Skoda Octavia vs Mazda 3

What's the difference?

VS
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia

$39,590 - $59,990

2026 price

Mazda 3
Mazda 3

$19,950 - $43,998

2024 price

Summary

2026 Skoda Octavia
2024 Mazda 3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.5L

Inline 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.5L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Some lag in initial acceleration
  • Space-saver spare
  • Mild-hybrid adds little

  • Small boot
  • Gloomy rear seat
  • No more manual
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
2024 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Skoda Octavia 2024 Mazda 3

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