Another new product is entering the Russian automobile market, which will undoubtedly enjoy incredible success among domestic car enthusiasts. We are talking about the new Skoda Octavia model in the fourth generation. This car has been on the Russian car market for a long period of time and during this time period the vehicle has gathered a huge number of fans around it. Of course, like any other popular car, this model has worthy competitors, among which the Toyota Corolla stands out. That is why, here we have to compare city cars in order to ultimately choose which is better - Skoda Octavia or Toyota Corolla.
Toyota Corolla 2020
Comparison of technical characteristics
As usual, it is necessary to start the comparison with an overview of the main characteristics of the vehicles presented, since car enthusiasts pay close attention to these indicators first of all. The models boast the following technical parameters:
- Gasoline versions of cars are mainly targeted at the Russian market;
- the presented cars belong to class C;
- models must be refueled with AI-95 fuel;
- the Japanese has a Euro-5 standard, its competitor is Euro-6;
- Toyota accelerates to 100 km/h in 11 seconds, its rival in 10.8 seconds;
- the maximum speed of the new product is 208 km/h, Toyota’s is 195 km/h;
- fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 5.2 liters per 100 km for the Japanese and about 4.7 liters for the opponent;
- Unlike its competitor, the Skoda Octavia is available not only with front-wheel drive, but also with all-wheel drive.
At first glance at the main characteristics of the cars in the most affordable variations, it becomes obvious that the new liftback presented by the VAG group looks somewhat more interesting than its direct competitor. However, this will not be observed in all moments.
Engines and transmission
Another extremely important point that will allow you to make the right choice between Skoda Octavia and Toyota Corolla is the power part of the cars that the manufacturers use. Each model here provides some variety so that it can fully satisfy the preferences of the majority of motorists who are looking for a vehicle in this class and price segment. In particular, the Japanese sedan received only an uncontested power unit in the engine compartment, which can be combined with two transmissions to choose from. The Skoda Octavia model has more variety, since in the global version the liftback is presented in gasoline, diesel, and hybrid versions.
As for the Skoda Octavia, aimed at the Russian market, which will be assembled at the production facilities of the GAZ plant, two main power plants will be used here. In this case we are talking about a 1.4-liter gasoline turbo engine with 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This model will also be equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated engine. It produces 110 horsepower and 155 Nm of torque. Initially, copies of the liftback with a 6-speed manual gearbox will go on sale. Subsequently, models with a 6-band automatic transmission, as well as with a 7-speed DSG robotic gearbox, will appear on free sale.
For the Japanese popular sedan, although diversity is provided, it is not as pronounced as in the situation with the new Skoda Octavia model. The Toyota Corolla, already familiar to Russian buyers, is sold in Russia with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, whose output is 122 horsepower and 153 Nm of torque. Potential buyers in Russia can purchase this sedan with a 6-speed manual gearbox or with a modern CVT. Unlike its direct competitor, this car is not equipped with an all-wheel drive system, which is why it is not worth claiming at least some cross-country ability.
Entertainment and multimedia capabilities
The Skoda Octavia is equipped with the latest Columbus multifunctional multimedia system, which has a large and convenient touch screen. The monitor of the Skoda Octavia is very sensitive and instantly responds to the slightest touch. Another advantage of this multi-navigation system is the size of the icons - they are quite large, which greatly simplifies control of the system even while driving.
Toyota Corolla has a simpler multi-system. The graphical characteristics of the touch display are lower when compared to Columbus. But the system in the Toyota Corolla is even simple to operate and convenient for listening to your favorite audio tracks.
Ride quality, maneuverability and handling
If we consider the cross-country ability of the presented vehicles, then we can forget about this indicator almost immediately, for the simple reason that these models are in no way suitable for off-road use. Driving any of these vehicles into areas where there is no road surface as such is not the wisest idea. Competitors have a relatively low ground clearance of 143 mm for the new Skoda Octavia and 150 mm for the Toyota Corolla. Of course, this is very little to be able to cope with even minimal obstacles without much harm to the car body and supporting components. In the global version, the new product is equipped with all-wheel drive in some trim levels, however, even this condition does not help in any way in a cross-country situation.
