MG 5 vs Skoda Octavia
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
MG 5: we're still completing 0-100km/h, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the MG 5 & Skoda Octavia
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Price Breakdown
The MG 5 starts from $30,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Octavia opens at $39,990. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $34,089 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Skoda Octavia holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5. Adult occupant protection scored 62% for the MG 5 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 4 on the MG 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG 5 and 8 in the Skoda Octavia.
Recalls on our record
MG 5
None open on our record
Skoda Octavia
- REC-005899 · published 19 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005419 · published 28 Apr 2022Due to manufacturing issue, the engine compartment cover may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-001196 · published 15 Oct 2019Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2008 - 2015
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The MG 5 features a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Octavia gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the MG 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Skoda Octavia offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the MG 5 and 2-zone in the Skoda Octavia.
Drivetrain
The MG 5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 119kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic 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 MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG 5 measures 4,675mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 23mm 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 401L in the MG 5 and 600L in the Skoda Octavia, giving the Skoda Octavia a 199L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m diameter
Good
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.9 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $1,739/year for the Skoda Octavia. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Octavia). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Skoda Octavia: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 63, but the MG 5 is $9,000 cheaper
The Skoda Octavia comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 63), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Skoda Octavia ahead by 23), practicality (Skoda Octavia ahead by 14), performance (Skoda Octavia ahead by 6). The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Octavia has a clear edge. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG 5 and Skoda Octavia?
The MG 5 is the cheapest at $30,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Octavia by $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Octavia uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Skoda Octavia has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Octavia has the largest boot at 600L with the seats up (1,555L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Octavia has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG 5 makes the most power at 119kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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