Hyundai Inster vs Skoda Octavia

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

The Skoda Octavia has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2025) against 4 stars (2025), both tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 85% for the Skoda Octavia.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Skoda Octavia, against 5 on the Hyundai Inster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Octavia gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Octavia counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.

The Skoda Octavia responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Skoda Octavia has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 873mm shorter than the Skoda Octavia at 4,698mm (2,686mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Octavia generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 600L in the Skoda Octavia, giving the Skoda Octavia a 320L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Skoda Octavia's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.4 m against 10.6 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $672 a year (14 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Skoda Octavia about $1,739 a year (6.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Inster) and 7 years / Unlimited (Skoda Octavia). Capped-price servicing: no data (Hyundai Inster), 6 years (Skoda Octavia).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Inster: the lower starting price ($37,500 against $39,990).

The Skoda Octavia: more power (110kW against 71.1kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 280L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Skoda Octavia scores higher, 77 vs 75

The Skoda Octavia scores 77 to the Hyundai Inster's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Hyundai Inster ahead by 18 points), safety (Skoda Octavia ahead by 16 points), practicality (Skoda Octavia ahead by 16 points). Boot space with the seats up: 280L in the Hyundai Inster, 600L in the Skoda Octavia. Warranty: 5 years on the Hyundai Inster, 7 on the Skoda Octavia.

Common questions