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
Denne historien er fra September 04, 2024-utgaven av Auto Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 04, 2024-utgaven av Auto Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage
TOYOTA has revealed a one-off concept at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Hey MINI, you're a smash hit with grown-ups and little ones alike
CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS
Hybrid technology isn't new, but it has been improved over the years, thankfully
BARGAIN HUNT
The new Dacia Duster and MC ZS are the UK's cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
WORLD OF VOLVO
We make a trip to Sweden to visit Volvo's new museum and experience centre in Gothenberg
Audi RS Q8
FIRST DRIVE We put updated flagship version of brand's range-topping SUV through its paces on road and track
BMW M135
FIRST DRIVE Hot hatch's facelift brings mechanical tweaks to help it keep up with refreshed competition snapping at its heels
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
FIRST DRIVE Large EV estate has the space that families and business drivers crave, but a big battery isn't always good news
Dacia Spring
FIRST UK DRIVE The UK's cheapest EV is made for life in the city, but how does it fare everywhere else? We get behind the wheel
All-new Renault Clio spotted for the first time
The 2025 supermini will be a hybrid-powered alternative to the just-launched all-electric R5