2020 Volkswagen Golf vs Skoda Octavia: Sibling differences compared

Just weeks after Volkswagen launched the Mark VIII Golf, Skoda came out with the fourth-gen Octavia. See how the two differ in this side-by-side comparison.

Octavia

Golf

The two cars share an updated version of the MLB architecture, as well as the same wheelbase. Like other Volkswagen Group siblings, they're similar, but still quite different with sharp detailing.

Octavia

Golf

At launch, the Golf is only available as a 5-door hatch (no 3-door this time around), while the Octavia looks like a sedan but is a five-door liftback (again).

Octavia

Golf

The Golf will eventually gain an estate/wagon variant, but the Octavia's is available from the very start.

Octavia

Golf

For the new Golf, Volkswagen has once again gone for a evolutionary redesign, with the most dramatic change at the front. While the Skoda isn't revolutionary, it does move the game on a little more, as the Octavia is less slabby and a little more dynamic than before.

Octavia

Golf

While the two cars have very similar interior layouts, all the major pieces are different.

Octavia

Golf

Yes, top-end versions of both cars a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital instrumentation display, only the Octavia is available with a 2-spoke steering wheel.

Octavia

Golf

Again, the Skoda and Volkswagen are available with the automaker's latest widescreen infotainment system, but the Octavia misses out on some of the Golf's most advanced tech features, such as its Car2X (car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure) communication system.

Octavia

Golf

For models with a dual-clutch (DSG) transmission, there's a new stubby gear selector and shift-by-wire functionality.

Octavia

Golf

The Octavia offers almost all of the petrol, mild hybrid petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas engines available in the Golf.

Octavia

Golf

Both the latest Golf and Octavia are available with plug-in hybrid powertrains. While both cars feature the 150kW (201hp) efficiency version, the Octavia misses out (for now, at least) on the hotter 180kW (241hp) setup used in the Golf GTE.