Cars presented by the VAG group have always been famous for their excellent handling and excellent driving performance. The fourth generation Skoda Octavia model was no exception. This liftback will delight its future owner with excellent dynamics, and will also give the opportunity to experience true pleasure from comfort. The Skoda Octavia holds the road well, also maneuvers well at speed and can take turns without the slightest roll, as it has a very rigid suspension system. At the front, this model is equipped with an independent MacPherson spring system and an anti-roll bar. At the rear there is a semi-independent spring suspension with anti-roll bar. Disc brakes are installed all around. At the front, ventilated disc mechanisms of larger diameter are used.
Unlike its direct competitor, the Toyota Corolla is a more restrained and moderate car that does not stand out for its stunning dynamics. This sedan quite easily picks up the stated speed, as it is primarily positioned as a comfortable model. The car confidently holds the road and takes turns. However, unlike its rival, it does not react to the steering wheel as sharply as required at high speeds. An independent spring suspension with anti-roll bars is installed along the entire perimeter of the sedan. There are also disc brakes on each axle. Ventilated brakes are used at the front.
A task for the attentive
The two cars we are comparing are not identical in price. For Toyota Live this is the middle configuration, and for Skoda Ambition it is only the second step in the hierarchy. But we must also keep in mind the general policy of the brands: where the “Japanese” prefer to add options, Skoda, in the German way, economically makes a choice towards simple and only the most necessary equipment. This approach has its advantages (initial price for basic versions) and its disadvantages. After all, if you want to have more, in the case of Octavia you will have to fork out a little.
Nevertheless, the lists of equipment for the Corolla Live and Octavia Ambition are very close, although the client will still find something to think about. For example, Toyota has a heated rear window and heated front seats. And Skoda has a small leather package. Or this: Corolla has a simple air conditioner, while Skoda has not only “climate”, but also heated windshield washer nozzles.
For example, there are also things that do not fit into the standard list of options, but are based on impressions. For example, Toyota's multimedia system is bright, full-color, while Skoda's has all the same functions and colors... but its design is such that at first it seems monochrome. Some people prefer this strict stylistic decision. But some will prefer Japanese richness. Again, everything is very individual: some will be happy, for example, with the classic, clicking toggle buttons of the Corolla heated seats, while others will prefer the light keys, like those of Skoda.
With the trunk, however, everything is clear. The Octavia is much larger and has bag hooks and practical side compartments. And in general, this is a liftback, which means it’s more convenient to unload. Corolla, as a cargo carrier, gives up this position almost without a fight: it will not be so easy to fit a package from a supermarket with a conditional package of eggs safely in the trunk.
Comparison of configurations and prices
If in terms of cost the cars are practically the same, then when choosing which is better - Skoda Octavia or Toyota Corolla, based on technical equipment, the new product on the Russian market immediately looks like a clear favorite. This liftback will actually be able to please its future owner with an abundance of modern and high-tech options. At the moment, it is not yet clear which specific configurations will be sold in Russia. However, it is already obvious that in this regard the car will surpass most of its competitors, as was previously the case with previous generations of Skoda Octavia.
At the moment, the estimated cost of the new Skoda Octavia varies between 1,338,000 – 1,700,000 rubles. This car will be sold on the Russian market in several standard configurations, which will later be finally balanced. Today it is known that the most affordable liftback variation will be equipped with a 1.6-liter power plant with a manual transmission. This car will receive good technical equipment, including a standard safety package, many electronic assistants, LED head optics, audio preparation, air conditioning, as well as many other relevant systems. In more expensive versions, the liftback will be equipped with cruise control, all-round cameras, a keyless entry system, remote engine start, modern multimedia with a large touch screen and a number of other useful functions.
As for the popular Japanese sedan Toyota Corolla, you can buy this car for almost the same money as a competing model. The car is sold with a price tag of 1,335,000 – 1,857,000 rubles. The sedan is available in four basic trim levels and one extended version with an additional package of options. In the cheapest variation, this car includes air conditioning, electric mirrors, a light sensor, standard audio, a 12V socket and many electronic assistants. In more expensive trim levels, the car adds a multifunction steering wheel, climate control, parking sensors, a keyless entry system, a digital dashboard, remote engine start, a head-up display, as well as many other popular and relevant options today.
