Diesel remains a popular type of fuel in the Czech Republic, and despite disappearing from the lineup of many new cars, Škoda still offers it under the hood of several models. One of these is the best-selling Škoda Octavia, which we tested with a diesel engine.
Our test car was a blue wagon in the Sportline trim, powered by a 2.0 TDI engine delivering 110 kW (150 hp) and 360 Nm of torque. It drove the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG transmission. In terms of registrations, this version is one of the most sought-after in the Czech Republic. However, after a week with this car, we’d opt for the 1.5 TSI petrol engine instead. Why?
Diesel’s Staying Power in the Czech Republic
“Diesel engines are dirty and outdated,” say European legislators. This sentiment explains why they are gradually being removed from automakers’ lineups. New generations of vehicles are now primarily offered with petrol, electrified powertrains, or as fully electric vehicles. Despite this trend, diesel remains popular in certain countries, including the Czech Republic, partly because there are no special taxes or fees associated with buying or operating combustion-engine cars here.
Over the past three years, diesel passenger car sales in the Czech Republic have held steady, even as the availability of diesel models has declined (including from Škoda—models like the Fabia, Kamiq, and Scala no longer offer diesel engines). According to data from the Czech Automobile Importers Association, the ratio of petrol to diesel cars in 2022 was 66.45% to 24.72%, in 2023 it was 66.24% to 25.09%, and in 2024 it stood at 65.75% to 24.90%.
Škoda’s larger models (Octavia, Superb, Karoq, and Kodiaq) still feature diesel engines, ranging from 85 kW (Octavia, Karoq) to 142 kW (Superb and Kodiaq), with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Diesel in the Modernized Octavia
The modernized Škoda Octavia, however, has lost its most powerful diesel engine, previously available in the RS version. After the facelift, the RS is now offered exclusively with a 2.0 TSI petrol engine. The facelift also discontinued the plug-in hybrid Octavia iV and Octavia RS iV models.
Under the hood of our blue test car was the current most powerful diesel option available for the Škoda Octavia—a 2.0 TDI producing 110 kW (150 hp). It’s paired with a DSG transmission and front-wheel drive.
In terms of performance, this engine delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h. However, compared to the recently tested 1.5 TSI liftback, which reaches 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 229 km/h, the differences are negligible.
Some might argue that the diesel’s 110 Nm higher torque provides better flexibility. While this is partially true, the petrol engine compensates with a wider usable RPM range and adequate flexibility. It may downshift more often than the diesel, but the DSG transmission handles this quickly and smoothly.
Refinement and Driving Dynamics
The key difference lies in the refinement. Despite decent noise insulation in the Octavia, the diesel engine is noticeably louder in the cabin. That said, it doesn’t vibrate or drone—it’s simply noisier. This is more noticeable because the rest of the car is so quiet, with minimal road and aerodynamic noise. The diesel engine also feels heavier and less agile than the petrol 1.5 TSI. The petrol engine gives the car a more responsive and balanced feel, particularly in corners.
For a family wagon, driving enjoyment might not be a priority. Instead, fuel efficiency takes center stage. But even here, the petrol engine holds its ground. After nearly 3,800 kilometers, including 800 kilometers during our test, the diesel’s onboard computer showed an average consumption of 6.3 liters/100 km. In comparison, the petrol 1.5 TSI averages between 6 and 7 liters/100 km, even in city driving.
The diesel’s fuel efficiency advantage becomes less significant when considering the purchase price. The 2.0 TDI 110 kW costs 50,000 CZK more than the 1.5 eTSI DSG. With fuel at 40 CZK per liter, that extra cost covers 1,250 liters of petrol. If the petrol engine consumes one liter more per 100 km, the diesel’s price advantage only breaks even after 125,000 kilometers. Additional costs for insurance, emissions testing, and maintenance further tilt the scales toward the petrol engine.
Conclusion and Pricing
Diesel engines aren’t inherently bad, but after comparing the diesel and petrol Škoda Octavia, the petrol version emerges as the better choice. It’s cheaper, dynamically comparable, and only slightly less efficient, while offering a quieter cabin.
Our test car lacked the adaptive DCC suspension, unlike the previously tested petrol version, and this made a noticeable difference. Without DCC, the suspension is tuned for comfort, leading to more pronounced body movements. We strongly recommend opting for the DCC upgrade, which costs 25,000 CZK.
The base facelifted Škoda Octavia starts at 609,900 CZK for the Essence trim with the 1.5 TSI (85 kW). The cheapest diesel version with 85 kW starts at 659,900 CZK. For the 110 kW variants, prices start at 659,900 CZK for the 1.5 TSI manual, 709,900 CZK for the mild-hybrid DSG, and 759,900 CZK for the 2.0 TDI DSG. The Sportline trim is an additional 180,000 CZK. All prices include VAT.