Used Volkswagen Golf, Seat Leon or Skoda Octavia? Which of the German triples to choose?

Both Golf VII and Leon III and Octavia III were built on the same platform. They use the same engines and equipment. So are there any differences that can decide on choosing one of them?

The implementation of the MQB platform by the Volkswagen Group was a hit. Firstly, this platform allowed the creation of a range of models. It was built as a compact trio, and Skoda Superb, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq.

MQB is also a much better platform than the previous PQ35. Cars built using this technology received significantly improved engines.in which defects known from predecessors no longer existed. 

Compacts from the Czech Republic, Spain and Germany may also grow. Let's take the Volkswagen Golf as a basis. Its wheelbase is 2637 1450 mm, height - 4255 1799 mm, length - 1,7 7 mm, and width - 2,7 1 mm. The Seat Leon has similar dimensions - it's a cm wider, a mm lower, a cm longer and has a wheelbase just a negligible mm longer. Yet the Leon's cabin is designed a little sportier, making the car feel a little more cramped inside.

On the other hand, however, we have the Octavia, which is beyond the scope of a classroom. First of all, this is a liftback, so we are dealing with a completely different body type. The wheelbase is 4,9cm longer here, the Octavia is also 1,5cm wider than the VW Golf, 41,5cm longer and 9mm taller.

Octavia surpasses the brothers in the amount of space inside. Here we have enough space in both the first and second row. In addition, the trunk of the Skoda Octavia Liftback holds a solid 590 liters. What is 380 liters in Golf and Leon with this value?

However, in station wagons, the differences are blurred. Trunk capacity is 605 liters for the Golf Variant, 587 liters for the Leon and 610 for the Octavia. If you're looking for a station wagon, the choice between the Golf and Octavia can be cosmetic, but remember that the Octavia still offers a much larger cabin.

The equipment of all cars is quite similar, but it is impossible not to notice the internal devices of the concern. This Golf gets a new generation infotainment system, while the Seat model gets an older one with a smaller screen. However, after the facelift, which coincided for all models in 2017, the differences have become smaller.

Which car looks better?

Most will probably answer that the Seat Leon, but I'll leave it to individual evaluation. But driving the Seat is by far the most fun. All cars handle the same way - they provide good traction and are very stable, but the Leon's sportier suspension settings pay off on twisty roads. Octavia is the most comfortable of the trio. Golf is somewhere in the middle - it's just universal.

The quality of the finishes of all models is similar, but it is impossible not to notice that the best materials are found in the Golf. The differences between a Skoda and a seat are subtle, but that's about it. hard plastic seat and upholstery that doesn't feel so hard.

Same engines?

Although in the technical data most of the engines overlap and in each model we get the same 1.0 TSI, 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI, yes the differences appear in the strongest versions.

The Octavia RS uses the Golf GTI engine, so both cars are available in 220-230 hp versions. and 230-245 hp, depending on the year of manufacture. The Leon has no counterpart, but there is a more powerful Cupra that uses the Golf R engine. However, the Cupra is only available with 4×4 drive in the station wagon version, the Golf R has this drive in all versions, and the Octavia RS will see 4×4 only on diesel .

"allroad" models look the same on all models. The list of engines for Golf Alltrack, Leon X-Perience and Octavia Scout is completely identical.

What consumes more fuel?

Differences between body versions affect fuel consumption. It will be easiest for us to compare station wagon versions - for example, with 1.5 TSI engines with 150 hp. and DSG gearboxes.

According to the technical data, the Golf Variant consumes an average of 4,9 l/100 km, the Leon ST 5,2 l/100 km and the Octavia 5 l/100 km. Your theory and your practice. According to fuel consumption reports, AutoCentrum Golf users actually need 6,6 l/100 km, Leon ST 7,5 l/100 km, and Octavia 6,3 l/100 km. The differences may also be due to the fact that Leon is more prone to dynamic driving.

Full fuel consumption reports:

• Volkswagen Golf VII
• Seat Leon III
• Skoda Octavia III

General glitches are almost the same

As for what breaks, then the list of mechanical faults is very similar on all models. In general, all engines are good and fairly trouble-free, if not worn out.

Diesel engines have problems typical for diesel engines - dual-mass wheels wear out, turbochargers require regeneration over time, and water pump failure occurs in almost all engines. There is no need to be afraid of TSI engines, although to be sure, it is better to reduce the oil change interval to 15–30 km instead of the recommended thousand km, which gives only apparent savings.

Typical of the Volkswagen Group DSG machines suffer from these kinds of problems all the time. They are great as long as they work. Most gasoline engines are equipped with dry clutch gearboxes, which are more sensitive. The recommended oil change interval in the box is 60 thousand. km and you have to stick to it in order to delay the appearance of problems with mechatronics or clutch as much as possible.

Noise dampers are also typical of the MQB platform. However, each of the models has its own “moods”.

On the Golf, these are, for example, leakage of rear door seals, malfunctions of the rear view camera, dampness in the front of the cabin due to a poorly laid air conditioner condensate line. After the facelift, the headlights also began to steam.

In Leon, taillights and a third brake light crackle, the tailgate creaks (just lubricate the hinges and fasteners) and the electric folding mirrors stick.

On the other hand, the Skoda Octavia has problems with the infotainment system (although this applies to all models), power windows and power steering systems are also damaged.

Golf, Octavia or Leon - a draw?

It can be concluded that all these cars are basically identical and the choice could be made even by drawing lots. However, that would be a little ignorant. So what are the key differences?

First of all, if we want a comfortable hatchback, the Octavia is out. If we want the most spacious station wagon, then Leon is out of the question, although his trunk is also not small. Leon drives the best. Octavia is the most practical and comfortable.

Golf is always somewhere in the back, it just keeps level and stays neutral. This is the standard. Perhaps this is what guarantees its success and why Volkswagen allows the seat and Skoda to spread their wings a little more.