Skoda Octavia vs. Skoda Superb: Which Is Better?

Skoda is known for creating cars that work brilliantly for families. If you’re looking for something spacious, reliable, and comfortable without spending a fortune, both the Octavia and Superb are excellent choices. They’ve been favourites for years, and of course, it’s only natural to struggle when deciding which one to buy.

This guide will take you through the key points in the Octavia vs. Superb discussion to help you decide. Let’s compare!

Performance and Engine Options

Skoda Octavia

The SkodaOctavia range includes a 115bhp 1.0-litre petrol, a 150bhp 1.4-litre petrol (later replaced by a 1.5-litre), a 115bhp 1.6-litre diesel, and a 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel. For more power, the Octavia vRS is available in both petrol and diesel versions. All engines offer good performance, with a 0-62mph time of under 10 seconds, but the larger engines are especially good for motorway driving.

In 2017, the Skoda Octavia received a facelift with new quad headlights and more features. The 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines were replaced by the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre versions.

Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb offers several strong engines — the base model has a 125bhp 1.4-litre petrol, followed by a 150bhp version, which was updated to a 1.5-litre engine in 2018.

For more power, the Superb offers 2.0-litre petrol versions with 220bhp or 275bhp. The most common engines are the 120bhp 1.6-litre and 150bhp 2.0-litre diesels. There’s also a 2.0 TDI with 190bhp, available with a dual-clutch auto transmission and all-wheel drive. Later models also offer a 1.4-litre petrol-electric hybrid option.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Skoda Superb offers decent value for money in the used market. A 2021 model with around 40,000 miles can be found for about £18,000. The base S trim comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, Bluetooth, and a DAB radio. Upgrade to the SE trim, and you’ll get 17-inch alloys, dual-zone air conditioning, rear parking sensors, and adaptive speed control. The SE Technology trim adds a navigation system, front proximity sensors, and an electric adjustable driver’s seat. For even more luxury, go for SE L Executive and Laurin & Klement trims.

The Skoda Octavia is priced just under £15,000 for a 2021 model with around 15,000 miles on the clock. Similarly, it offers trims from the basic S to the high-end Laurin & Klement. The SE model includes dual-zone air conditioning, and the SE Technology trim adds a navigation system and automatic collision braking. The higher trim level brings Alcantara seats and privacy glass for a more premium feel.

Exterior Design

The Skoda Octavia shares some parts with the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon, but it has its own unique saloon design that combines sporty style with practicality. It’s spacious, so it’s a top choice for families or anyone needing extra room without sacrificing looks.

Every Octavia comes with a bold front grille and a sculpted bonnet, which gives it a strong, confident presence. Newer models add a more premium touch — for example, there are glossier finishes and higher-quality materials that elevate the overall look. There’s also a sharp crease along the side that leads into the angular taillights for a modern, dynamic feel.

The Skoda Superb looks similar at first glance but is larger and has a more refined finish. It has a wider stance that adds to its elegant look. Like the Octavia, the Superb also features Skoda’s signature bold front grille, but its design is more focused on sophistication than sportiness.

Driving

The Skoda Superb focuses on comfort and luxury, and it’s clear from the moment you drive it. The ride is smooth and relaxing, so long trips will feel effortless. Its well-tuned suspension handles everything from motorways to city potholes with ease. On the road, the Superb’s engines deliver good performance, and its fuel economy is impressive for a car of this size. Even though it’s not as sporty as some smaller cars in the VW Group, it’s a steady companion.

As it’s lighter, the Skoda Octavia has a firmer suspension for greater agility. The ride isn’t as smooth as in class-topping cars, but it’s still very comfortable and better than many rivals. It handles motorway trips well but also feels at home on winding country roads. It’s not a sports car either, but the Octavia is very composed. Drivers also appreciate the responsive steering and suspension that lets it change direction with plenty of grip.

Interior Comfort and Space

Skoda has transformed its reputation and now delivers cars with quality and refinement in mind.

Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb takes a minimalist approach to interior space — there is a clean dashboard and a focus on creating an open, sophisticated space. The Octavia mirrors this with its organised layout but keeps things simple and user-friendly. Both avoid clutter, which makes them feel modern and spacious.

Skoda Octavia

When it comes to roominess, both the Skoda Superb and the Skoda Octavia are at the top of their game. Despite being a compact saloon, the Octavia offers excellent headroom and legroom, which sets it apart from rivals in its class. The Superb is larger and takes it further with generous rear legroom and shoulder space. Three adults can all sit comfortably in the back.

