MG ZST vs Skoda Octavia
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Skoda Octavia

$39,590 - $59,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 Skoda Octavia

By Emily Agar

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

5.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

Smooth driving
Packed with features
Impressive value-for-money

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

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

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 Skoda Octavia

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

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.

MG ZST vs Skoda Octavia What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Skoda Octavia
What's the difference?