Haval H9 vs Skoda Octavia
What's the difference?

Haval H9

$17,758 - $24,990

2019 price

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Skoda Octavia

$39,590 - $59,990

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2019 Haval H9

2026 Skoda Octavia

By Laura Berry

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

10.9L/100km (combined)

5.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great value
Advanced safety equipment
Spacious and practical

Smooth driving
Packed with features
Impressive value-for-money

Dislikes

Seats could be more comfortable
Agricultural driving dynamics
No diesel engine available

Some lag in initial acceleration
Space-saver spare
Mild-hybrid adds little

2019 Haval H9 Summary

Not content with being China’s biggest auto brand, Haval is trying to win Australia over and is now throwing everything it’s got at us in the form of its H9 flagship SUV.

Think of the H9 as an alternative to seven-seat off-roaders such as the SsangYong Rexton or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and you’re on the right track.

We tested the top-grade Ultra in the H9 range when it came to live with my family for a week.

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2026 Skoda Octavia Summary

Once a solid mainstay on our roads, wagons have fallen out of favour somewhat as a result of the ever-growing popularity of SUVs and utes.

But is a wagon actually a better and more family-friendly daily driver than a bigger, taller SUV or ute? Perhaps.

And throw a mild-hybrid system into the mix and it could be an even more appealing purchase.

Skoda’s Octavia has built a strong following in Australia and now comes its new mild hybrid grade, available as a wagon or liftback.

So, what’s the Skoda Octavia Select mHEV wagon like as a daily driver for families?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Haval H9 2026 Skoda Octavia

Verdict

There's a lot to like about the Havel H9 - it's great value, practical and spacious, packed with advanced safety tech, and also darn good looking. More comfortable seats would be an improvement and so would a better feel to the cabin materials and switchgear.

As for the H9's on-road performance - the 2.0-litre engine isn't the most responsive and the ladder frame chassis limits its dynamics.

So, unless you need an off-road SUV the H9 is borderline overkill in the city, where you could step into something without four-wheel drive and with more car-like comfort and handling.

Verdict

The Skoda Octavia has always been impressive in wagon guise and this mHEV variant is no different. While the mild-hybrid set-up adds little to the Octavia package there’s still plenty to like about this wagon. It’s smooth and refined to drive, packed with features and has ample appeal as a value-for-money buy.

It’s no surprise if this wagon is at or near the top of your vehicle shopping list.

Haval H9 vs Skoda Octavia What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Haval H9 vs Skoda Octavia
What's the difference?