Skoda Octavia vs Mazda 6
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
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Price Breakdown
The Skoda Octavia starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda 6 opens at $29,740. That makes the Mazda 6 the more affordable entry point by $10,250.
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 $43,989 and $32,714 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $3,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Skoda Octavia and Mazda 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Skoda Octavia, against 0 on the Mazda 6.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 8 in the Skoda Octavia and 6 in the Mazda 6.
Recalls 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
- 5 more on the model page.
Mazda 6
- REC-000894 · published 10 Oct 2019The affected vehicles may accumulate carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve, in addition to premature wear of certain engine components.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2018
- REC-000879 · published 20 Feb 2017On the driver’s seat of the affected vehicles, it is possible that the Seat Height Adjustment Lifter Link may crack, or the Lifter Link Retaining Nuts may separate.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2012
- REC-000872 · published 12 Sep 2016On the affected vehicles, an inappropriate type of paint has been used on the end-cap of the external body of the Liftgate Stay Dampers (struts).Year range on the notice: 2008 - 2016
- 1 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Skoda Octavia stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda 6. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Octavia uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Mazda 6 responds with a 2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT making 125kW and 226Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual / 5-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Mazda 6 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Octavia measures 4,698mm long on a 2,686mm wheelbase, 37mm shorter than the Mazda 6 at 4,735mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Skoda Octavia and 519L in the Mazda 6, giving the Skoda Octavia a 81L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda 6 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Skoda Octavia and $2,394/year for the Mazda 6. That is a $655 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Octavia) vs 3 years (Mazda 6). The Skoda Octavia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda 6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Skoda Octavia: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 52
The Skoda Octavia comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 52), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Skoda Octavia ahead by 42), safety (Skoda Octavia ahead by 29), fuel economy (Skoda Octavia ahead by 21). The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $655 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Octavia has a clear edge. The Skoda Octavia adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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, Skoda Octavia and Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 is the cheapest at $29,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Octavia by $10,250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Octavia uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Skoda Octavia and Mazda 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 Skoda Octavia has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda 6 makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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