Technology

The Skoda Superb offers a slightly more upscale tech package, with a larger touchscreen, premium audio, a virtual cockpit, and advanced driver aids — overall, designed for a more luxurious experience. The Octavia is still well-equipped, but it focuses on providing great value. Its modern, user-friendly tech is practical and easy to use but lacks the extra luxury features of the Superb.

Boot Space and Practicality

The Skoda Superb, being the bigger car, offers more room inside, especially in the back, where passengers can stretch out comfortably. That said, the Octavia is far from cramped. It still offers plenty of space, with room for tall adults in the back and enough shoulder room for three across the rear seats.

Both offer smart storage solutions to keep your essentials organised. For example, the Skoda Octavia gives you:

• A parcel shelf
• A sunglasses holder
• A ticket holder
• An illuminated glovebox

The Superb adds a premium touch with:

• Storage in the front armrest
• Larger bottle holders in the doors
• Cup holders with easy-grip mats
• A ticket holder on the pillar

Both cars come in hatchback and estate versions, so you’ll have plenty of space for luggage, too. If boot space is what you need, the Superb’s boot (625 litres) is the winner, but the Octavia still offers a decent 600 litres.

Reliability

Skoda is known for making reliable cars, and neither the Skoda Octavia nor the Superb is an exception. Despite catering to different needs, they share a lot of the same solid engineering and tech. Both models are built with trusted Volkswagen Group parts, and that means good efficiency and reliability.

Running Costs and Ownership

The Skoda Octavia’s diesel options, like the 1.6 TDI, are very efficient and offer up to 68.9mpg. The petrol models are also good — the 1.0 TSI achieves around 58.9mpg. Servicing is affordable, with oil changes costing around £184. Road tax is £180 annually.

The Skoda Superb, while less efficient than the Octavia, still performs well, with the 1.6 TDI Greenline offering 72.4mpg. Petrol models like the 1.4 TSI get around 54.3mpg. Road tax is also £180, and servicing plans start at £22.50 per month.

Safety

Safety is a big win here — both cars have earned five-star Euro NCAP ratings. Both the Octavia and the Superb perform well across the board, particularly when it comes to protecting you and pedestrians.

Dimensions

What’s great about Skoda’s estate models is that they’re only a few millimetres larger than the hatchbacks. This means you get the added practicality, and you don’t lose any of the convenience when it comes to parking in tight spaces.

Skoda Octavia

Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Skoda Octavia belongs to the same class as the Volkswagen Golf — it’s actually much bigger.

The Octavia measures:

• 4,689 mm in length
• 1,993 mm in width
• 1,470 mm in height

In comparison, the VW Golf is between 4,284mm and 4,396mm long, so the Octavia is up to 40.5cm longer.

Skoda Superb

If you’re comparing the Skoda Octavia to the Superb, the Superb is even larger, with dimensions of:

• 4,869 mm in length
• 2,031 mm in width
• 1,488 mm in height

Who Is the Skoda Octavia for?

The Skoda Octavia is ideal for someone who needs a practical, everyday car that’s easy to use and affordable. If you live in a busy city or town, it’s a great choice because it’s compact enough to park and navigate easily. It’s perfect for commuting, running errands, or short trips, with enough room for the occasional family outing or luggage.

Who Is the Skoda Superb for?

The Skoda Superb is better for someone who needs more space and comfort in their life. It’s perfect for road trips, holidays, or driving with a full car. Essentially, if you’re someone who travels long distances, carries passengers, or needs to fit a lot of luggage, you’ll enjoy the Superb for extra room.

Carplus will Help You Finance a New Car

When it comes to financing your next family car, Carplus is here to make everything easier. We’ll help you navigate your options, and it doesn’t matter if you’re certain about the car you want or need some advice on the best fit for your needs. It could be Octavia, Superb, or anything else.

Carplus works with a range of trusted finance providers to make sure you get the right plan that fits both your preferences and budget. You’ll get our support throughout the process, from approval to paperwork, so the details will be taken care of. You just need to start the process!

Final Words: Octavia vs. Superb? Your Best Option

So, which one should you go for — the Skoda Octavia or the Skoda Superb? The main reason to go for the Octavia, for instance, is the fantastic value for money. It’s more affordable than the Superb, with similar features, nearly as much space, and a more contemporary feel.

Compared to the Octavia, the Skoda Superb does provide a bit more comfort, but the difference is minimal. In the end, you’d need to really want that extra space to justify the higher price tag of the Superb.