Used test – efficient estates: Ford Focus vs Skoda Octavia

Our Verdict

If you’re simply after the most space possible for the least money, head for the Octavia. Its cavernous boot and spacious seating make it the most practical car of this pair, while a number of neat touches spread around the interior make it even more family-friendly. Its dashboard is the most sensibly laid out, too, while its no-nonsense handling should help you to keep control even in the slipperiest of conditions.

However, the Focus is more enjoyable and more sophisticated, both to drive and to sit in. Granted, its lack of space is a big downside, but if you don’t need to carry huge loads all that frequently, you’ll prefer its flush boot lip, and when you do have to put the seats down, you’ll appreciate the flat boot floor.

The rest of the time, you’ll be busy enjoying the involving way the Focus drives, not to mention the composure of its ride over even the roughest surfaces. And while you might not be able to find your way around its interior quite so easily, it’ll at least feel higher-quality and look more interesting.

In short, the Octavia is the most spacious estate of these two. But if you can live with carrying around a little less, you’ll enjoy owning and driving the Focus more.

Read our review of the latest Skoda Octavia Estate

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Also consider:

1st – Ford Focus Estate

For Fun and comfortable; classy; practical boot

Against Not the biggest estate; engine feels flat; fussy interior

Verdict The Focus feels more polished, and is worth the small premium it costs

Rated 4 out of 5

Read the full used Ford Focus review

Find a used Ford Focus for sale in the What Car? Classifieds

2nd – Skoda Octavia Estate

For Huge space; perky engine; sensational value

Against Looks plainer than the Focus; cheap plastics; awkward load lips

Verdict It’s not as much fun as the Focus, but the Octavia’s still a great car at a fantastic price

Rated 4 out of 5

Read the full used Skoda Octavia review

Find a used Skoda Octavia for sale in the What Car? Classifieds

Specifications: Ford Focus Estate 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec

Engine size 1.6-litre petrol/diesel

List price when new £19,595

Price today £6500

Power 114bhp

Torque 199lb ft

0-60mph 12.2sec

Top speed 114mph

Fuel economy 67.3mpg (Official average)

CO2 emissions 109g/km

Specifications: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.6 TDI CR Greenline II

Engine size 1.6-litre petrol/diesel

List price when new £19,205

Price today £6500

Power 104bhp

Torque 184lb ft

0-60mph 11.8sec

Top speed 121mph

Fuel economy 67.3mpg (Official average)

CO2 emissions 109g/km

price today is for a 2011 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

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