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.
Price Breakdown
The MG 5 starts from $32,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Octavia opens at $39,990. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $36,289 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Skoda Octavia holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Octavia packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in 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. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Skoda Octavia misses.
Feature Showdown
The MG 5 features a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Octavia gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 8.1 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, 14mm shorter than the Skoda Octavia at 4,689mm (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.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $1,482/year for the Skoda Octavia. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (MG 5) vs $1,482 (Skoda Octavia). The Skoda Octavia saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 5 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
This is genuinely close. The MG 5 and Skoda Octavia trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $342 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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