Options and prices (Toyota Corolla)
| # | Equipment | Model years | Cost, rub. | Drive unit | Transmission | Engine, cc. cm | Acceleration from 0 to 100, s | Max. speed, km/h | Power, max., hp (kW) at rpm | Fuel consumption in the combined cycle, l/100 km |
| 1 | 1.6 MT Classic | 2019 — | 1 362 000 | Front | Manual transmission 6 | 1598 | 11 | 195 | 122 (90) / 6050 | 6,6 |
| 2 | 1.6 MT Standard | 2019 — | 1 273 000 | Front | Manual transmission 6 | 1598 | 11 | 195 | 122 (90) / 6050 | 6,6 |
| 3 | 1.6 CVT Classic | 2019 — | 1 418 000 | Front | Variable speed drive | 1598 | 10.8 | 185 | 122 (90) / 6050 | 6,3 |
| 4 | 1.6 CVT Comfort | 2019 — | 1 533 000 | Front | Variable speed drive | 1598 | 10.8 | 185 | 122 (90) / 6050 | 6,3 |
| 5 | 1.6 CVT Prestige | 2019 — | 1 676 000 | Front | Variable speed drive | 1598 | 10.8 | 185 | 122 (90) / 6050 | 6,3 |
| 6 | 1.6 CVT Prestige Safety | 2019 — | 1 795 000 | Front | Variable speed drive | 1598 | 10.8 | 185 | 122 (90) / 6050 | 6,3 |
* — information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for exact pricing.
Maintenance costs
At the moment, it is too early to draw final conclusions on the cost of servicing the new product, as well as on the difference with the Japanese model, since pre-orders have only just been opened for the car presented by the VAG group. If we rely on the experience of predecessors, then this figure is practically no different from the financial costs of a Japanese sedan, which have to be invested at the time of the next scheduled maintenance. These cars themselves are very reliable, which is why you rarely have to deal with repairs and replacement of important elements. If we talk about regular financial expenses on fuel, then in a sense the new Skoda Octavia is the favorite here, for the simple reason that this car has more economical engines.
Show me your registration!
Those who like to talk about the country of origin of the car will have a particularly difficult time. The “Japanese” Corolla is assembled in Turkey. The “Czech” Octavia is built on the German MQB platform and is produced in Ukraine.
You can talk more about design, although everything here, of course, depends only on personal taste. Octavia seems to be stricter, although the faceted lines invented by Josef Kaban add to the image of the car both the notorious swiftness and at the same time some kind of brutality. Corolla, on the other hand, suits Toyota’s modern style very much, which makes the current sedan much more expressive than the previous one. But for some, the external similarity of the Corolla to the Camry may be a plus. One of our editors, when he returned from vacation and did not know what cars were currently in the AutoWorld test park, from afar mistook the Corolla for an older model. Although, it would seem, experience obliges. But it’s really not difficult to confuse them.
Appearance and dimensions
Almost all modern car enthusiasts, in the process of searching for a suitable car, evaluate its appearance before the upcoming purchase. If we consider the presented models, they only have a common character. Both competitors presented stand out for their aggressive and sometimes daring nature. However, if the Japanese sedan has the main body lines made in a rounded style, the optics are very narrowed, and there are calm lights at the rear, then with the Skoda Octavia everything is different. In each individual element it is clear that the manufacturer tried to make a youth model that will stand out from the general traffic flow due to its characteristic angular and aggressive shapes. In general, if you try to name a favorite - the most beautiful car, then this will not be easy, since every rival is worthy of attention, especially since all motorists have different tastes in the appearance of a car.
Another very important point that should be clarified when comparing the Skoda Octavia and Toyota Corolla is the dimensions of the vehicles. In this regard, it will not be easy to name a favorite, since the models do not differ significantly in visual terms, and as for the numbers, they are as follows:
- the length of the Japanese is 4,630 mm, the competitor’s is 4,689 mm;
- the width of the Skoda Octavia is 1,829 mm, that of the Toyota Corolla is 1,780 mm;
- the height of the Japanese model is 1,435 mm, the rival’s is 1,470 mm;
- Octavia's wheelbase is 2,686 mm, Corolla's is 2,700 mm;
- Skoda's curb weight is 1,301 kg, Toyota's is 1,370 kg.
