ESSENTIALS
Volkswagen Golf 1.5 ETSI
Match Price: £29,940
Powertrain: 1.5-litre 4cyl MHEV, 148bhp
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Efficiency: 53.1mpg [WLTP)
Official range: 526 miles
Annual VED: £180
Skoda Octavia
1.5 TSI e-Tec SE Tech
Price: £28,815
Powertrain: 1.5-litre 4cyl MHEV, 114bhp
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Efficiency: 57.6mpg [WLTP)
Official range: 570 miles
Annual VED: £180
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VS SKODA OCTAVIA
How do the latest versions of these rivals compare in key areas?
THE Volkswagen Golf is a car that for decades has been both so popular and so consistently competent that the word 'Golf' has in essence become a noun to describe a family car. It really is the Hoover of hatches.
But in its most recent iteration, the Golf has stumbled slightly. Volkswagen tried to bring its popular model into the 2020s with new tech, but in many cases it didn't work out for the best and compromised the car's legendary no-nonsense approach to ergonomics. In response to initial feedback, the brand has reacted quickly to give the Mk8 a mid-life refresh. We're fascinated to see if some of our criticisms of the early car have been addressed. And the Golf really needs to be on form if it's to claim top spot in this segment, because rarely has there been so many compelling alternatives to choose from.
One of its biggest foes comes from within its extended VW Group family. The Skoda Octavia has generally been positioned as a budget alternative to the Golf, but it has moved upmarket in recent years, making it harder to separate the pair on price and desirability.
We've pitched these hatchback rivals against one another to discover which is the best.
ON THE ROAD
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 04, 2024 من Auto Express.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 04, 2024 من Auto Express.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
BEST SPORTS CAR 4X4s
Banish the winter blues with these 4WD stunners guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face and keep you on the move
BEST USED CARS FOR SNOW
If you need a vehicle for snowy conditions but don't have the budget to run to a new one, there are plenty of excellent second-hand choices out there
HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW
Heavy snow presents unique challenges. You don't have to be a wizard in a blizzard, but it's worth following some simple rules
WHAT IS AQUAPLANING AND HOW TO AVOID IT
Aquaplaning is a frightening experience, but following our top tips can cut the risk of it happening to you
HOW TO DRIVE ON ICE
When the roads get really slippery, it's vital to know how to react. Here's what you need to know
HOW TO DRIVE IN FLOOD WATER
Heavy rain anb beep floob water can be hazarbous if motorists bon't take the right precautions. Here's how to brive safely in sobben conbitions
SMART #1
Life with the first car from the reborn Smart brand has been a bit hit and miss so far
DIFFERENT STROKES
The new Toyota Prius is a PHEV, while Mazda's MX-30 R-EV is a rotary-engined range extender. Which takes charge here?
Porsche Panamer a GTS
FIRST DRIVE The latest luxury flagship might fly in the face of Porsche's electrified future, but it's a terrific performer
Omoda E5
FIRST DRIVE It's no class leader, but the all-electric E5 proves beyond doubt that Omoda is going to be a brand to watch