Review
And it is in good company here, with two other 180bhp models vying for the title of performance bargain of the year. We have chosen to compare the Octavia with its stablemate, the equally powerful SEAT Leon 20V T Cupra, and the MG ZS 180 hatchback.
All share that 180bhp tag and all three also share a surprising ability to be cheap to run over a three-year/60,000-mile operating cycle (being in roughly the same ball park as an entry-level Ford Mondeo).
The winner in running cost terms is the SEAT on 28.58 pence per mile, helped mainly by the Leon's projected residual value after three years and 60,000 miles.
According to CAP Monitor, the Leon will retain 35% of its price new after that operating cycle and it is this that makes the big difference between it and the Skoda.
Despite Skoda's rehabilitation under the Volkswagen brand, the trade is obviously still sceptical about the marque and this is reflected in the Octavia's projected residual value - 28% after the same period. The MG's higher-front end price counts against it in this area, despite it having the second best RV prediction of 33%. If it weren't for its low RV forecast, the Octavia would be the winner here as it offers the lowest fuel costs, thanks to recording a credible 35.3mpg on the combined cycle, and the lowest SMR costs.
At 29.88 pence per mile, the Skoda is hardly going to break the bank, although it is one penny per mile more expensive than the SEAT. Unfortunately for the MG, its engine counts against it here. While the Skoda and SEAT make their 180bhp from a turbocharged 1.8-litre four, the MG houses a big 2.5-litre V6 under the bonnet. This extra capacity means it sups fuel faster than the other two - recording a combined fuel economy figure of 29.7mpg. Allied to the highest SMR costs and the second highest depreciation costs, the MG will cost 31.69 pence per mile to run over the same period.