In general, the difference in numbers is obvious, however, if we consider the car visually, it will not be so easy to determine it, for the simple reason that the design features of the bodies interfere here, since the Skoda model received more angular outlines, versus the rounded shapes of Toyota.
Salon and trunk
Another very important point that cannot be ignored when comparing the presented vehicles is the interior design. In general, both in one and in the other model, high-tech and compliance with modern fashion trends are fully visible. However, if you delve into the details, the Japanese sedan again looks like a more moderate and calm car, which will certainly captivate with its practicality, as well as the quality of its equipment. As for the new product for the Russian market, here, on the contrary, as in the case of the body, sharp and aggressive outlines are more visible, which in turn indicates that the car is aimed at a younger generation of motorists.
If we consider the interior of the new Skoda Octavia as a whole, then there is definitely something for the eyes to catch on. First of all, attention falls on the unusual multifunction steering wheel, which received a non-standard design with connections in only two places. Also in the interior of this car, the decorative lighting, which is located along the entire perimeter, smoothly moving from the central panel to the side doors, is of particular interest. What deserves the most attention in the model is the stylish digital display of the dashboard, as well as the huge tablet of the multimedia system, which is placed as high as possible so that the driver can conveniently control the infotainment complex and the main functions of the car.
As mentioned earlier, the interior of the Toyota Corolla model looks more moderate and calm, even despite the unusual central panel with a sharp transition. There is also a large infotainment screen that hangs over the neat climate control unit. The digital instrument panel deserves special attention, as does the multifunctional steering wheel, made in a traditional style. In addition, a potential buyer will definitely be captivated by the two-tone interior, which is made with smooth transitions, which will not allow the eyes to get tired even during a long trip.
As for the capacity of the luggage compartments, here, first of all, it is worth understanding that we are talking about an updated liftback, as well as a standard Japanese sedan. That is why the difference in favor of the Skoda Octavia is obvious. The trunk of the new product holds more than 580 liters of various things and large items, which will not be so difficult to remove due to the conveniently located luggage compartment lid. If we talk about the luggage compartment of the Japanese sedan Toyota Corolla, then about 470 liters fit here.
Security systems
Despite the fact that in Europe they are now very attentive to issues of preserving the environment, the “Japanese” is safer and significantly less pollutes the air.
Driver safety and more. Again, the eastern developers were one step ahead - a countless number of electronic security systems - ABS, TRC, EBD, BA, VSC, the unique SIPA safe parking system. We can confidently say that the Japanese were able to develop a worthy electronic answer to any question.
When compared, Skoda, of course, loses compared to Toyota, but overall it also looks quite decent - 9 reliable airbags that protect against impacts from all sides, comfortable and reliable seat belts, a built-in accident-free parking assistant, and anchors for child car seats.
What is better to choose
After a full comparison of models, a logical question arises, what is better for a potential buyer to choose. In this case, deciding is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, for the simple reason that each car has many advantages. If we talk about reliability and comfort, then in this case a Japanese sedan would seem preferable. Ride quality and handling, as well as trunk capacity, are all advantages of the new Skoda Octavia. In addition, do not forget that the Czech car is a more youthful option, while its competitor is aimed at a more mature generation of motorists.
Other options
Of course, you shouldn’t rush to choose between just the two presented models, since they are not the only representatives of their segment. In particular, car enthusiasts may well choose any other option worthy of attention. For example, you can consider the South Korean models Kia Cerato and Hyundai Elantra for purchase in this price segment and class. If you are not satisfied with the Koreans, then you can consider buying another Japanese Mazda 3. Another option is the stylish and modern Volkswagen Jetta sedan.
conclusions
A rational choice between these two cars comes down to a gambling search for differences in configurations and a calculation of what equipment you need and how much the required set of options will cost. Immersing yourself for a couple of hours in studying all these details is actually cool and interesting. After all, there are not many cars left on the Ukrainian market with which you can do this. Usually everything is much more straightforward and boring. Moreover, even an emotional choice at the level of “like it or not” will also be safe here. If you take one of them, focusing only on the design, you are unlikely to make a mistake and regret your decision.
