's most efficient petrol and diesel engines can return around 50mpg and 70mpg respectively, while the equivalent Octavia engines are just a few mpg behind. Servicing costs should be affordable for both cars as well.
It's worth noting that the Octavia is available with a high-performance vRS petrol model that is more keenly priced than the Golf GTI, while still being relatively affordable to run with a 40mpg official rating.
Overall, there's not a huge amount in it, but the Octavia's slightly lower purchase prices and comparable running costs make it the more value-focused choice of the two - especially if you plan to use the vRS performance model as an everyday family car.
Reliability
Traditionally, Skoda has had an excellent reputation for reliable and dependable cars. However, some of the latest survey data suggests that the brand's reliability may have slipped a little in recent years compared to rivals.
The latest Octavia model was rated quite poorly for reliability in the What Car? Reliability Survey, placing near the bottom of the family car class. Bearing in mind it shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Golf, it's no surprise that the VW was with it near the bottom of the family car class.
Both the Golf and Octavia come with a standard three year/60,000 mile warranty which is about average for the class. Rivals including Kia do offer longer warranties of up to seven years which could sway buyers.
Verdict
This is a very close contest between two popular family cars. The Volkswagen Golf remains a classy, refined and technology-laden hatchback that drivers will enjoy. Its smart cabin and precise driving experience give it a slight premium edge over the Octavia.
However, the Skoda hits back with simply incredible interior space and practicality for a car in this class. It's also very well-equipped, comfortable to drive, and offers excellent value for money whether you're buying outright or running it as a family vehicle.
So which one is right for you? If you want the more premium badge and cutting-edge tech, the Golf might be the one to go for. But if ultimate practicality and value for money are the priorities, the supremely versatile and family-friendly Octavia is arguably the smarter choice and it's no surprise our testers give it the full five-star rating.