How we calculate

Volkswagen Golf vs Skoda Octavia: which costs less to run in the UK?

Bought 2–4 years old on finance, the Skoda Octavia works out about £806 cheaper over 3 years (after resale), on our estimates. Here is where the difference comes from.

Volkswagen GolfSkoda Octavia
Price, 2–4 years old£17,000£15,500
Price new (up to)£32,680£34,400
Fuel typepetroldiesel
Consumption5.3 L/100 km5 L/100 km
CO₂126 g/km108 g/km
Fuel per month£88£95
Insurance per month (bought)£50£46
Maintenance per month£47£43
Buy: total per month£609£572
Buy: net 3-year cost£15,969£15,164
Lease new: total per month£519£561
Lease new: 3-year cost£18,669£20,186

Based on 1,000 km (about 621 miles) a month on mixed roads. Road tax is the same £200/yr standard rate for both (plus £640/yr for versions that cost over £40,000 new). All assumptions →

Volkswagen Golf

The benchmark compact car for 50 years. The Golf does everything well and holds its value better than almost any rival.

Full Volkswagen Golf cost breakdown →

Skoda Octavia

Europe's secret weapon — Golf-level quality with an enormous boot and significantly lower price. The family car sweet spot.

Full Skoda Octavia cost breakdown →

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